Island Safari Updates - 16 April 2007

Hi friendly travelers,

Welcome to another timely update, from the the Island Safari team.We have some interesting updates included in the post, ranging from new Helicopter Seychelles shuttle flights to the latest Sun International updates.

Without further re due, here follow the updates:

Update 1:

Destination: Namibia

Info:

1. NAMIBIA Wildlife Resorts has embarked on a number projects as part of its turn-around strategy.A new lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge, is being built in Namib Naukluft Park in Sossusvlei.The site of the lodge overlooks the Sesriem Canyon.It will have 25 stand-alone accommodation unites built on wooden decks and connected by elevated wooden walkways to the main unit, which will include a restaurant,bar area, swimming pool and reception. Accommodation will be en-suite with private decks.The lodge is expected to be complete within the next few months.Changes are also under way at several lodges in Etosha National Park.Accommodation and facilities at Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni are being upgraded.


2. The Namibia Tourism Board says it is not necessary for those travelling to the Northern Caprivi Region to alter their plans, despite the recent heavy rains in Angola that caused the Zambezi River banks to burst.“We have received no reports of road or tourism establishment closures” said Neil Carney, media manager for the Namibia Tourism Board in Johannesburg.He advised that those who want further peace of mind to call the relevant establishments before travelling.Villages outside Katima Mulilo, the regional capital of the Caprivi Strip have been submerged and parts of Kabbe, Linyanti and Kongola are flooded.

Update 2:

Destination: Victoria Falls

Update: Night rainbows

Info: NIGHT rainbows, known as lunar rainbows or moon bows, can be viewed over the Victoria Falls. These occur on the following dates between 19h00 and 00h00:

* May 1, 2, 3, 31
* June 1, 2, 29, 30
* July 1, 29, 30, 31
* August 27, 28, 29
* September 25, 26, 27
* October 25, 26, 27
* November 23, 24, 25
* December 23, 24, 25

Update 3:

Destination: Zimbabwe

Lodge: ILALA Lodge

Update: New building plans

Info: ILALA Lodge in Zimbabwe has announced that it will be building another three rooms, bringing the total to 35. The Palm Restaurant at the lodge is undergoing a refurbishment,with the seating area being furnished with wrought iron and teak tables and cane furniture.The kitchen and buffet areas will also receive an upgrade, but the restaurant will remain open during the entire process. The lodge’s in-house tour operator, Zambezi Wilderness Safaris, has refurbished all its pontoon boats, with new carpets and bar counters fitted, chairs recovered and all boats repainted.

Update 4:

Destination: Seychelles

Company: Helicopter Seychelles

Update: Shuttle transfer service

Info: We would like to inform you all of the changes with regards to our shuttle transfer service.These changes are effective until further notice and will be available on a request basis in accordance with the table below. Please note that prior to dispatching the second flight, the first must be filled.

Please be advised that if you have already pre booked a shuttle flight outside of these times with our reservation, we will honour the timing given. However, all future bookings will be in accordance with the following times:

ROUTE: FIRST FLIGHT: SIA – PRI – LAD – SIA X 1 - SECOND FLIGHT: SIA – LAD – PRI – SIA X 1

WEEK DAY:MONDAY TO FRIDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SATURDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
AFTERNOON FLIGHTS X 1 15H00 TO 16H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SUNDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

ROUTE: SIA – LSS – SIA

WEEK DAY:MONDAY TO FRIDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 1 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SATURDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
AFTERNOON FLIGHTS X 1 15H00 TO 16H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SUNDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

Please note that we have set these times in accordance with the international flight arrivals so as to consolidate the number of passengers in order to make this service sustainable.We request your supporting assisting us by briefing your TO’s of the timings accordingly.

If clients request transfers outside these times, or have excess luggage,they will be given the option of chartering the helicopter.

Update 5.1:

Destination: South Africa

Company: Sun International

Update: Maintenance

Info: Please be advised that the Zip Slide, one of the many activities available on the Sun City Resort will be closed for routine maintenance from 21/05/07 to 15/06/07 inclusive.Due to maintenance of the pool at Zimbali Lodge please be advised that our pool will not be in operation from the 9th July 07 until 29th July 07 inclusive.

