Samara Whispers and Christmas Wishies - A recipe to tantalize the tastebuds...

Hey Guys,

As we are in the Christmas spirit already, I thought, that this time around I should maybe post a recipe for those who specifically has a sweet tooth at this time of the year.I hope maybe some of our readers will try this out and maybe vote in the poll that I will put up in the navigation.So enjoy and happy holidays!!

Click on the image to enlarge:




The Island Safari Team

Island Safari December 2007 Update

Hey Guys,


First off I want to wish all of our readers a happy festive season and prosperous new year, and may 2008 be just as good as 2007 has been.This update include news from Zambia,Namibia,South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Sun International.As always, if you have some more questions or inquiries about Island Safari, you can email me at: david@island-safari.com


On with the updates then.


Update 1:

Country: Zambia

Update About: Norman Carr Park Entry Fees

Update Info:

We have recently been told that Park Entry fees and bush camp lease fees in the South Luangwa are to be increased for 2008. We have calculated the financial impact that this will have on our company and decided that we can not afford to absorb the burden of these extra costs.

We are therefore increasing the rates at our 4 bush camps by US$20 per day, the rates at Kapani Lodge will remain unaltered. We will be implementing this increase for all bookings on which deposits have not already been paid to us.

We do apologise for the inconvenience that this is bound to cause and trust that you can work with us to make this process as smooth and painless as possible.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update About: African Bushcamps Info

Update Info:

NEW! Linyanti Walking Safaris: This is a mobile tented camping safari experience focused on walking within the private concession in the Chobe Enclave part of the Linyanti. This is an adventure that will awaken you to the heart beat of Africa and its true wilderness.

Distance walked each day will vary depending on the capabilities of the group and what their interests are with many stops for water, picnic breakfasts, lunches and many interesting sightings along the way. Each day the camp may move, dependent on where the wildlife action is. This is an adventure safari for those that seek to explore the wild and remote wilderness area on foot. Close-up safe encounters on foot with elephant, buffalo and lion are not uncommon in the hands of the best professional guides whose first passion is to interpret and bring to life every aspect of the bush.

Accommodation is in stand-in spacious tents with comfortable beds and en-suite private bathroom facilities. The Linyanti area is best known for its large populations of Elephant and buffalo that congregate in vast numbers especially during the dry season. Lion, sable, roan, leopard, wild dog, and a number of the plains game can be enjoyed in the Linyanti. The rare and elusive sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, hippo and crocodile can be found in the surrounding marshes.

Guaranteed departures based on two people on our set departure dates. Maximum people per safari is six. All other walking safaris other than the set dates will be based on departures according to request including private departures, minimum four people and minimum three nights. Minimum number of people on the set departure dates is 2 people.

Update 3:

Country: Mozambique

Update About: Mozambique's main border post

Update Info:

MOZAMBIQUE’S main border post with South Africa at Ressano Garcia is open 24 hours a day until January 15. This is to speed up the movement of tourists during the busy festive season. The southern regional director of Mozambican customs, Goncalves Mandava, has also called for an increase in the number of customs and immigration staff at the border post.

Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Botlierskop reserve being closed.

Update Info:

The Reserve has closed after floods caused severe damage to the property.While repair workha begun, the reserve expects to reopen only in April 2008. Activities such as game drives, horse-back safaris and bush walks will recommence in January 2008. Botelierskop's reservatio office remains open, but all existing bookings are being cancelled with guests being referred to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge near Oudtshoorn. Restaurant bookings are referred to Café Gannet Restaurant in Mossel Bay. According the Marcia Holm, office manager at Mossel Bay Tourism, the areas most affected are the low-lying areas at Great Brak River where several homes and a caravan park were damaged as well as Little Brak River where floods caused extensive damage to the beach and adjacent facilities. Holm said repairs to the beach and facilities at Little Brak River should be completed by the end of the week.

Update 5:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Sun International hotel price increases

Update Info:

Please note that the following meal prices at the Sun City Hotel have increased as follows
with immediate effect:

Buffet Lunch at the Sun Terrace Restaurant has increased from R145 to R150 per person
Buffet Dinner at the Calabash Restaurant has increased from R145 to R150 per person

Update 6:

Country: Namibia

Update About: Islands in Africa Reservations Department

Update Info:

Islands in Africa

For those who have dealt with Karis in Islands in Africa's reservations department, who has formed an integral part with Islands in Africa's team for so long, has left.We wish her every success and good health!Meanwhile, should you have any reservations inquiries please direct them to either Nosihle,Vicky, Susan or Phil – res@islandsinafrica.com, safari@islandsinafrica.com

Island Safari November Update

Hey Guys,

I have to quickly make an apology for this update being so late, seems that we are already in December.Well with out further ridue here follows the updates:

Update 1:

Country: Zambia

Update On: General Info on Zambia

Update Info:

A bridge is due to be constructed next year that will ease the flow of tourists between Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.The bridge will be constructed in Kazungula, crossing the Zambezi, and will replace the ferry that currently transports vehicles and passengers from Botswana into Zambia and back. “This is an important development for Zambia and her neighbouring countries as the route is not only used by tourists but for intertrading and the transport of cargo particularly from SA,” said Solistor Cheelo, manager Southern Africa and Australia for the Zambia National Tourist Board. He said that although there hadn't been a problem with congestion at this crossing yet, passengers often had to wait for the ferry, causing delays in their travel time.

THE Zambian government is improving access to the Kafue National Park from Livingstone via the southern Dundumwezi gate. The government has been in a tender process and is in its final stages of awarding a tender to a developer for improving the condition of the roads.The Dundumwezi gate lies approximately 120 km from Livingstone and, with the improved roads, tourists will be able to access the national park in less than a two hours' drive.

Currently, during the rainy season, the southern gate is often inaccessible from Livingstone, forcing visitors to travel via Lusaka, a much farther route. Solistor Cheelo, manager Southern Africa and Australia for the Zambia National Tourist Board, said the improved roads would ensure year-round accessibility. “With the extended runway at Livingstone, bigger aircraft means more tourists. They need to know that Kafue is an excellent attraction and there's more to Zambia than just the Falls,” he added. The park is home to over 400 species of birds and wildlife. Construction is due to begin in 2008.

Update 2:

Country: Zambia

Update About: Wildlife Camp

Update Info:

The visa waiver letters continue to hound us and please bear with us while we try to impress on immigration that the current system is not working efficiently.

