Latest Island Safari updates and News!

Fellow travelers, I am back again with all the latest and greatest news and updates from the Island Safari camp.As always, I am writing this as I received it from our correspondents, but for further info you can contact us at: info@island-safari.com

Please, if any of you guys have some travel photo's to share, please email them to me at: david@island-safari.com

Alright then, on with the updates:

Update 1:

Destination: Zambia

Company: Star of Africa

CAMPS:

1.)CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE / PUKU RIDGE TENTED CAMP
Both these camps will stay closed until 01 June 2007 – As you know from our last Newsflash the Electricity Authorities in Mfuwe are not able to work on our properties due to the electric cables being submerged, and until such time the water level drops and its safe for their staff to start work on the mains, regrettably we have no alternative but to stay closed.Clients will be offered alternative accommodation, and our Reservations Office will be liaising with you on this matter

2.)KULEFU TENTED CAMP
Due to the roads leading to this camp being impassable – we have decided to keep it closed until 01 June 2007, as we cannot transport provisions and equipment into the area.Clients will be offered alternative accommodation, and our Reservations Office will be liaising with you on this matter.

3.)LECHWE TENTED CAMP
This camp will reopen on the 01July 2007 – as we originally stated.

4.)SUSSI AND CHUMA LODGES
Though the Zambezi water level has been rising – its business as usual with no untoward reports.

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia

Topic: The Islands of Siankaba Lodge

Update: The Zambezi River’s water levels have dropped consistently over the last week. Management at The Islands of Siankaba Lodge therefore plan to re-open from the 31st March 2007.The water levels are still high, therefore for safety reasons some of the lodge activities will not be possible. These activities include mokoro trips, limited nature trails and sunset cruises.

Update 3:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge restoration delay.

Update: Following the assessment of the widespread damage caused by Cyclone Favio, the first phase of restoration to Pestana Bazaruto Lodge has been carried out.Due to a strain on resources in the Archipelago they regrettably wish to advise a delay with the opening date of Pestana Bazaruto Lodge. As much as they aimed to keep to the original date of 01 June, unfortunately the facilities would not be restored to offer any service to their guests. Currently the lodge reopening date has been set for 01 July 2007, weather permitting and provided the restoration goes according to plan. You will be notified about our progress at a later stage. As you may know,they were busy adding additional rooms to the Lodge and this will unfortunately now be setback until further notice.Their reservation teams are currently reviewing options for future available dates at Pestana Bazaruto Lodge and they will assist you with any of your bookings confirmed for June 2007.

They sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and trust that at the end of it all, you can look forward to Pestana Bazaruto Lodge restored with the original 26 bungalows offering better facilities for everyone. In fact, once completed, the only thing missing will be you!

Update 4:

Destination: Botswana

Company: Orient Express

Topic 1: Fishing excursions now offered at Eagle Island Camp

Update: Orient-Express Safaris is very privileged to be able to offer guests of Eagle Island Camp the opportunity of a fishing excursion along the Boro channel, one of the main tributaries that feed the Okavango Delta. The main fish specie is tilapia, commonly known as “bream” in Botswana. There are also fresh water pike and cat fish but these are uncommon. Basic rods and reels are available in camp - but for the more professional we recommend you bring your own equipment which should include mainly light tackle, with mepps spinners (No 3), and small FZ spoons (8grms), as well as spinning tackle. Please note Eagle Island Camp practices fishing strictly on a ‘catch and release basis. The three hour trips are offered from May to October and are limited to two people, at a cost of US$ 275.00 for the excursion. Further details are available on request.

Topic 2: New Trans-Frontier Park

Update: In December 2006, some very exciting developments took place in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Botswana and its neighbouring countries Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe signed a memorandum of understanding in which they all agreed to participate in a joint effort to create a Kavango-Zambezi Tran frontier Conservation Area (KAZA).The area covered within these five countries will be about 287 132 square kilometres and it will join 36 national parks, game reserves, conservancies and game management areas. To put this into perspective, this vast area will be almost the size of Italy, 14 times the size of the Kruger National Park in South Africa and to put it simply, it will be the biggest conservation area in the world.

The driving force behind the concept has been the Peace Parks Foundation and together with the World Wide Fund (WWF) and the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation, they have estimated this fantastic prospect to be in place by the year 2010.The benefits of this concept are huge; it will unite the five countries through conservation and tourism, provide vast employment opportunities and importantly, restore age old migratory routes.Numerous migratory animals will obviously benefit from this but the African elephant will benefit the most.