All guests in house will still be able to make use of the pool at the Forest Suites and the Valley of the Pools.

Update 5.2:

Company: Welgevonden Game Reserve

Update: Entrance Fee

Info: EFFECTIVE immediately, all international and domestic visitors to the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo will be charged an entrance fee of R114.

Some new Updates

Hi everybody.

Just swinging by, to add some new updates from the Island Safari camp.

Here follow the updates:

Update 1:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Lodges of Botswana

Info: The flood waters are well and truly with us, the water already high and rising every day, with plenty more on the way according to the inflow graph from Dept of Water Affairs. Mekoro trails are in full swing, and Delta Camp clients are being transferred by mekoro once again. Few things beat the experience of arriving at your lodge after a 45-minute mekoro journey.

Update 2:

Destination: South Africa

Hotel: Twelve Apostles

Topic: Special Promotions

Info:

Stay four nights and only pay for three
Applicable from 06 January 2008 - 19 December 2008
Applicable to all room categories
The promotion is not accumulative i.e. a stay of eight nights would qualify for one free night

Stay three and only pay for two
Applicable from 01 June 2008 - 31 August 2008
Applicable to Suites only
The promotion is not accumulative i.e. a stay of six nights would qualify for one free night

These offers are not applicable, and may not be used in combination, with other promotions or specially negotiated rates.

Update 3:

Company: CC Africa

Topic: Melton Manor opening

Info: CC Africa is delighted to announce the grand opening of Melton Manor,Kwandwe Private Game Reserve's 2nd exclusive, sole-use safari villa on Friday, 20th April 2007.

Set in a beautiful location with sweeping views of the river and afromontane forests, the elegant and simple design of Melton Manor incorporates earthy, organic finishes, deep,inviting sofas, gorgeous Nguni rugs, dramatic photography, and celebrates the style of early frontier days.The four en suite bedrooms feature innovative "butler hatches" for discreet room service.Combining the very best elements of Uplands Homestead and Ecca Lodge, this is a contemporary Frontier farmhouse with added warmth and humor. The central courtyard boasts a large swimming pool, and the interactive kitchen is a cosy place where guests can mingle and chat with Melton's expert chef.

Update 4:

Company: Sabi Sabi

Topic: C4 Category License

Info: The Department of Civil Aviation recently issued the Sabi Sabi Airstrip a C4 Category licence. This has resulted in Sabi Sabi having to impose very strict fire, evacuation and other safety procedures.To fulfil the requirements of the Department of Civil Aviation, we have to bring in professional fire fighters,to be on standby for all flights of any aircraft larger than 19 seats.This unfortunately,has created extra costs, which with immediate effect, the following charges will be applicable:

Landing Fee: R 2500-00

Take-Off Fee: R 2500-00

Please be aware that if the aircraft lands and takes off again within an hour, only R 2500-00 will be charged. However, should the aircraft land and park on the airstrip for longer than one hour, R 5000-00 will be payable.

Please inform our reservations department of the charter arrival and departure details at least 2 weeks prior to the arrival date, so that you may be invoiced accordingly and we can have all procedures in place for your group’s arrival.

The above charges will not be applicable to existing bookings or quotes but any new bookings / quotes will be charged for accordingly.

The latest Island Safari updates

Hi guys and welcome to another Island Safari blog post.I hope that all travelers out there has had a nice long nice easter weekend.I mean what is better than having a nice easter with the family while on a safari somewhere in Africa or on the beach.Anyway, we have some nifty updates today on the Victoria falls and Mozambique.

Read on and be informed.

Update 1:

Location: Victoria Falls
Topic: Occupancies in Victoria Falls continue to climb.Increases of 35% for the first quarter of the year have been recorded.This follows, and exceeds, last year’s trend which saw occupancies grow by 30% in the final quarter of 2006. Feedback from an extensive Road Show,which promoted Victoria Falls in all of South Africa’s main city centres,showed a clear demand and desire for the destination - which is recognised as one of the most astonishing natural-world and adventure destinations on the planet.