Visa waivers – Lusaka airport – as we have still been having problems with the visa waivers going “missing” and have now engaged the services of a company in Lusaka who will ensure the visa waiver is delivered and that they will meet the guests and help them with the visa formalities and take them to the departure lounge. The cost for this is $15 per person and pleas let me know if you would like to offer this service to your guests.

Update 3:

Country: Botswana

Update About: Footsteps

Update Info:

Deception Valley Lodge in Botswana is currently building a new two-bedroom suite. The Kalahari suite can accommodate up to four guests. The guests will have access to a private vehicle with guide and tracker as well as a private chef. The suite will operate independently from the rest of the lodge and is expected to be complete by the end of April 2008.

Update 4:

Country: Botswana

Update About: Orient Express Safaris

Update Info:

In an effort to accommodate the growing trend of family and multi generational travel, Orient-Express Safaris will - from January 2008 - accept children of 8 years and older at all three Northern Botswana camps: Eagle Island Camp, Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant Camp.Additionally, children of 8 years and older will be welcome to participate in all activities as all our guides will be fully versed in entertaining children as well as adults!

Update 5:

Country: Botswana

Update About: CC Africa

Update Info:

CC AFRICA will launch two semi-permanent luxury tented camps in Botswana next year, Chobe Under Canvas and Savute Under Canvas. Both camps will comprise six Hemingway-style mobile tents, each with a double bed, en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet and bucket shower. The camps will have no electricity or running water.Each camp will have two vehicles equipped with fridges, safes and plug points to charge electronic equipment. Activities on offer will include twice-daily game drives. Chobe Under Canvas has access to two CC Africa-operated boats on the Chobe River, so guests can substitute a game drive for a game-viewing cruise. Other activities include limited walking safaris. The camps will open March 2008. CC Africa is also planning to open another two camps in the southern part of the Okavango Delta in Botswana next year. The camps will both initially sleep six and at a later stage 12.

Update 6:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Garonga Safari Camp

Update Info:

GARONGA Safari Camp situated in the Makalali Conservancy in Limpopo, is opening the exclusive use camp, Little Garonga, on December 10.

Little Garonga will comprise the current Hambleden suite, which is being converted into a two-bed roomed suite with an adjoining room. In addition to this suite, there will also be two new suites, Buckingham and Chiltern, linked to Hambleden by wooden pathways.

The three suites are suited to a family or group of friends of up to six adults and two children. Guests at Little Garonga will have their own guide, vehicle, chef and host. Children from the age of six will be allowed at the camp.

Update 7:

Country: South Africa

Update About: National Parks

Update Info:

Presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Festus Mogae of Botswana and Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia have officially opened the Mata Mata Tourist Access Facility (Port of entry) betwee South Africa and Namibia on 12 October 2007, within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (TFP).

This access facility will enable tourists to travel between the three countries via shorter routes and with easier access. It will also see the region benefiting from the 2010 Fifa World Cup by showcasing its unique eco-tourism products and thus foster regional socio-economic development. Kgalagadi TFP, Southern Africa's first transfrontier park, incorporates the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa. It is a popular tourist destination because of its 4 x 4 wilderness trails.

Later in the month, the ministers of environment and tourism and home affairs will open the Sendelingsdrift Tourist Access Facility and launch the pontoon that tourists will use to cross the Orange River, which forms the international border between South Africa and Namibia within the Ai/Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The opening of Mata Mata and Sendelingsdrift Tourist Access Facilities are keys to the strategy for desert tourism which explores the natural linkage between Kgalagadi and Ai/Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier parks, South Africa's Augrabies Falls National Park and the soon to be declared Sperregebiet National Park in Namibia.

New recipe form our friends at Riverbend Lodge

Hi Guys,

I thought that I should maybe post something on here for those who lover their food as much as travel.It is a recipe used to prepare a butternut risotto.

Recipes

Butternut Risotto (serves 6) http://www.riverbendlodge.co.za/

Ingredients

2 litres vegetable stock
1 cinnamon stick
4 allspice berries

Risotto:

45ml olive oil
250g Arborio rice
125 ml dry white wine
90g mozzarella
45g butter
2ml grated nutmeg
1 onion, peeled, finely chopped
360g butternut, peeled, cleaned, diced
5 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
60g grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Put the vegetable stock in a saucepan together with the allspice berries and cinnamon stick, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion until soft, add the rice and the butternut and stir until the rice is thoroughly coated with the oil. Pour in the white wine and continue stirring until absorbed and then ladle the hot broth (stock) at approximately 1 cup at a time and stir continuously. When the rice has nearly absorbed all the liquid, stir in another cupful of hot broth. Continue adding liquid in this manner until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite. This will take 20 minutes. Do not let the rice dry out; risotto should be served very moist. Finish by stirring in the sage, mozzarella, half the Parmesan and the butter. Cover the risotto and let it settle for a minute. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Give the risotto one last vigorous stir and serve at once with the rest of the Parmesan.

Butternut Risotto with grilled scallops and prawns:
Grill the prawns and scallops on high heat.
Coat with a dressing made of soy sauce and olive oil.
Melt the butter with chopped chives and drizzle onto risotto.

Drunken strawberries with crème fraiche http://www.phantomforest.com/food.aspx

250g fresh strawberries
½ cup of red wine
½ cup of port
¼ cup of vodka
¼ cup of Pimms
1 cup castor sugar
1 vanilla pod split in half

Mix all liquid, vanilla pod and sugar in a saucepan. Heat to almost boiling
Remove from heat, add strawberries and allow to cool. The longer the strawberries are in the mixture, the drunker they get!

Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche.

Shopping List

Red wine
Port
Vodka
Pimms
Strawberries
Vanilla pods
Castor sugar

New Island Safari Update for November 2007

Hi fellow travellers,

Today I have another batch of updates to post on the blog.Recently we got a piece of news from one of our suppliers about a certain celebrity who stayed in one of their lodges.She is none other than Charlize Theron who spent 2 nights at Muchenje Lodges.Thanks for the heads up guys.Without further re due, here follows the updates:

Update 1:

Update On: Airlines

Update About: Botswana Airlines

Update Info: As Airlines are experiencing high volumes of valuable items going missing out of passengers checked in luggage, we are appealing to yourselves in assisting us to advise your clients of the following.

Air Botswana requests that the following items should not be included in their checked baggage, fragile items, money, jewellery, precious metals, negotiable documents, cameras, pocket computers, mobile phones and chronic medication. The airline assumes no special liability on such items.Please note this is Industry practise and passengers will be advised to claim through their personal Insurance.