Botswana is at present overpopulated with these beautiful giants and their numbers are estimated to be over 120 000. These majestic animals will now have the opportunity to roam over a vast area thereby reducing their localized impact on vegetation as is the case here in Botswana. Their numbers within this proposed (KAZA) conservation area will be estimated to be over 250 000, the biggest population of elephant in the world.For Africa, this will be the most significant effort towards conservation for the past century.

So guys, this is all the updates I have for know.Please let me or the team know, of anything else.You can contact me at the above mentioned e-mail addresses.

Thank You
The Island Safari Team

Island Safari Updates

Hi fellow travelers, welcome to another update from the one and only Island Safari team.I hope the blog readers on here are founding our blog interesting, if not please email me at: david@island-safari.com with some ideas and suggestions.

About the updates, please read through it and if there are further inquiries, please send them to this email address: info@island-safari.com

On the with the updates then:

Update 1:

Destinations: Seychelles

Company: Seychelles Helicopters




Update:Following my email sent out to the industry in February 2007, I understand that there has been some confusion on what baggage limitations apply.

I quote the following Limitations from our Services Manual Page 19:

Baggage Charter Flights:

Each aircraft can normally carry the full airline 20kg baggage allowance per person, but space is the limiting factor.
Soft luggage is preferred to the rigid variety.

If a charter is for less than the full compliment of four passengers, baggage space and weight is less critical.

On Shuttle Flights:

Experience has shown that excessive baggage can sometimes pose a problem, although the magnitude of this problem depends on a number of factors, which are difficult to predetermine.

10 kgs of soft luggage is desirable and will ensure smooth operations.

Please note the following:

Charter flights are dealt with on a case by case basis, with the pilot in command ensuring that the helicopter is flown within the helicopter MAXIMUM ALL UP WEIGHT. We have operated in this manner for 14 years and NOTHING has changed in this respect. Shuttle Flights are HSL’s ’reduced rate' flights that are sold on a per seat basis and as such are subject to certain limitations. Passengers on these Shuttle Flights were only expected to carry limited luggage (weighing around 10kgs). Unfortunately, these shuttle flights have been abused by allowing up to 4 holidaymakers, each with their full airline baggage allowance (20-30kg each and sometimes with their golf clubs) as a cheaper option to them chartering a helicopter.

Abuse of the Shuttle Flights leads to overcrowding of the luggage bay, often with the extra baggage put on the floor or on passenger's knees inside the cabin.

This has become a FLIGHT SAFETY RISK and carrying more than 10 kg each on Shuttle Flights MUST CEASE IMMEDIATELY.

Note: Every helicopter booking confirmation must emphasize that there is a 10 kg restriction per passenger on all shuttle flights.

Should you have any further queries, please liase with Clara at marketing@helicopterseychelles.sc

Update 2:

Destination:Zimbabwe

Topic:CAMOUFLAGE-patterned clothing

Update:CAMOUFLAGE-patterned clothing is not permitted in Zimbabwe, says the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg.Although the ruling is not directly on camouflage clothing, says Ndaipaneyi Mukwena from the Johannesburg office of Zimbabwe Tourism, it applies to any clothing that could be construed as mimicking military-wear. Tourists are urged not to wear, or even carry, any military-inspired clothing while travelling in Zimbabwe.

Update 3:

Destination: South Africa

Company:Southern Sun

Update:Please be advised that the Southern Sun Elangeni hotel has commenced with the refurbishment of rooms, suites and corridors, plus the Convention Centre Fitness Room. It is anticipated that the project will continue until October 2008.One floor will be blocked off at a time -so guests will not be exposed to any contractors on the floors Noise factors will be kept to a minimum and construction and demolitions take place during the day - 09h00 until 16h00.

Kapamba Bushcamp review in the South Luangwa National Park

Hi fellow travelers,

I taught I should post a review on the Kapamba bush camp in the South Luangwa National Park, which I founded on a site.

Here follow the review:

Kapamba is the Bush camp Company’s fifth and newest camp. It is unique as it will be the only bush camp to stay open until the end of December. Situated in a prime location on the picturesque Kapamba River , the lodge offers the chance to enjoy this untouched corner of the National Park in luxurious surroundings. The Kapamba Bathroom The well-positioned half-moon deck is the focal point of the camp and serves as both the dining and bar area. Overlooking the Kapamba River , the deck offers an ideal viewing point for the abundant wildlife that comes to drink at the river. Each of the camp’s four chalets is individually designed to offer stunning views of the river, with the open-fronted style ensuring you can enjoy uninterrupted game viewing from the privacy of your own room.

