Island Safari updates

Hi guys,

Welcome to yet another Island Safari update post.I just want to let you guys know, it is quite cold here in Cape Town this time of year, but luckily we are used to it.Another thing people with some great travel stories and photo's, can email them to me at: david@island-safari.com, and maybe we can put them up here.Anywayz here follow today's updates.As always read and be informed!

Update 1:

Country: Botswana

Topic: Orient Express

Info: Orient-Express Safaris’ Eagle Island Camp was voted “Botswana’s Leading Safari” at the prestigious 2007 World Travel Awards held in Dubai earlier this month. The Middle East & Africa voting campaign reached a total of 167,000 travel professionals worldwide, including more than 110,000 travel agents who unanimously voted Eagle Island Camp to be “The Best” safari in its location. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in global travel industry today, serving to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements found in all sectors of the global travel industry.

Eagle Island is truly unique in that it is the only camp in Botswana to offer fully inclusive helicopter excursions as part of its safari program from January 2008. The camp is situated deep within the Botswana's Okavango Delta, on the pristine island of Xaxaba. Hidden from the world and surrounded by Illala Palms, the tented camp overlooks a lagoon fed by the tranquil waterways of the Delta. Built to blend into its environment, the camp offers its guests a peaceful setting from where to enjoy an abundance of exceptional wildlife sightings and prolific birdlife.

Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Topic: Bazaruto in general

Info: IT has been four months since Cyclone Favio hit Mozambique and while many properties were closed for repairs, several are ready to open again.Indigo Bay is currently in the process of repairing its property and facilities, 30 of its Beach Chalets will be open from July 7, with the Bay View Villas set to reopen in August. The Sanctuary Spa will also open in October.

Bazaruto Lodge:is being revamped and extended with the addition of 14 bungalows, to be ready from August. The rest of the lodge will open from July, with an improved restaurant and games room.

Benguerra Lodge:is expected to be re-launched by November as a more private and exclusive property. The chalets are being rebuilt as spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool and personalised butler service. The suites are also being built closer to the beach.

Dugong Beach Lodge:is set to open in October with a number of changes having been made. It will feature an informal business centre, a bigger curio shop, a boma and open fire, a floating jetty and 12 newly constructed chalets, which will provide 14 additional bedrooms.

Update 3:

Country: Mauritius

Company: Beachcomber

Hotel:Le Mauricia – Spanking new

Info:Count 8 weeks to the opening day of the all new Le Mauricia, South Africa’s favourite Beachcomber Hotel.Look forward to bright new room interiors,restaurants with new pizzazz and public areas which invite you in with the promise of a great holiday. The Village opens its doors to families in smart two bedroom apartments and one snazzy villa with its own private pool. Mark the date in your diary – 13 August 2007!

Hotel:Le Victoria – A new Serenity

Info: Just one year after this popular hotel re-opened after a rejuvenation programme the next big surprise comes.On 01 November 2007, guests will now have the option of Serenity – an all inclusive package. A daily rate per person gives you total peace of mind as it covers most meals, drinks and other items usually considered extra.

There are different rates for adults and children and little ones under 5 years are free. It’s a bargain at the price.

Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Hotel: Twelve Apostles

Topic: Hotel refurbishment

Info: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is pleased to announce exciting refurbishments at the Hotel over the next few months, which will greatly enhance the facilities and aesthetics of the hotel and most importantly the guest experience.


The Leopard Lounge refurbishment, which will start in July 2007, will include a newly appointed wood-panelled bar, soft furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper, with a stunning effect of chic and stylish contemporary design and décor. The adjacent Cloakrooms will also be upgraded and renovated. During the closure, a temporary Bar will be set up in The Café and The Leopard Room Bar and Lounge will reopen on 31 July 2007.

Azure Restaurant will also undergo a soft refurbishment in August 2007, enhancing the stylish and comfortable interior while capitalizing on the views of the shimmering seas and stunning sunsets. During the refurbishment, Azure Restaurant will be closed for breakfast and lunch for 10 days. The dates will be confirmed shortly and communicated to you accordingly.

We have also identified rooms that will undergo a soft refurbishment in September and we will also be increasing the number of interleading rooms available to accommodate families, over the next few months.

While it is anticipated that there will be occasional and isolated noise, our staff will be on-hand to manage and ensure that there is very little inconvenience to guests or patrons of the Hotel. Guests will also be accommodated in rooms well away from any planned renovations. The working hours will be between 0900 and 1600

The award-winning Sanctuary Spa will be closed for a week, from 16 - 22 July 2007 inclusive for a soft refurbishment.We apologise for the inconvenience however the closure is required to maintain the pristine conditions and service standards that come with being one of only three Leading Spas in South Africa.Hotel guests can still have certain treatments in their rooms during the scheduled closure. A list of treatments is available on request.