Update 2:

Country: Zimbabwe

Update About: Rani Resorts

Update Info: Rani Resorts will open a satellite camp to The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.The Old Ursula Camp will comprise four en-suite cottages, large lawns and pool that overlooks a waterhole.The camp was one of the original hunting lodges of the Matetsi region.The camp will open in January next year once an extensive renovation has been completed. It will, however, maintain its traditional ambience.Together the Stanley and Livingstone and Old Ursula Camp will accommodate up to 40 guests.


Update 3:

Country: Zimbabwe

Update About: Shearwater

Update Info: Please be advised that as of the 1st of December 2007, the child policy on the helicopter rates will change in Zimbabwe. The helicopter company will now charge FULL price for all passengers on the helicopter.Please make the necessary adjustments in your rates schedules.


Update 3:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Three Cities

Update Info: Shishangeni Private Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park has introduced a children's safari programme to entertain young guests while educating them about the bush. The 'Cubs Club' comprises a two-day programme co-ordinated by a trained and reliable youth ranger. Some of the activities included in the programme are making chocolate animals, a kiddie’s afternoon game drive, a safari walk to spot butterflies and insects, and outdoor games. Each member of the club will receive a survival pack containing a pair of binoculars, a water bottle, workbook, crayons and a cap.

Update 4:

Country:Mauritius

Update About: Beachcomber

Update Info: The five-star Shandrani Hotel has become the first five-star fully inclusive hotel, not only within the Beachcomber group, but in Mauritius. The fully inclusive package, Serenity Plus, is described by Beachcomber as a “no-holds-barred, fully inclusive package that not only includes food and beverages, but also top-brand-name drinks and even French champagne”. Beachcomber says: “The bar is always open for drinks, snacks, beach and poolsid service. Even the mini-bar is included.” Each adult gets a free massage, and certificated divers may explore to their hearts’ content at no extra charge.

Also launched today was Beachcomber’s optional, fully inclusive Serenity package to Le Victoria.

Update 5:

Country:Mozambique

Update About: Quilalea

Update Info: Closed during November for renovations. The roofs of all the villas and the main building are being re-thatched. Private decks with sun loungers and umbrellas are being added to all the villas.The resort’s bar and lounge will also be refurbished. The main pool will be doubled in size and a surrounding deck will be added to it. New sun loungers and umbrellas will also be added to this area.

Update 6:

Country:Seychelles

Update About: Fregate

Update Info: Herewith we would like to inform you about the newly introduced Passenger Service Fee of 2 EUR for flights from Mahé and Praslin to any other Island (only this direction) operated by the Twin Otter Plane.The fee will be collected by Frégate Island Private when the guests check out.Please note that this fee is also applicable for existing reservations.

The fee is not applicable for the Helicopter transfer.

Last Island Safari update for October

Hi Guys,

This is our last update for October and I have got quite a bundle of news and updates to relay to you guys.For comments or questions email me as always at: davis@island-safari.com

Update 1:

Update About: Airlines

Update Info: Zambian Airways will now be allowed to include the National Airports Corporation departure tax into the ticket price.This is the $8 for domestic flights and $25 for international flights that passengers currently have to pay direct to the airport authorities at each airport (Lusaka, Mfuwe, Livingstone, Ndola.)

The inclusive taxes will apply to all tickets sold from 01 November 2007. Tickets sold prior to 01 November for travel from November onwards are not affected and passengers will have to pay their tax direct to the departure tax desk at airports. The departure tax is waived for domestic-to-domestic passengers, such as those travelling Mfuwe-Livingstone (via Lusaka), but we can only waive the tax if the passengers are booked on a through-fare (such as MFULVI).Please ensure to book your passengers on through-fares whenever possible, to avoid un-necessary duplicate payment of the taxes.Please check additional ZamAirway notes on rate site

PROFLIGHT Commuter Services is introducing daily scheduled flights on its Lusaka-Mfuwe-Livingstone routes from next year.The Lusaka-Mfuwe route will be offered twice daily.Proflight will use two Jetstream 41 aircraft, which carry up to 29 passengers and a Jetstream 32, which can carry up to 18.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update about: Orient-Express Safaris

Update Info: We thought we would hand out an early Christmas gift – internet usage in all Orient-Express Safaris camps is now available on a complimentary basis at our purpose built – but discreet - internet lounges.

Also, as from January 2008 all premium brands of spirits and wines will be included in our nightly rates, and only imported champagnes will be charged at an additional cost to guests.

Update 3:

Country: Mozambique

Update about: Vilanculos Beach Lodge

Update Info: At present, we foresee being closed until 31 May 2008. However, we shall keep you posted as to the progress of Phase 2 of our project. As details regarding the time frame involved, opening date, rates etc become available we will post them on our website www.vilanculos.co.za


Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Update about: SAN Parks

Update Info: SANParks was planning to develop a national park in the Garden Route. The park will comprise the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness national parks, Knysna National Lake Area, Southern Cape Indigenous Forests and the associated fynbos Mountain Catchment Areas. The plan is to have SANParks take over all management responsibilities of all the indigenous forests. Once this is in place, the proclamation of all the protected areas as part of the Garden Route National Park will commence.Van Schalkwyk said: “Currently SANParks has a number of initiatives in place in the region and a variety of tourism products in the pipeline.” He said the programmes SANParks were involved in include eradicating alien vegetation and improving tourist facilities.

Update 5:

Country: South Africa

Update about: Three Cities

Update Info: THE R20m refurbishment of the Mandela Rhodes Place Apartment Hotel in Cape Town is almost complete and the hotel should open its doors mid-November. The hotel, which was recently acquired by Three Cities, will feature a new lobby and lobby bar; a rooftop gym, swimming pool and restaurant and new conference rooms.A spa will also be opened next year. It will be run by Camelot and feature six treatment rooms, a hydrobath, floatation pool, tylarium (herbal sauna), relaxation area and juice bar.

Update 6:

Country: Botswana

Update about: Elephant Valley Lodge

Update Info: Reminder - a ONE-NIGHT stay at EVL amounts to US$210 per person sharing per night (and not the US$165 we get
as part of the packages).




Update 7:

Country: Zambia

Update about: Sanctuary Lodges


Update Info:

1.Chichele Presidential Lodge Opening Offer: Spend three nights at Chichele
Presidential Lodge and a partner stays FREE of charge.