Ross Kennedy, spokesperson for the GotoVictoriaFalls.com marketing campaign, acknowledges that Zimbabwe as a nation does go through troubled times on occasion – which can be unsettling for travellers and travel planners alike. The following is a statement issued to appraise and reassure all interested parties of the facts.

Victoria Falls has not experienced any trouble or unrest.It is located 1000km from Harare and 450km from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s two major cities – far away from areas
which might attract any civil unrest

It is essentially a very safe destination and has experienced no security incidents of any consequence for a number of years

Victoria Falls is a genuine Tourist Resort Destination. Its entire community relies on tourism and is very aware of the benefits of developing a vibrant tourism industry

The Victoria Falls Tourism Police operate seven days a week, from 0800 –1800 hours in all areas appealing to tourists. Operating in pairs and dressed in clearly identifiable uniforms, they are trained to assist, advice, guide and where necessary prevent any street salesmen or money changers from irritating tourists

Many large and reputable companies have long term investments in Victoria Falls, with substantial investments and developments planned for the area in 2007/8

Concludes Kennedy; “Visitors to Victoria Falls are having a wonderful experience. All of this adds to the fact that it remains a safe, exciting, vibrant and outstanding destination. We are committed to providing honest and fair appraisals and travel updates on a regular basis. We will let you know bad news, too, if there is any. We certainly don’t want to send any visitors into dangerous situations, just as we don’t want any of our employees and families in danger.”

Update 2:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Dugong Lodge

Info: Due to cyclone damage, and the need to do some rebuilding, the Lodge will only re-open in October.

Update 3:

Topic: Airlines

Info: BA COMAIR is adding a second weekly flight to Mauritius (MRU), starting on June 27.The additional flight will operate on Wednesdays, departing JNB at 09h00 and arriving in MRU at 15h10.The return flight departs MRU at 16h00 and arrives in JNB at 18h30.

Update 4:

Destination: South Africa

Topic: Rovos Rail

Info: ROVOS Rail will launch its new Cape to Cairo route in January next year.This 27-day tour comprises flights and train trips and includes a number of excursions and overnight stays at different venues. It departs from Cape Town and includes visits to destinations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan before ending off in Egypt. The first tour takes place from January 11 to February 6.

Update 5:

Destination: South Africa

Company: Cape Grace Hotel

Topic: Booking Terms & Conditions.

Info: In line with our desire to continuously improve on our service levels, we have needed to streamline our reservations procedures and have therefore had to amend our Booking Terms & Conditions.The areas affected are listed below:

HIGH & LOW SEASONS
1.Full pre-payment must be received 30 days prior to guest arrival.A copy of the bank draft or deposit slip, together with guest details and dates,should be faxed or e-mailed to Carmen Cupido on 021 425 0174 or carmen@capegrace.com
2. A cancellation fee equal to the full length of stay will be applied if accommodation is cancelled less than 72 hours prior to the booked arrival date.
3. In the event of a "No Show", the hotel will invoice the booking agent with a
cancellation fee equal to the full length of stay.

PEAK SEASON (20th December to 5th January)
1. All reservations over this period will require a 10% deposit within 14 days of the booking date.
2. Full pre-payment must be received by 1 October in order to guarantee bookings over this period.
3. A cancellation fee equal to the full length of stay will be applied to accommodation that is cancelled less than 30 days prior to the booked arrival date.

The above changes are effective 1 May 2007. Should you have any queries or wish to discuss this telephonically, please feel free to contact me.

Update 6:

Destination: South Africa

Topic: Railway route

Info: THE City of Cape Town has launched a new railway route for tourists that stretches from Cape Town CBD to Simon’s Town.The Southern Line Tourism Route includes stops at six stations, all with a number of tourist attractions within a 2km radius. These stations are Cape Town, Observatory, Newlands, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town stations.

Tourist rail passes, known as “hop on, hop off” tickets, can be purchased for R25 and will allow for unlimited train trips along the route during the day of validity.

Spokesperson for the City of Cape Town, Pauline van der Spuy, said that extra measures were in place to ensure the safety of tourists. She said: “Metrorail has put extra security personnel at all six stations and on the trains as well.” Van der Spuy added that tourists who still did not feel safe could travel in a group organised by Victory Ticket.

New Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys,

I hope you guys are having fun traveling.I want to let you guys know, that I am grateful that you take the time out to read our bog, as we try to keep you updated with all the latest Island Safari news and updates.

We have quite a bit of news today, so relax and take your time while reading.

On with the updates then:

Update 1:

Company: Air Botswana

Topic: New Flight Regulations

Info: A directive has been received from the SA Civil Aviation Authority with regard to the abovementioned items.We have been advised that we are required to comply with effect from the 02 April 07, and only International flights will be effected. The directive for implementation is as follows:


1. All LAGS (liquids/ aerosols/ gasses) should be carried in containers with a capacity not
greater than 100ml each.
2. LAGS in quantity less than 100ml, carried in part filled containers larger than 100ml, are
not to be accepted.
3. Containers with LAGS should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic and of a
maximum capacity not exceeding 1 litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the
transparent bag, which should be completely closed.
4. Each passenger may be permitted to carry only one bag.
5. All conventional security controls and checks, including random hand searches on
passengers are applicable.
6. Empty containers with a capacity greater than 100ml are permitted.
7. Exceptions are allowed for medication, baby milk/food and special dietary or other medical
requirements provided there are accompanying medical documentations and mothers will
be able to taste baby foods.

Please ensure your passengers are aware of the new procedures. I need to emphasize, that ACSA Security has asked for an extension on the implementation date, however they have not had any response from CAA as yet.

Update 2:

Destination: Botswana

Compmany: Ker and Downey

Topic: Camp Updates

Camp 1:

Footsteps Across the Delta – Poor rains throughout the region this season has led to game beginning to concentrate around the permanent waters of the concession, as opposed to a 'normal' year when this happens around August. This includes large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant (followed by the usual assortment of predators!) and surely means a bumper game viewing season for all at the Four Rivers!

Camp 2:

Shinde – Shinde opened up to a new season with a stunning new look, a complete rebuild of six tents, an entirely revamped and extended main area and three shiny Land cruisers professionally converted for game viewing. All of the new tents are now on raised wooden decks with great views of the flood plains and waterways. The old curio shop has been removed and replaced by the new expansive camp fire area, which includes a semi enclosed informal lounge area and viewing decks all joined to the existing tree house by winding walkways.

Camp 3:

Kanana Camp – The refurbishment of Kanana was completed during the closed season, with a new roof over the main area as well as enlarged and redesigned bathrooms throughout. In celebration of this new beginning, the floodwaters arrived early and with significant amounts of water still flowing into Botswana, the levels are still rising. This however has done nothing to put the game off and within the first two days of opening camp, leopard, cheetah and sitatunga have been spotted.

Camp 4:

Kanana Mokoro Trail – The latest addition to the K&D portfolio is up and running! KMT offers a unique opportunity to experience some the Delta's most specialised species, namely the sitatunga and Pel's fishing owl. Sightings of sitatunga have been excellent during the last two months as tents, pots and pans, beds, crockery, cutlery, linen, tents showers and not least the kitchen sink have been carefully transported by mekoro to their new home deep in the swamps of the Kanana concession. A truly pioneering safari experience awaits!

Update 3:

Destination: Chobe National Park

Lodge: Chobe Safari Lodge

Topic: Refurbishment

Info: No there is no refurbishment work being carried out at the lodge at present. We do have plans to conduct a complete rebuilding of our food and beverage areas and once this has been approved by our local authorities (the matter is pending with them right now), we will inform all of our clients and guests of the impending works and the exact dates that this is going to be carried out. We intended to start 2 months ago, but as I said the matter is pending approval, and hence I cannot say with certainty the dates this will be carried out. Once approved I anticipate it will be a matter of 4 weeks before the works go ahead. I hope you understand why it is that I cannot be more exact in terms of the dates right now.

We have done an extensive maintenance program on all our safari rooms and so we have had a
lot of workers around the place, but refurbishment - none yet.