So until then, happy travels!
The Island Safari Team

Some new updates from the Island Safari team

Here follow some quick updates:

Update 1:

Zimbabwe

Topic: Vic Falls Hotel

Info: THE Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe will undergo an upgrade amounting to R7m, which will begin mid-2007 and expected to be complete by the end of the year. Three new power generators will be acquired and installed, ensuring full power supply to the hotel in the event of power outages. A new water reserve will also be created,providing 1m litres of additional capacity, in the case of water shortages.The information technology infrastructure will be upgraded, including the installation of a new telephone system,the provision of high-speed Internet access and an upgraded reservations system.The corridors will be re-carpeted and the rooms will receive a soft refurbishment, including the replacement of carpets and curtains.

CC Africa

Info: Matetsi Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls has launched bush walks, lead by the reserve’s rangers and trackers.Guests will be taught how to identify tracks and insects as well as bird watch and appreciate the habitats and ecology of the reserve. CC Africa says that guest safety is of the highest priority, with rangers commencing each safari with a guest briefing on how to behave when encountering animals on foot.

Shearwater

Info: We regret to inform you that our Insurers are no longer able to source appropriate Public Liability Insurance in US$ for the Ultralight aircraft, and Shearwater will therefore be discontinuing this product with immediate effect until such time as the appropriate insurance is available. Please note that it is Shearwaters policy for all products offered to have appropriate US$ valued Public Liability Insurance.

Update 2:

Mozambique

Property: Pestana

Topic: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is reopening 01 July 2007.

Bigger? We are adding 14 beautiful new rooms to the lodge, offering more guests the opportunity to experience the magic of Bazaruto. These will be ready in time for spring 2007.

Better? We are restoring the lodge, making fabulous changes to the restaurant and bar areas, ensuring that our guests are hosted in the style which they deserve, and with the minimum of disruption to the tranquillity of the Island during the construction and beautifying process.

- Guests can now look forward to a variety of water sports.

- Please remember about the compulsory surcharge applicable when the lodge reopens.This is
for additional activities above, which means that guests will now have much more to enjoy for so little extra.

- Activities will include, daily snorkelling at Coral Gardens, daily drop and collect at Dolphin Bay, use of windsurfers, canoes and Hobie cats with a rescue boat on standby.One free 30 minute water-ski lesson per stay and a free bodysurfing trip to Three Trees Beach per stay - with a qualified instructor on hand.

Update 3:

Mauritius

Topic: VIRGIN Atlantic is to launch direct services twice a week between London Heathrow and Mauritius on October 28 this year.Flights will leave Heathrow on Fridays and Sundays and return from the island on Saturdays and Mondays using an Airbus A340-300 with 34 Upper Class Suites and 35 premium-economy and 171 economy-class seats. The Upper Class Suites will be the airline’s newly released product.The service will be the airline’s 29th.


Happy Travels
The Island Safari Team

Honeymoon couple witness Birth of Elephant!!!

It is a sight even the best wildlife photographers and documentary-makers often only dream of catching on film. But for one lucky honeymoon couple on safari in South Africa , the dream became a reality when they witnessed the birth of a baby elephant.Filmed at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa , which is owned by Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson.The Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve that borders the sprawling Kruger National Park in South Africa 's Mpumalanga province.

Here follows the photo's:

Wild Horizons - White Water Rafting Opens!

Hi,

All you river rafters out there looking for thrills and adventure, should be happy to know that Wild Horizons is now offering white water rafting.The info below state all the details.

So read up and be informed.


RAFTING OPENS

GET READY TO RUMBLE

Wild Horizons would like to inform all valued agents and clients that our commercial White Water Rafting trips will be operational on 15th of June 2007. This is after an unusually early close to the season on 14th February due to the level of the Zambezi River rising at a much faster rate than normal. Rafting traditionally closes in late March in most seasons but is dependant on the levels rather than dates.See the Rafting Trip Options below for our exciting Rafting on the Zambezi below the Victoria Falls. We offer Full & ½ Day Trips depending on the season and also fantastic multiday trip options for those wishing to savour this fantastic outdoor experience.

WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIPS:

FULL & HALF DAY RAFTING & RIVERBOARDING Runs daily

This is the most exciting 1 day Trip in the World!

Take on the mighty Zambezi with the wildest one-day trip on the planet, below one of the seven-natural-wonders, Victoria Falls. We offer full & half-day trip options depending on the level of the Zambezi. These trips are seriously fun, depart daily, include lunch, teas/coffees & transfers and all trips offer photo & DVD coverage.