Conditions and Validity: Validity 15 December 2007 – 30 April 2008

To qualify for this fantastic offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 January 2008 Partner stays in the same room as the full paying guest

2. All Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Zambia - Pay for 6 nights, stay for 7 nights

Conditions and Validity: Must be a minimum of two camps in the Zambian portfolio used Validity: 1 May 2008 – 15 November 2008

To qualify for this high season offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 May 2008

Terms and Conditions: The above offers are governed by Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Terms and Conditions

- Normal inclusions and exclusions are in place as per the Sanctuary Lodges
Camps,Terms & Conditions
- All offers exclude the Easter weekend 21 – 24 March 2008
- Sanctuary Lodges & Camps reserves the right to withdraw any of these offers
- Applicable rates as per the negotiated STO rates
- Not applicable to existing reservations
- Valid for reservations made after the 22 October 2007

Tel: +27 11 438 4650 Fax: +27 11 787 7658
southernafrica@sanctuarylodges.com www.sanctuarylodges.com

1St Island Safari updates for October

Hi Folks,

Following is the first Island Safari updates for October.While I am sitting here typing this, I am enjoying the warm sun that we are starting to get here down in cape town.This is usually a sign that summer is fast approaching us and yes I am ready for it.Anyway here follows the updates.
As for any questions, pleas don't refrain to email me at: david@island-safari.com
I would gladly answer all your questions.

Update 1:

Country: South Africa

Update About: South Africa Tourism Sector

Update Info: SA's tourism needs a reality check: THE tourism boom reported by SA tourism authorities could better be described as a tourism time bomb.

Colin Bell, CEO of the Great Plains Safari Company, this week disputed the claim of a tourism boom that would deliver the government's upliftment and transformation goals ahead of 2010. SA's tourism authorities and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Deat), in particular, said Bell, needed a reality check.

Bell described the annual tourist arrival growth to South Africa as “pathetic” when excluding neighbouring states.He said the country's overall lack of meaningful rural community involvement in the tourism and wildlife industry was “disastrous” and unless this was addressed through real delivery and meaningful policy changes, the country could face civil unrest and crime at unprecedented levels in these rural areas as impoverished communities struggled to survive.

“There are not enough tourists, particularly not in our rural areas, as not enough tourism products have been allowed to be developed in partnership with communities in rural areas. Annual tourism growth rates are poor and our statistics are meaningless, except to those in government positions who have vested interests. Effective marketing, and in particular sales processes, must be put in place to address the serious shortage of non-neighbour tourists,” said Bell.

Bell said SA Tourism's statistics of 8,5m tourists in 2006 really consisted of less than 2m non-neighbour tourists, while the remaining 6,5m were visitors/tourists from neighbouring countries, counted numerous times as they crossed borders.

Total tourism growth rates when one excludes Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe from our numbers were 2, 4% in 2002/3; 1, 77% in 2003/4; 1, 68% in 2004/5 and 5, 46% in 2005/6, compared to 11, 4% in sub-Saharan Africa and up to 20% for some of our competitors. “That is no tourism boom!” charged Colin.

Deat and the provinces in particular, he added, lacked “genuine willingness” to meaningfully involve rural communities in tourism, besides the rhetoric to the contrary. He also accused Deat and the “impervious layer of bureaucracy” in the provinces of delaying progress, citing the alleged example of the failed attempt to create a Pondo National Park while Deat officials had letters stating the park extension could go ahead.

“Companies have spent millions in winning tenders in the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park and down the Wild Coast. Tenders that were awarded in 2003 but until today there is not a brick in the ground!” said Bell. Only 0, 64% of turnover earned by the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is to be ploughed back into the local community, which he said was resulting in communities becoming disillusioned.

Update 2:

Country: Southern Africa

Update On: Southern Africa Tourism Sector

Update Info: SOUTHERN Africa receives only 1, 8% of global tourism arrivals and 1% of world tourism receipts, according to Remmy Makumbe, acting chief director of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat.

He told a hospitality investment conference hosted by the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) in Cape Town that currently tourists to the region didn't spend enough because of insufficient tourism experiences and value offerings.

He said prerequisites for tourism investment in SADC included a universal visa ('uni-visa') for the SADC region which should be in place in time for the World Cup in 2010.

2010 was also a key milestone for liberalising air transport in SADC, with an implementation plan for opening Southern African skies expected to be announced after the WTTC summit in September 2008.

Another challenge to be overcome was electricity supply in the region, which was expected to outstrip demand by 2010.

He said SADC aimed to use the World Cup as a springboard for tourism growth in the region and to position brand Southern Africa. All SADC countries needed to contribute to and benefit from the hosting of the event.

Update 3:

Country: Mozambique

Update On: Mozambique Tourism Sector

Update Info: AT least R3, 1bn (US$450m) is to be invested to unlock Mozambique's tourism potential.The Mozambican government and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have launched a Mozambique Anchor Investment Programme to mobilise investment of R1bn (US$150m) each at three key sites over the next few years and to develop related SMME and community opportunities.

IFC tourism operations officer, Irene Visser, says investment will be in:

* High-end boutique eco-tourism game lodges with strong community involvement at Maputo Special Reserve and in Zambézia province (northern Mozambique). Investment will be sought from well-known regional and international companies.
* Mixed-use developments (hotels, residential and golf) catering for a range of market segments in southern Mozambique.
* Exclusive beach resorts for the well-heeled international market in northern Mozambique.

Phase one during the past six months, involved site selection, designing a detailed implementation programme and an investor survey.

Phase two over the next two years, will involve the development of master plans, environmental and social development plans and marketing the investment opportunities.

Phase three, in year three, will involve developing SMME supply chains in partnership with the investors, developing community opportunities and building local capacity.

Visser says the aim is to provide quality anchor investment projects that will:

* Become the catalyst for other infrastructure investments in Mozambique.
* Create employment and economic benefits in rural areas through SMME
spin-offs
* Provide a sustainable business model that can be replicated
* Improve the investment climate and give Mozambique a stronger tourism
investment image.

She says Mozambique has all the ingredients to be one of Africa's top tourism destinations, with 2 700 km of tropical coastline, 15% of the country declared Protected Areas and an intriguing culture. However, despite high interest from tourists and investors, to date there has been little quality investment in the country because prospective investors perceive investment procedures and access to land as too difficult.As a result, tourism to date has not delivered on its expectations in terms of job creation, community
opportunities and economic impact.

Update 4:

Country: Zambia

Update On: Wildlife Camp

Update On: We have also noticed a large amount of waivers going “missing” so please do warn the guests that there is a possibility of this. It is an issue we are trying to address and do our utmost to ensure they are delivered but we cannot be held liable if they go missing after we have sent them in. If anyone does have to pay also please make sure they get an official receipt as the more money that goes directly into pockets the large this problem gets!