This is only one of many reviews found on this bush camp, but it is definitely the most popular bush camp in the South Luangwa national park.

To book accommodation or a trip to the South Luangwa national park, visit:

http://www.south-luangwa.com

Happy Travels

The Island Safari Team

Rovos Rail info and facts.

Hi fellow travelers,

As you know, we also provide some nice train safaris, and therefore I want to specifically post some info up on the blog today about Rovos rail.This is probably one of the most beautiful trains to take a safari on.Here are the info.

Rovos Rail:

Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.The trains - which may be hauled by steam, diesel or electric locomotives at various stages of the journey - carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites. Pride of place in the Rovos stable goes to the historic and newly rebuilt Capital Park Station and locomotive yard, which is the heart and new headquarters of this private railway company.

The Suites


The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort. The epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features, the air-conditioned suites accommodate two people offering the option of twin or spacious double beds. In the en suite bathrooms original fittings combine with the modern technology of hot showers, hair dryers and shaver plugs. The Royal Suites, each of which take up half a carriage, are spacious and elegant. Each has its own private lounge area and full bathroom with Victorian bath and separate shower. The Deluxe suites also accommodate two passengers in either twin or double beds and have a lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. A third level of accommodation, the “Pullman” suite will be 7 square metres in size and while it will include the identical bathroom to that of the deluxe suites, the bedroom will be smaller with a one up one down bunk for twin requirements or a double bed for couples. During the day this can be converted into a comfortable couch.

Cuisine and Service


An enthusiastic team of chefs is responsible for overseeing the very important task of ensuring guests every need is catered for, while considerable thought and meticulous planning goes into making up the menus. Unlike many of the great trains of the world, travellers are on board the trains for several days at a time, requiring a much wider selection of meals. There's an accent on fresh local ingredients, and traditional dishes such as game are a specialty. Every morning there's a full breakfast with dishes cooked to order. For lunch and dinner there is a starter and a choice of fish, meat or vegetarian dishes, followed by a tempting dessert and are complemented by a selection of excellent South African wines. All meals are served in one sitting only in the charming Victorian atmosphere of the Dining Cars.

Fellow travelers, as you can see, traveling in a luxury train on an African safari, has never been better.

Until next time TOOT TOOT!!!!

The Island Safari team.

Kalahari Bushman, making a nice fire

Hi fellow travelers,

Welcome again, to another Island Safari post.Today I taught I should post a video on how the bushman make a fire by rubbing sticks together.

Here are the video:



To book a trip to the kalahari visit: http://www.kalahari-desert.com/

Okavango Delta Facts and Images

Hi fellow travelers,

Today I taught I should post some info on one of the most beautiful places in Botswana, and that would be none other than the Okavango Delta.The reason I am posting this, in fact this will be one of many to come on our various destinations that we cover, is to better inform you guys on what to expect when traveling to a destination like Botswana or say for instance Namibia.

For more info, as always you can contact us via email at: info@island-safari.com

Here are the info as promised, so read and be informed.

The Okavango Delta:

The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. It's headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango river, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango.

Millions of years ago the Okavango river use to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans).Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Okavango delta. This has created a unique system of water ways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savanna.

The delta’s floods are fed from the Angolan rains, which start in October and finish sometime in April. The floods only cross the border between Botswana and Namibia in December and will only reach the bottom end of the delta (Maun) sometime in July,

Taking almost nine months from the source to the bottom. This slow meandering pace of the flood is due to the lack of drop in elevation, which drops a little more than 60 metres over a distance of 450 kilometres. The delta’s water deadends in the Kalahari – via the Botetle river, with over 95 per cent of the water eventually evaporating.

During the peak of the flooding the delta’s area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometres in the low period. As the water travels through the delta, the wildlife starts to move back into the region. The areas
surrounding the delta are beginning to try out (the rains in Botswana occur approximately the same time as in Angola) and the wildlife starts to congregate on the edge of the newly flooded areas, May through October.

The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocodile, red lechwe, sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life.

The best time for game viewing in the delta is during the May-October period, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out.

The best time for birding and vegetation is during the rainy season (Nov.- April) as the migrant bird populations are
returning and the plants are flowering and green.

Safari activities by water are the primary speciality of the Okavango - the mokoro - a dug out canoe which is 'poled' along by your Guide is the most evocative way of exploring the numerous waterways. Motor launches travel on the main waterways and lagoons.

