Breaking News!

Hi,

I just got an official letter from Marlin Lodge, where they state precisely, what happened when cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago on 22 February 2007.

Here follow the letter

MARLIN LODGE AFTER CYCLONE FAVIO

As you will be aware, Cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago on 22 February 2007 and has cased significant damage to the area.

We are relieved to report that our island community and staff sustained only minor injuries in the event, though tragically many have lost their homes and possessions. Marlin Lodge is donating funds to help rebuild the community and provide basic necessities, and we have been overwhelmed by the staff’s resilience and help during this time.

At Marlin Lodge itself, we are still in the process of assessing the destruction but can report that the lodge has suffered extensive damage. Consequently, the decision has been taken to close the lodge for a minimum period of 10 months.

Current Reservations
Unfortunately, both provisional and confirmed reservations currently being held are now cancelled with immediate effect. Reservations that have been paid for, either by deposit or full payment, will be refunded as soon as Marlin Lodge has received settlement from their Insurance Company.

We would like to thank everyone that has contributed to Marlin Lodge’s great success so far, and although this is a very difficult time, we are excited about the future and look forward to your continued support.

Yours faithfully,

Marlin Lodge Management.


As u can see the cyclone caused an inconvenience for a lot of people, but are willing to compromise.

The Island Safari Team.

Some new images and other updates.

Hi Guys,

I have just uploaded some new images and links to our destinations.To view them, just click on the flicker image at the bottom, to see them.

Will post other updates on destinations as soon as I get them.

Another thing, could somebody please post comments here, on the hurrican Favio in Mozambique, if any of you were there.It would be great if we could get some feedback.

Until then, happy travels.

The Island Safari Team.

Island Safari Updates

Hi,

I hope all blog visitors are doing well and are having a nice time traveling.

I received some more updates on the lodges we do business with.

So read and be informed.

Update 1:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Currency

Info: On 1 January 2007 the old Mozambican currency, MTS, ceased to be legal tender.Only MTn (new notes) are accepted. MTn is a transitional name for the new currency, which will be called MTS from 1 July 2007. Check carefully when changing money and receiving change to avoid fraud and old currency.


Update 2:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

Info: Honeymoon extras applicable to Superior rooms only

Standard rooms booked with Honeymoon extras will be invoiced at Superior room rates

- Welcome drinks on arrival
- Mineral water in the rooms available on arrival and replaced when used
- In-room tea and coffee items replaced when used
- Sea View
- VIP basket with dried fruit and nuts
- Bottle of wine
- Branded gowns in rooms for use during stay
- Bath salts in bathrooms
- Bottle of Champagne on ice with engraved champagne flutes (honeymooners retain these
as gifts)
- Private dinner in front of chalet on request
- Free snorkelling trip for one day
- One Free sunset drive to Sand Spit
- Option to have a continental breakfast served in bed on one day

Update 3:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Baines Camp

Info: As expected the rain arrived for Christmas but did not last too long. It seems that the airstrip is the place to be to for general game viewing as guests have been lucky to see many animals upon arrival. Some guests enjoyed a leisurely viewing of some wild dogs that had a kill - they were so full after chewing at their kill that they lay about for ages.The leopard, named Anita, has been around camp from the 15^th to the 18^th and provided us with a lot of entertainment. There is continued maintenance in camp since which includes fixing the deck and general cleaning up.

Update 4:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Chief's Camp

Info: They received quite a bit of rain from Christmas through to New Year but the first few weeks of January have been dry with hot days. Leopard and rhino have been sighted and wild dog sightings have been frequent. Cheetah sightings have been excellent. Large herds of buffalo and elephants have been seen this month with great general game in Boro area.

Update 5:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Chobe Chilwero

Info: They saw some rain in mid-January with strong wind and afternoon thunderstorms while temperatures fluctuated. A number of sable antelope, kudu and buffalo have been sighted along the river and the Nantanga pans. Due to the rains most animals have moved inland with a number of hippo and crocodile sightings on boat activities. Lions have often been spotted in different parts of the park with a number of wild dog, leopard, hyena and other general game also being seen.

Update 6:

Destination: Botswana

Property: Stanley's

Info: A lot of cleaning and tidying up has been in progress - the back of house particularly having a lot of high grass slashing, pathway clearance and reconstruction of clothing lines, staff gathering areas etc. Similarly, pathways to guest rooms and guest welcome areas have also been renovated and tidied while maintenance of all facilities both front and back of house is ongoing.

Ok folks, that is it for now.

Remember to email us at: info@island-safari.com

Happy Travels.

The Island Safari Team

Hurrican Favio update.

Hi all,

Just thaught I should maybe give an update on Hurricane Flavio.

Below is and image of the hurricane in it's current state:

Here is also a link to a report on the hurricane, for anybody who is interested in finding out more about the hurricane:

http://www.weathersa.co.za/Pressroom/2007/
2007Feb20TropicalCyclone.jsp

The Island Safari Team.

Quick News Flash!