Unfortunately a scam has been noticed by a few travellers where on arrival a guest may ask for a specific number of days and fewer days are being put into the passport and then on their departure from Zambia they are being fined for “overstaying” Please can everyone check the dates given BEFORE leaving the immigration desk.

Update 5:

Country: Botswana

Update On: Nitani Christmas 2007

Update Info: We have decided that for guests who join us for Christmas at Nitani, this year, we are going to offer the following:

1. Pay for 4 nights and get the 5th night free.
2. Complimentary "His & Hers" back massage
3. Complimentary Bottle of Sparkling wine.

Validity dates: Friday 21st December to Thursday 27th December.

We will also be offering Hot Air Balloon flights on 23rd & 26th December @ SA Rands 2650 per person per flight.Please note that these flights must be booked in advance.

Update 6:

Country: South Africa

Update On: Le Quartier Français accommodation

Update Info: THE Le Quartier Français has added a new accommodation option called The Cottage.

The Cottage is across the road from the hotel and can accommodate a whole family. It comprises two en-suite bedrooms, of which one is twin-bedded and the other features a king-size bed, two lounges with fireplaces and a fully equipped open-plan kitchen and dining area. All rooms open on to a private garden and swimming pool.

It also has a laundry room with washing machine and tumble dryer, TVs with DSTV and Wi-Fi Internet. Guests receive complimentary wine on arrival and a newspaper, milk; fresh fruit juice and pastries are delivered to The Cottage every morning.

2nd Island Safari Update for September

Hey Guys,

Welcome to Island Safari's 2nd update for September.As I am typing this, I must first comment on the beautiful weather we have here in Cape Town today.Nice and warm.This is probably the first of many nice days to come this summer.Anyway, enough of me rambling on about our beautiful weather and on with the updates.That is of course, why you guys read my blog.

Here follows the updates:

Country: Zambia

Update 1:

Property: Islands of Siankaba

Info on the update: The Islands of Siankaba will close from 14th January – 14th February 2008 for maintenance and raising of the suspension bridge. The new chef, recently arrived from the Isle of Arran, brings with him some exciting new culinary flavours.With so much on offer at Islands of Siankaba and the surrounding areas, we strongly recommend guests have a minimum three night stay.

Update 2:

Property: Tongabezi

Info on the update:We have now resumed the Livingstone Island Walks starting from the Eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls right along the edge of the Falls to Livingstone Island and back again. There will also be an opportunity to swim in one of the rock pools along the way. Meeting point is the weir within the Falls park area and drinks will be on offer upon arrival at Livingstone Island.Maximum number per visit slot is 10 pax. Reservations are to be made through Tongabezi. Relative fitness is required - Recommended footwear are rafters or trainers.No flip flops or hard soled shoes.

Country: Mozambique

Update:

Info on the update: Travellers visiting Mozambique from countries that are known to be at risk for yellow fever are now required to present vaccination certificates. This follows an announcement by the Mozambican Interior and Health Ministry this week. Travellers failing to present valid certification at the point of entry will be vaccinated at the cost of 1 350 meticais (ZAR 377). According to the ministry, health staff have been stationed at the country’s main airports, and rail and road border crossings. Countries where yellow fever has been reported are mainly in Africa and Latin America.These include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya and Brazil.

Country: Mauritius

Update 1:

Property: Banyan Tree

Info on the update: BANYAN Tree has signed a contract to manage a new resort in Mauritius, making it the group’s first in that country.The resort will be located in the Le Morne area and will comprise a 60-villa resort and 110 units of Banyan Tree branded residences. It will also have a golf course designed by Gary Player for use by residents and guests at the resort.The first phase will kick off next month and the entire project is expected to be complete by 2010.

Country: Namibia

Update 1:

Locations: Caprivi and Kavango regions

Info on the update: Tourists travelling to the Caprivi and Kavango regions in Namibia are advised to exercise extreme caution in areas inhabited by elephants subsequent to an increase in deaths as a result of elephant attacks.Authorities advise people not to walk around at night and to avoid disturbing the animals in any way.

Country: South Africa

Update 1:

Location: Table Mountain, Cape Town

Info on the update: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company is extending its hours earlier than usual this year. As of yesterday, September 16, the cableway is open from 08h00 and until the end of October the last car will return at 19h00.In November the last car will return at 20h00, from December 1-15 at 21h30 and from December 16-January 15 at 22h00. The Cableway will increase its fees from October 1. A return adult ticket will cost R130, R68 for children, students R88, senior citizens R68 and a family R330.

New Island Safari Update for Setptember

Hi Guys,

Welcome to our latest blog entry on all things Island Safari as well as winter, for some of you folks in America and England.I hope it won't get to cold this winter, but that is what we are here for, taking you to all the nice and warm places in Africa and other pristine beaches.

Just a quick note, our accountant is going to be a dad, so kudos to him, and we wish him all the best with this new addition to the family.May God bless him.

On with the updates then!

Update 1:

Country: Zambia

Property: Stanley Safari Lodge

Info: Maintenance on the The Stanley Safari Lodge is - 31 Jan to 13 Feb inclusive







Company: Zambian Airways

Info: We have again received an update on the runway lights at Livingstone airport.The construction is delayed further and we have been given a date of 11Sep for the commissioning of the lights.Therefore, we are forced to change our timings again on flights Q3502/503 for the month of September.

Q3502/503 will operate on Mon,Wed,Fri,Sun at the following timings for Sep07:

LUNLVI 1515-1615
LVILUN 1635-1735

We will be contacting you for individual booking changes.

Update 3:

Country: Namibia

Property: Leading Lodges

Info:EAGLE Tented Lodge and Spa in the Epacha Private Game Reserve in Namibia has added eight luxury tents, bringing the total number of rooms to 16.The new tents have twin beds, mosquito netting, an outside bath, a shower,large viewing deck and a splash pool. Other facilities offered by the lodge include two restaurants, two bars,a swimming pool and a fully equipped spa. The lodge offers a range of activities, including game drives in the Etosha National Park.

August Updates from the Island Safari Team

Hi Guys,

Just some quick updates for August.I implore the blog readers out there, to please email me at: david@island-safari.com, if there are any questions.Here follows the updates:

Update 1:

Country: Seychelles

Update: New Properties

Info: IFA Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Indian Ocean Resorts, plans to develop a luxury hotel, residence and village marina resort on the Seychelles island of Sainte Anne.

The R3,2bn mixed-use development, Zilwa, will feature a five-star hotel, serviced residences and luxury facilities and amenities. Zilwa will be located in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. It will include a marina that has a number of pools, a spa and beach club.