Traditional 4x4 Game viewing vehicles are used on the main islands, with night drives available in the private concession areas - not allowed within the National Park.

Walking Safaris are available from most Camps and Lodges - perhaps the most exciting way of viewing Game - stalking and tracking wildlife with an expert Guide.

Game Viewing flights are available by both light aircraft and helicopter, but hot air ballooning is not allowed.

Perhaps the most marvelous way of exploring the Okavango is on the back of an Elephant at Randall Moore's famous Abu Camp:

Elephant Back Safari

Rainfall is not heavy in the Okavango - it gets less than half of the rainfall than over the Kruger Park area

So guys, I hope this provide some great insight into what the Okavango Delta is all about, and what to expect.

So until then, watch this space for more updates and info.

The Island Safari team.

Mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Ever wondered, how a nice Mokoro ride would be on the Okavango Delta,Botswana.

Definition of a Mokoro(taken from Wikipedia):

"A makoro (also spelt mekoro, mokoro) is a type of canoe commonly used in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. It is propelled through the shallow waters of the delta by standing in the stern and pushing with a pole, in the same manner as punting."

"Makoros are traditionally made by digging out the trunk of a large straight tree, such as an ebony tree or Kigelia tree. Modern makoros, however, are increasingly made of fibre-glass. Makoro safaris are a popular way for tourists to visit the delta, much of which is in national parks, but the boats are still a practical means of transport for residents to move around the swamp. The boats are very vulnerable to attack by hippopotamus, which can overturn them with ease. Hippopotamus are reputed to have developed this behaviour after the use of makoros and other boats for hunting."

Here is a video taken of a Mokoro ride on the Okavango Delta,Botswana:



To experience such a ride, visit our Okavango Delta website at: http://www.okavango-delta-safaris.com

5 Honeymoon Travel Tips

Hi,

Since we have a african honeymoon site, I should post some honeymoon travel tips on here.Well here they are:


1. Set a budget, go to a travel agent and find the best and cheapest travel packages available. After all this is your honeymoon you want it to be special but you also don’t want to come back from your honeymoon, and then realize that you are broke and have to live off bread and peanut butter for three months.

2. Arrange all you honeymoon plans before hand, you don’t want to run round and make travel arrangements on the day of your wedding. Make your reservations at least 4 to 6 months ahead of time, to get the most suitable rooms and the best flight times.

3. Don’t go to a particular destination, at the wrong season. Your time their will be boring, uninteresting and u will wish that your honeymoon was over. Plan ahead and find out which season is suitable for a great honeymoon.

4. Don’t check in your wedding dress at the airport, take it with you on the plane. You don’t want to arrive at your destination and find that your dress has disappeared. This will only upset u and u will start thinking about funny little things, like this is a sign that u shouldn’t get married. Please take your dress with you on the plane we don’t want you to leave your husband to be, high and dry at the altar.(the same goes for the groom)

5. Take all your documents with you in your handbag. Don’t leave it in the hands of airport officials. When your luggage disappears, all you will get from them will be a look of confusion.


Please remember to visit our site at: http://www.african-honeymoon.com

The Island Safari Team

News Update on Island Safari Destinations and lodges.

Hallo fellow travelers,

Today I am posting some new updates on our destinations and lodges.Remember you can always email us at: info@island-safari.com, for any questions you might have.

Yesterday, was a great sunny day here in Cape Town, and I hope you guys are alsohaving an excellent time wherever you are traveling or reading this blog.
Well here follows the updates, so read and be informed:

Update 1:
Destination: Zambia

Property: Norman Carr

Info: THE Kapani camp was reopened on February 19, and on February 25 the Mchenja camp reopened its doors to guests as well. Both camps were closed due to the flooding of the Luangwa Valley in Zambia

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia

Property: Bush camp Company

Info:We are taking this opportunity to completely overhaul and upgrade our soft furnishings - linens, mattresses etc.

Mfuwe Lodge will be open for business from 15th March
Kapamba Bushcamp will be opening on 25th April
Bilimungwe and Kuyenda Bushcamps will be opening on 1st June Chindeni Bushcamp will be opening on 15th June
Chamilandu Bushcamp will be opening on 30th June.We regret to announce that our 2 new Hippo Pools Walking
Trails camps (Zungulilia and Gwala) will not be opening for the 2007 season.This has been a difficult decision to make,but we have realised that it will not be possible this season, due to the flooding.