Tropical Cyclone Favio is predicted to hit the coast of Central Mozambique on 22 February. Wind gusts could exceed 130 Knots (150mph/240Kph). Low lying coastal areas may be affected by surging waves. There is a risk of structural damage to buildings

We advise tourists on the Bazaruto Archipelago to leave immediately. We advise against all but essential travel to low lying coastal areas between Inhambane and Quelimane, Tourists remaining in these areas should to seek shelter on higher ground and heed local advice.

The Island Safari Team
Thank You

Wanna see who works for Island Safari?

You can click on the following link to see the faces of Island Safari:

http://www.island-safari.com/info/Team.asp

Thank You

Island Safari Updates

Hi,

Well time sure does fly, as we are already at the end of February.I hope those of you have been traveling, has been doing so without any problems.

I recently got some notifications and updates concerning the properties and destinations that we sell on our websites, and I thought I should post them here.

If you guys have some questions about our properties or destinations that we sell don't hesitate to email us at: info@island-safari.com

Here follow the updates:Update 1:

Destination: Zambia

Property: Tongabezi

Update: Refurbishment is ongoing.All the paths were recently done around Tongabezi and the cottages are in the process of being upgraded.

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia/South Luangwa

Property: Bushcamp Company Mfuwe

Update: Here's an update on the flooding in the Luangwa Valley Mfuwe Lodge and the Bushcamp Company have been affected by the recent floods in the Luangwa and, indeed, Mfuwe Lodge was evacuated 2 weeks ago as the water levels rose. However, the levels have now dropped and they will be returning to the lodge shortly to start the clean up process.

They will, of course, be up and running as soon as possible. Mfuwe Lodge will hopefully be open in time for Easter, with Kapamba Bushcamp opening at the end of April.It is difficult at this time, however, to fully assess the damages in the other camps as the water is still too high for them to go in and inspect properly - but they hope to know more in the next few weeks and will keep you posted.

Update 3:

Destination: Zambia

Update: River Rafting – due to high water levels, no rafting from 16 February, until further notice.

Update 4:

Destination: Seychelles

Property: Banyan Tree

For: South African Trade Partners
Valid: 02 Feb – 31 Mar, applicable for all villa categories

Update: Intimate Moment
Sanctuary for the Senses: Share a few moment with you partner, indulging in a Banyan Tree flower Jacuzzi & Swimming pool with our own Spa oils, scented candles and aroma therapy burners. Your villa Jacuzzi, Swimming Pool and bedroom will be decorated with traditional Thai elements, creating a very claming
and relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to spend some private moment together.

It is the perfect experience to light up your senses:
A delicate balance of oils, candles, incense, frangipanis, red wine or champagne and relaxing music will be set up in the villa. This special ambiance and warmth will relax you in no time and provide an unforgettable romantic experience.

Update 5:

Destination: Seychelles

Company: Helicopter Seychelles

Update:Please see below the self-explanatory email from Helicopter Seychelles.With immediate effect, the luggage limitation
for helicopter transfers has changed to 10 kg per person when 4 passengers are travelling. In that case, we suggest a twin otter transfer (small plane).

For two passengers traveling, the limitation is 20-30 kg per person.


Update 6:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Benguerra Lodge

Update: Floods

The rains causing flooding in central Mozambique (more than 700kms north of them) has not affected them.The Zambezi basin floods every year and unfortunately for the people living in that area this year is worse that most.
At Benguerra they’ve had a surprisingly dry and temperate February.

Update 7:

Destination: Mauritius

Property: The Residence

Update: Please inform your reservation department: of a Stop Free Sale.In All Room Categories: From February 22nd to March 2nd 2007 inclusivePlease note that they still accept bookings ON A REQUEST BASIS ONLY.


Update 8 :

Destination: South Africa

Property: Sabi Sabi

Update: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve’s airstrip has been awarded a Category 4 (C4) Licence, by the Civil Aviation Authority after complying with all C4,
requirements.

The new licence clears the way for large aircraft to land on the private airstrip, allowing guests to charter flights directly into the reserve from anywhere in the world (first clearing customs at one of South Africa’s international airports).

The three daily flights between Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and Sabi Sabi, operated by Federal Air, will continue as scheduled.
All Civil Aviation requirements, including implementing comprehensive emergency evacuation and fire fighting procedures, are in place; with highly trained staff on site for all take offs and landings.


This is all the updates for now.
Please check back daily for more updates.

The Island Safari Team

Ibo Island Lodge Client Comments

Hi all,

I thought, I should post some client comments, on the new Ibo Island lodge, that opened in the Quirimbas Archipelago in December.

Here are a few:

"Congratulations for creating
the best palce in Northern Mozambique -
take it from an expert!The
houses are beautiful, the
team is great, the food
delicious, the relaxation 100%
Fantastic!"

"A very magical place and
special place. Beautiful
surroundings, attentive
service, good food.Everything
I for and more.I am sure this
place will be a great success and I
am honored to be among the first to
sample the delights that are
Ibo Island Lodge."

"Considering you have only
been open 2 weeks this is a
superb lodge. Well trained
staff, excellent guides &
activities, lovely room.
These poeple really know
what they are doing!"

'Couldn't fault it - absolutely
excellent in all aspects.
Probably among the best places
I've been to 27 countries!'