The Round Island Resort is being built in the Sainte Anne National Park. Expected to open in th third quarter of 2008, the resort will have 10 individual de luxe private chalets with private pools, outdoor decking and gazebo with beach access. The resort will also have a spa on the premises.

The second property, the Waterfront, should open in 2010 on the Roche Caiman Waterfront on Mahé. It will comprise 40 de luxe rooms, suites and serviced apartments, a private marina, a lifestyle spa, conference facilities, boutiques, art galleries and other retail outlets.Both properties will be part of the new Seychelles brand, ‘Enchanted’.

Did You Know?

Country: Seychelles

Resort: Lemuria

Info: Did you know that two species of endangered sea turtles nest on the beaches of Lemuria Resort? These are the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).Hawksbill Turtles are classified as a "critically endangered" species by the IUCN. Although the species is very rare in most places, Seychelles hosts one of the largest remaining nesting populations in the world today. The Seychelles hawksbills are unusual because they nest during the day. Elsewhere they nest at night, as do most other species of turtles including the 'endangered' Green Turtle.

Where: The most likely beaches to see turtles nesting are on Grande Anse Kerlan and at Anse Georgette

When: The peak nesting season is from October through January. These are the most likely months to see female turtles up on the beach. Sea turtle eggs take about two months to hatch. Peak hatching season is from December through March.

What: Adult Hawksbills weigh about 60 - 70 kgs and lay about 150 - 250 eggs in each nest. Green Turtles can weigh 200 kilos, but they lay fewer eggs. Newly hatched baby turtles only weigh about 40 grams.

It is our pleasure to announce that with effective from 6th September 2007 Nigel Hoareau will be the Turtle Manager for Constance Lemuria Resort. Nigel has been working with the Marine Parks Authority and thus his knowledge of environment and marine life will be of great benefitto Lemuria Resort and most importantly to our Guests. His duties will include – turtle monitoring during the nesting season, tracking number of turtlescoming to the beach, ensuring that guests receive relevant communication during the turtle season, training Lemuria Beach staff, liaising with the environment representatives with regards to the beaches, turtles etc.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update: Lodges of Botswana

Info: I'm writing this from Delta Camp again, and it's that time of year – the camp full of elephant, shaking the palm trees night and day, and wandering around lik sheep. The guests are agog. Yesterday during lunch elephant, giraffe and four magnificent kudu bulls all visible from the table, and a family of otters porpoising down the channel. Leopard with up to three cubs on the island, unusual number, and Fowler x 5 saw two lions feeding on a young giraffe they killed last night, on their morning walk. Hippo grunting, wattled cranes croaking, fish eagles fish eagling, the rattle of pots and pans........business as usual.

The weather has turned perfect, cool nights, a little chilly in the morning but soo warming to blissful days.Clear skies still, very few fires this year (so far), and non of that noisome August wind we sometimes suffer, and long may that last. A fantastic display of shooting stars the night before last as we pass through, according to one of our guests, the tail of a passing comet.

Lena taking a well-earned break, relieved by Shex, who was Binky's assistant manager in the dark ages, and yours truly, so brace yourselves for complaints. I'll try not to call anyone a bitch, my instincts notwithstanding.

Some Delta Air news - we will, within a week or so, have added a G8 Airvan to our fleet. The Airvan is the 'coming' bush plane, an Australian concoction that hasproved itself in this environment. It is a rather slow single but has the advantage of having 7 passenger seats, which will make scheduling easier and take the pressure off our existing fleet during this busy time. It has large windows and excellent visibility, so those passengers not concentrating on their air-sickness bags will have an excellent view of the (slowly) passing scenery.

Update 3:

Country: Zambia

Islands of Siankaba

Info: Firstly may I take this opportunity to let everyone know that we will be closing the lodge from the 14th January to the 14th February 2008 so that we can raise the height of our bridges to avoid the closure we had in March this year due to high river levels. Obviously we are attempting to avoid a repeat of the closure and hope you will all understand that this is for the long term betterment of the lodge. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.

Update 4:

Country: Mozambique

Company: Pelican Air Services

Info: PELICAN Air Services will begin offering flights from OR Tambo International (ORTIA) and Kruger Mpumalanga International (KMIA) to Inhambane in Mozambique return, from September 4. Direct flights from ORTIA to Inhambane will depart Wednesdays and Sundays at 10h25, arriving at Inhambane at 12h45. The return flight will depart Inhambane at 14h45 and arrive at ORTIA at 17h20 the same day. On Tuesdays and Fridays the service will collect passengers at KMIA before continuing on to Inhambane. Flights will depart ORTIA at 10h25, stop at KMIA at 12h00 and arrive at Inhambane at 13h15. The return flight will depart Inhambane at 14h00, stop at KMIA at 15h15 and arrive at ORTIA at 17h10 the same day.A combination of the Beechcraft 1900 and ATR42 will be operated on the route.

Update 5:

Country: Namibia

Area Info: Twyfelfontein

Info: TWYFELFONTEIN in the north-west of Namibia is the first site in that country to be added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The site’s rock art was investigated by archaeological experts and found to be of ‘outstanding universal value’. It is one of the largest concentrations of rock carvings in Africa, comprising carvings of rhinos, elephants, ostriches and giraffes.

The property also has six painted rock shelters with motifs of human figures in red ochre. Objects like stone artefacts and ostrich eggshell beads dating back to the Late Stone Age have also been excavated from certain parts of the property.

Update 6:

Country: South Africa

Area of Interest: Table Mountain

Info: THE Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) has issued a warning for visitors planning to hike on the mountain.

This comes after two groups of tourists were attacked in separate incidents while hiking last week. Phumeza Mqxashe, communications manger for TMNP, said this was the seventh mugging incident to take place on Table Mountain this year and that the park received around 4,1m visits in a year.

Mgxashe advised that visitors hike in big groups, carry minimal valuables and alert the TMNP visitor safety rangers of any suspicious-looking characters.

TMNP has acquired kennels for the five dogs used in patrols in the northern section of the park. Its visitor safety team comprises 52 rangers and there are also 200 safety volunteers who patrol various parts of the mountain over weekends.

Company: Samara Private Game Reserve

Info: A NEW exclusive use accommodation option is to open in the Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape on November 1.The Manor House will accommodate eight guests in four air-conditioned suites all comprising en-suite bathrooms and offering views over the Karoo landscape. The suites will include indoor and outdoor showers and free-standing baths.