Update 3:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Azura - new lodge Bazaruto

Info: As you are no doubt all aware, on Thursday February 22nd, tropical Cyclone Favio hit the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.Thankfully there was no loss of life but the area has been badly damaged, particularly on the mainland town of Vilanculos.Azura on Benguerra Island has managed to survive the storm reasonably well given its intensity.The cyclone hit from the south and Azura’s location on the northern leeward side of the island meant that it was sheltered from the brunt of the storm.

Azura has only sustained 20-30% damage to the existing buildings due to the good build quality and the strength of the architect’s design.The main damage was to roofs and brickwork. Our new staff accommodation has survived in tact which is of vital importance given that many of our staff’s homes in Vilanculos have been completely destroyed.We are working closely with the local community to assist them in any way that we can in order to minimise the affect of this freak natural disaster.

We anticipate that the cyclone will create a delay of 2-3 months to Azura’s opening date of 1st July 2007; mainly due to the fact that Vilanculos was hit very badly, hence supply lines will be affected. We will update you next week with a more accurate opening date as soon as the inspection team have made a site visit.

Update 4:

Destination: Mozambique

Travel News: CYCLONE Favio, which hit Mozambique last week, has caused substantial destruction to Vilanculos and surrounding areas.

The Vilanculos airport was closed because of the cyclone, but reopened on Sunday.Although the airport is open, Swazi Express Airways has cancelled all flights to Vilanculos until further notice. Debbie Kirkbride, station manager of Swazi Express says this is because of the closure of numerous lodges in the region.Pelican Air has also changed its flight schedule. It is now operating only three flights to Vilanculos a week, from Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Vilanculos on a Tuesday and Friday, and from Johannesburg to Vilanculos on a Sunday. These changes will be applicable for the whole of March, unless the airline receives special requests for additional flights.

LAM, Transairways and TravelMax flights are back on schedule and remain unchanged.Over the weekend, Rani Resorts sent a team to assess how much damage had been done to the Indigo Bay Resort.According to John McMillan,MD of Rani Resorts, the team found that the damage is quite severe. The central areas of the resort only have water damage, but the main problem lies with individual units which, according McMillan, have been between 10% and 100% damaged.

McMillan said the resort will be closed for at least the next three months after which they are confident the beach chalets will be up and running.The Bay View suites will also be reconstructed over the next three months, but will still need to receive interior repairs.“What is most important is that there was no loss of life. All the staff are safe and all our guest were evacuated before the cyclone hit,” said McMillan. He added that Rani Resorts had come to the aid of those living on the island by providing food and helping them rebuild their houses.

Dugong Beach Lodge, part of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts, is closed until further notice for repairs and upgrades as a result of the damage caused by cyclone Favio. The lodge should be re-opened in time for the busy season. Barra Resorts’ Barra Lodge and Flamingo Bay are both operating as normal.Marketing manager for Barra Resorts, Tony Birkholtz, said that Pomene Lodge had some water damage, but that staff were in the process of cleaning up and getting the accommodation and services back to normal.

Benguerra Lodge, however, has also suffered significant damage.Assessors will be evaluating the extent of the damage this week, but in the meantime the lodge will be closed for March.

Paula Chaplin, marketing manager for Benguerra Lodge, said that the biggest loss was the devastation of the last indigenous forest, where the lodge was situated. She also expressed concern about the community, saying that they had suffered the most, losing their homes and everything they owned.

Update 5:

Destinations: Namibia

Topic: Leading Lodges

Info: We are very glad to say that the construction of Divava is going smoothly and according to schedule. It will be the most luxurious river getaway retreat on the Okavango. Also the close proximity to Mahango game reserve makes it a gate way to Victoria Falls and tours to Botswana. In addition we have acquired luxury river boats in which to do some Hippo spotting and sun downer tours to the Popa falls.Game fishing will also be a possibility for the guests who are interested in a more adventurous activity.


Well this is all the updates, we have for now.Until the next update, happy travels.

The Island Safari Team.

Botswana Safaris

Hi Guys,

I just want to post a quick reminder:

The Botswana Safaris site, is also one of our sites, where future Botswana visitors can book their entire Botswana trip in one place.Also another thing, I was wondering, if the blog readers on here, can maybe post me their safari or holiday photo's.You can send them to my email address: david@island-safari.com

I want to post them on here, to maybe show the other travellers, what great experiences you guys are having.

Well then, happy travels.

The Island Safari Team.