Update 3:

Destination: Mozambique

Compnay: LAM

Info: LAM Mozambique Airlines is increasing services between South Africa and Mozambique with four new flights, including new services from Lanseria. It will launch direct flights from OR Tambo International to Pemba and Inhambane on March 25, as well as launching direct flights from Lanseria to Vilanculos and Maputo on May 20. The direct service between OR Tambo International and Pemba will operate on Fridays, returning on Sundays. The direct service between OR Tambo and Inhambane will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,
returning the same days. From Lanseria, the direct flight to Vilanculos will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays and return the same days and the additional flight to Maputo will operate on Sundays.

Update 4:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Resort and Hotel updates

Company: Rani Resorts

Property 1: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa

Info: Just as Rome was not built in a day, it will sadly take a little time to rebuild our newly renovated and fabulous Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa post Cyclone Favio. But 30 of the beach chalets and all guest areas will be gorgeous again by July and all activities will be fully operational from July. The Sanctuary Spa will open in October and in the meanwhile, from August we will be offering a range of spa treatments in one of our spacious Bay View Suites. Our staff is looking forward to once again pampering our guests. Rani Resorts continues to support and supply the local Bazaruto and Vilanculos communities affected by the
cyclone.

Property 2: Medjumbe Private Island

Info: Medjumbe Private Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique reopens in April after an upgrade and each of the 13 beach chalets now has a private plunge pool just metres from the Indian Ocean. The runway has been widened and upgraded and not a single nesting turtle or its offspring was inconvenienced by us in improving our romantic Medjumbe Private Island for our guests!

Property 3: Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa

Info: The beautiful new Courtyard rooms and gym at The Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa have been creating a stir and the Sanctuary Spa opens in April to deliver an all-encompassing wellness experience to our guests. Island and safari combinations of SA and Mozambique (Bazaruto or the Quirimbas) are now a simple reality thanks to Airlink’s twice weekly direct flights into Pemba from Johannesburg. Travel to the Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa and into the Quirimbas Archipelago is now seamless. Airlink flies to Pemba from 24 March, with return flights scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays. East African safari itineraries with the Quirimbas as a beach add-on are also becoming popular. Why not interest your guests in this exciting new option?

Property 4: Matemo Island

Info: Matemo Island remains a favourite with guests internationally and becomes home to a famous Swahili icon, Kingsley Holgate’s ‘Spirit of Adventure’ dhow while he circumnavigates Africa by land.Kingsley, who is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and one of Africa’s greatest present day explorers, has, unlike many earlier types with scant regard for African culture, immersed himself in the etiquette and customs of this continent. Once again he sets off on a philanthropic adventure through 33 countries with his anti-malaria ‘one net one life’ and ‘the right to sight’ campaigns. Guests at Matemo Island will have the rare opportunity of experiencing sunset cruises and trips to Ibo Island aboard this museum.

Property 5: Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Info: We invite you and your guests to become members of an exclusive safari club; Lugenda Wilderness Camp, Niassa Mozambique. This truly unique 42 000 square kilometre reserve is one of the most remarkable, remote and untouched safari destinations in Africa. Lugenda Wilderness Camp reopens with 8 beautiful tents in June, after the traditional rainy season. Please offer your guests an authentic wilderness experience comprising our pristine island and safari itinerary of Lugenda and our Quirimbas National Park islands, Matemo and Medjumbe.

Update 5:

Destination: Victoria Falls

Property: The Stanley and Livingstone

Info: The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls, with its unrivalled taste, sumptuous food and friendly staff has received international recognition with the accolade of Best Safari Lodge, presented this week during the National Tourism Awards. Please contact us to arrange familiarisation trade safaris or to tailor-make packages for your guests at exceptional rates.

Update 6:

Destination: South Africa

Company: Sun City

Topic: Maintenance

Info: We refer to our e-mail dated the 15th November 2006, notifying you of the annual maintenance closure dates of the Valley of Waves, Dungeon, Amphitheatre and Observatory Deck at Sun City. Please note that the closure dates were from 21 May - 30 June 2007 and have been amended to 22 May - 22 June 2007 both dates inclusive.

During this period no function bookings will be accepted. Residents at The Palace will be asked to use the shuttle to gain access into the Entertainment Centre.

The Palace Pool will also undergo maintenance from 24 June to 19 July 2007 both days inclusive. The pool will re-open on the 20th July 2007.