The Manor House features an infinity pool, which descends into a natural water hole where game can be viewed, a Boma, veranda and dining and breakfast room. Guests will have access to their own ranger, chef and butler.Samara already offers accommodation in the Karoo Lodge, comprising three lodge suites and three Karoo suites.

Company: Peermont Global

Info: A NEW three-star hotel, The Metcourt, is being built at the Emperors Palace Hotel Casino and Convention Resort. The 248-room hotel, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2008, will be located on the north-west boundary of the Emperors Palace complex on Jones Road. It is estimated to cost around R170m to develop and will feature a large ground floor reception area, business centre, boardroom, residents’ pool areas and buffet-style restaurant. There will also be large dedicated facilities for the arrival and check-in of tour groups.

The Metcourt will be managed by Peermont and is the fourth hotel at Emperors Palace.The existing hotels include the five-star D’oreale Grande, the three-star Mondior Concorde and the three-star Metcourt Laurel.

Back again for some more Island Safari updates!

Hi Guys,

I am back today, bringing you all the latest news and updates from the Island Safari camp.Sorry for the delay, but as I stated. I was gone for a while, but now I am back again.So without further delay, here follows all the updates for July 2007.

Update 1:

Company: Zambia Airways

Info: Due to the demand on Livingstone flights, we have decided to re-open our evening Livingstone flight at an earlier time for the month of August.Please note that Q3502/503 will operate on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at timings below For August.This gives us additional MFULVI, NLALVI and LVINLA connections on select days, as below.

We have also increased capacity on Q3500/501 LUNLVILUN on Tue, Thu, Sat for August. This flight will be operated by both Embraer and 1900, to allow extra capacity.

Therefore, if you were looking for seats in August to L’stone, please re-check availability now.For individual existing bookings on August Q3502/503, our Email Centre will be advising you on the new PNR details:

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
502 LUNLVI 1515-1615
503 LVILUN 1635-1735
802 MFULVI 1350-1615 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
401 NLALVI 1400-1615 (Wed, Fri)
503 LVINLA 1635-1830 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)


Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Company: Rani Resorts

info: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa welcomed guests at the beginning of July, following closure of the hotel for renovations after Cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago in February. The Beach Chalets, guest areas and all activities are fully operational. The Bay View Villas will be complete in August and the spectacular Sanctuary Spa will be operational later in the year. It seems everyone wants a taste of the newly-opened Indigo Bay – whether to escape from the cold Southern Hemisphere winter or to escape to an exotic African island haven - August is filling up rapidly. We urge you to book soon to avoid disappointment


New Lugenda Concession

Info: Rani Resorts has been granted a second concession in the Niassa Reserve, northern Mozambique. With Lugenda Wilderness Camp as Rani Resorts' first venture into thisextraordinary wilderness wonderland, the new concession will add further value to the region and our guests' experience. Located within the Niassa Reserve.

Pemba Spa Open

Info: Earlier this month, the first of four planned Sanctuary Spas in Mozambique, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach, opened its doors to Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa guests and the frontier town of Pemba.

With a steam chamber, dry and wet treatment rooms, as well as an outside double treatment room overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, a seaside Hydro pool and Juice Bar, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach provides an oasis of relaxation, revitalisation and rejuvenation for your body, mind and soul in a truly remarkable setting.

Marlon Fishing Season

Info:Only three months to go until the Marlin fishing season in the Bazaruto
Archipelago begins. We are delighted to offer you special packages which include either 4 (or 6) nights' accommodation at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa with 3 (or 5) full day fishing excursions, where our professional skippers and crew will help you on your quest to tackle the mighty Marlin! Food (or is that bait?) for a fisherman's soul...

Update 3:

Country: South Africa

SA Horseback Safaris: Important Update

Info: Please note the following instructions from our car transfer company with regards to collection of clients from Johannesburg airport, effective from 1st September 2007.

Important Notice : Due to the on going re-construction of the O.R.Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport Waterberg Transfers would like to suggest the following meet and greet strategy for the future to ensure all guest receive the best possible service when being meet by their driver. In preparation for the FIFA 2010 world cup football tournament many of the existing terminals are currently under construction and with some entrances in the arrivals lounge only measuring 1 metre wide this is proving to be problem with clients finding the Waterberg Transfers designated driver.

We would like to suggest that from the 01st September 2007 all clients arriving on International flight only, to be instructed by reservations / agents / lodges /hotels to make their way to the Information desk in International Arrivals where their driver will be waiting with sign in hand. This will avoid the clients having to read 100's of signs before finding their name. The information desk at international arrivals in positioned in the centre of the arrivals lounge and is well sign posted. There are a lot less people around this area which should make finding clients much easier.

The information desk is also central to all currency exchange and close to bathrooms/toilets and shops.On a separate note, can I please ask that you try to persuade all clients to take the option of the car transfer as opposed to flying to Nelspruit Airport from Johannesburg. We are seeing a high incidence of lost baggage for clients taking this route and it really does take much longer than the car transfer direct from Johannesburg.

Company: Sun International

Info: Due to emergency repairs that need to be carried out on the pool at The Table Bay Hotel please note that the whole pool area will be closed with effect from 23 July to 31 August 2007. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Company: Sefofane Air Charters

Info: SEFOFANE Air Charters has introduced new flights between Lanseria and Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays departing Lanseria at 10h30 with the return flight departing Welgevonden at 15h20. Depending on the number of passengers, the aircraft used for this route will either be a Cessna Grand Caravan, Cessna 402 or Cessna 210. If passengers then need to be transported to the Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, this can be arranged. This is in addition to the existing flights between Lanseria and Pafuri.

More Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys.

Some more quick updates from the infamous Island Safari team.Just a quick note, the blog posts will continue again on the 6th of August 2007.

Update 1:

Destination: Ilala Lodge, Zimbabwe

Info: I would advise that your clients bring either US$ or rand cash, as the rate at present has dropped to around the 120,000 - 1. Please ensure they do not get any Zim cash and if they are self catering to bring most of their goods with them as product is very short at the moment.Most places still have fruit and veg, though meat is in short supply in the shops. When coming through the border, they must state that it will be for personal consumption, though let me just confirm with customs what the deal will be, as we will no longer be able to import goods with out a permit. I will get back to you on this.Please ensure that the clients do not change any of their monies into Zim $ as they will be taken for a ride. Rather just pay for activities and extra in forex (US$ & Rand)

Update 2:

Company: SA Express

Info: South African Express will introduce thrice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls from August 2. The flights will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Johannesburg at 10h00 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 11h45. The return flight will depart Victoria Falls at 12h35 and arrive in Johannesburg at 14h20.

Update 3:

Company: Shearwater

Info: Please note that due to the extreme conditions experienced in the gorge during this high water season the jet boat will not be available as a product for the next few months. We are in the process of totally refurbishing this product so as to provide a high quality reliable experience for our clients. We were hoping to get the boat back on track to be ready for the start of the low water season, but have been challenged by a few factors including the high water levels experienced in the gorge. We will keep you full informed in terms of our progress in this regard and apologise for any inconvenience to you and your clients.

Update 4:

Company: Rani

Info: RANI Resorts has a special package on offer for the Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.From R4 699 pps or R5 695 pp single (excluding taxes), the package includes return airfare departing JNB on British Airways, two nights' accommodation with breakfast and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Update 5:

Company: Sun International, Zambia

Info: I am not sure if it is common knowledge but The Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun will apply for visas on guest’s behalf. That is for nationalities where they cannot arrange a visa waiver and that require a pre-approved visa.

When the hotel gets the visa back from the embassy, they scan it and send it to you so you can give it to the guest. This can only be arranged with a min on 21 days.

This has come in very handy as I have a guest who said she was Italian but it turns out her passport is Croatian!!!

Update 6:

Company: Pelican Air, Mozambique

Info: From September 1, Pelican Air will operate twice weekly flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and Inhambane (INH) on Tuesdays and Fridays.It will also fly between JNB and INH four times a week; direct on Wednesdays and Sundays and via MQP on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Update 7:

Country: South Africa

Info: Passenger service charges at SA airports are set to increase in October by 50% (to R105, 26) for international flights; 49%, (to R79, 82) for regional flights and 47% (to R38, 59) for domestic flights. ACSA’s group executive corporate affairs, Solomon Makgale, told TNN that although this set of increases for 2007 was between 45% and 50%, the average yearly increase
for the five-year cycle would be 11%. He said the increases were necessary in view of ACSA’s infrastructure needs between 2008 and 2012.

(Note – these will be included in tickets costs, but still useful to know)

Update 8:

Country: Madagascar

Info: As of August 4, Airlink will no longer operate its service between Johannesburg and Nosy Be. This service was introduced on June 16. “Uptake has been extremely poor on the direct Saturday JNB-NOS service,” says Airlink marketing manager, Karin Murray. She says the trade prefers to book their passengers on flights to Antananarivo, which she says could be due to more favourable fares.Another reason for the route not receiving strong support, according to Murray, is that accommodation in Nosy Be, between August and November, is scarce due to the European summer peak. The airline will re-accommodate passengers already booked on the flights between August and October on its Sunday flights to Antananarivo, which provide same-day connections to and from Nosy Be. Passengers ticketed after October 27 will be re-accommodated on Air Madagascar’s Saturday services.

That is all for now folks

The Island Safari Team

More Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys.

Some more quick updates from the infamous Island Safari team.Just a quick note, the blog posts will continue again on the 6th of August 2007.


Update 1:

Destination: Ilala Lodge, Zimbabwe

Info: I would advise that your clients bring either US$ or rand cash, as the rate at present has dropped to around the 120,000 - 1. Please ensure they do not get any Zim cash and if they are self catering to bring most of their goods with them as product is very short at the moment.Most places still have fruit and veg, though meat is in short supply in the shops. When coming through the border, they must state that it will be for personal consumption, though let me just confirm with customs what the deal will be, as we will no longer be able to import goods with out a permit. I will get back to you on this.Please ensure that the clients do not change any of their monies into Zim $ as they will be taken for a ride. Rather just pay for activities and extra in forex (US$ & Rand)

Update 2:

Company: SA Express

Info: SOUTH African Express will introduce thrice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls from August 2. The flights will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Johannesburg at 10h00 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 11h45. The return flight will depart Victoria Falls at 12h35 and arrive in Johannesburg at 14h20.

Update 3:

Company: Shearwater

Info: Please note that due to the extreme conditions experienced in the gorge during this high water season the jet boat will not be available as a product for the next few months. We are in the process of totally refurbishing this product so as to provide a high quality reliable experience for our clients. We were hoping to get the boat back on track to be ready for the start of the low water season, but have been challenged by a few factors including the high water levels experienced in the gorge. We will keep you full informed in terms of our progress in this regard and apologise for any inconvenience to you and your clients.

Update 4:

Company: Rani

Info: RANI Resorts has a special package on offer for the Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.From R4 699 pps or R5 695 pp single (excluding taxes), the package includes return airfare departing JNB on British Airways, two nights' accommodation with breakfast and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Update 5:

Company: Sun International, Zambia

Info: I am not sure if it is common knowledge but The Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun will apply for visas on guest’s behalf. That is for nationalities where they cannot arrange a visa waiver and that require a pre-approved visa.

When the hotel gets the visa back from the embassy, they scan it and send it to you so you can give it to the guest. This can only be arranged with a min on 21 days.

This has come in very handy as I have a guest who said she was Italian but it turns out her passport is Croatian!!!

Update 6:

Company: Pelican Air, Mozambique

Info: FROM September 1, Pelican Air will operate twice weekly flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and Inhambane (INH) on Tuesdays and Fridays.It will also fly between JNB and INH four times a week; direct on Wednesdays and Sundays and via MQP on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Update 7:

Country: South Africa

Info: PASSENGER service charges at SA airports are set to increase in October by 50% (to R105, 26) for international flights; 49%, (to R79, 82) for regional flights and 47% (to R38, 59) for domestic flights. ACSA’s group executive corporate affairs, Solomon Makgale, told TNN that although this set of increases for 2007 was between 45% and 50%, the average yearly increase
for the five-year cycle would be 11%. He said the increases were necessary in view of ACSA’s infrastructure needs between 2008 and 2012.

(Note – these will be included in tickets costs, but still useful to know)

Update 8:

Country: Madagascar

Info:AS of August 4, Airlink will no longer operate its service between Johannesburg and Nosy Be. This service was introduced on June 16. “Uptake has been extremely poor on the direct Saturday JNB-NOS service,” says Airlink marketing manager, Karin Murray. She says the trade prefers to book their passengers on flights to Antananarivo, which she says could be due to more favourable fares.Another reason for the route not receiving strong support, according to Murray, is that accommodation in Nosy Be, between August and November, is scarce due to the European summer peak. The airline will re-accommodate passengers already booked on the flights between August and October on its Sunday flights to Antananarivo, which provide same-day connections to and from Nosy Be. Passengers ticketed after October 27 will be re-accommodated on Air Madagascar’s Saturday services.

That is all for now folks

The Island Safari Team