High Water - FULL DAY (no ½ days)

- Dates:15th Jan - 1st August
- Rapids:No. 11- No.23
- Meeting Place:Wild Horizons Train Office
- Check In Time:8.00am
- Return Vic. Falls:Approximately 3.30 pm
- Lunch:is served at the top of the gorge at the end of the day


Low Water - FULL DAY

- Dates:1st August - 15th Jan
- Rapids:No.1 to No. 23
- Meeting place:Wild Horizons Train Office
- Check In Time:8.00am
- Return Vic. Falls:5.00pm
- Lunch:at rapid No11

Low Water - ½ DAY

- Dates:1st August - 15th Jan

Rapids:

- Morning Trip:Rapid No. 1 to No. 11

- Afternoon Trip:Rapids No.11 to No. 23

- Meeting Place:Wild Horizons Train Office
- Check In Time:Morning Half Day - 8.00am
- Afternoon Half Day:11.00am
- Return Vic. Falls:Morning - 2.00pm and Afternoon:5.00pm
- Lunch:is served at the top of the gorge.

2 NIGHTS & 2 DAYS RAFTING

Booked on Request

This is a fantastic way to experience all that the Zambezi has to offer. Run the same crashing one day trip as above then overnight in the stunning Batoka Gorge to continue the trip the next day. See some awesome scenery and huge white water on day two before a second night in
the gorge and a return road trip on the third morning.


6 NIGHTS & 6 DAYS RAFTING

Booked on Request

A really special trip is our 6 Nights 6 Days white water rafting. The trip starts below the Falls and ends about 150km below after travelling the entire Batoka Gorge and experiencing all its exciting rapids and placid pools. Guests will see amazing sights including fisherman's villages, some rare bird species and glistening white sandy beaches as well as huge white water and sizzling campfires. This is definately a trip to be remembered.


So until later...

The Island Safari Team

Some quick updates

Hi here is some quick updates from the Island Safari Camp

Update 1

Company: Virgin Airlines

Topic: Airlines to Mauritius

Info:VIRGIN Atlantic is to launch direct services twice a week between London Heathrow and Mauritius on October 28 this year. Flights will leave Heathrow on Fridays and Sundays and return from the island on Saturdays and Mondays using an Airbus A340-300 with 34 Upper Class Suites and 35 premium-economy and 171 economy-class seats. The Upper Class Suites will be the airline’s newly released product.The service will be the airline’s 29th.

Update 2:

Destination: Victoria Falls

Topic: The Victoria Falls Hotel upgrade

Info: THE Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe will undergo an upgrade amounting to R7m, which will begin mid-2007 and expected to be complete by the end of the year.Three new power generators will be acquired and installed, ensuring full power supply to the hotel in the event of power outages. A new water reserve will also be created, providing 1m litres of additional capacity, in the case of water shortages.The information technology infrastructure will be upgraded, including the installation of a new telephone system, the provision of high-speed Internet access and an upgraded reservations system. The corridors will be re-carpeted and the rooms will receive a soft refurbishment, including the replacement of carpets and curtains.


See y'all until later.
The Island Safari Team

Some quick updates for the month of May

I quickly drop by to give our ever persistent travelers, some quick updates on some of our suppliers and properties.

Update 1:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Benguerra Lodge

Info: I am pleased to say however that our rebuilding plans are taking more form and we are really excited.We have decided to go ahead with building more honeymoon suites (exact number TBA). These suites will be based on the same plan as our current honeymoon suites, possibly just with a few minor adjustments. The honeymoon rooms have always been very popular since we first introduced them about two years ago, so we are sure that they will remain in high demand. The villa will remain unchanged.

We decided not to continue with the proposed Casitas, the larger rooms of which we had the artist impressions of at Indaba.

The old chalets will also be broken down. (We might keep one or two of them, but this will be decided later.) Our opening date is still confirmed for 1 December 2007.

Update 2:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Rani Resorts

Info: Rani Resorts, Mozambique's largest investor in the tourism industry has announced that it will commence building a new private island destination on Paradise Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, southern Mozambique. The island, also known as Ilha Santa Carolina is regarded as the 'gem' of the islands forming the Bazaruto Archipelago - a proclaimed marine national park -\and boasts sensational beaches and magnificent scenery. Construction on 50-room hotel will commence early 2008 and open to guests in 2009. The architectural concept for the new island hotel is retro and will be similar to the original art deco establishment that operated on the island in the 50's and 60's. Ilha Santa Carolina (Paradise Island) was a well known and much-loved exclusive playground for the rich and famous at this time when Mozambique was still a province of Portugal. Bob Dylan is reputed to have composed his song, 'Mozambique' on the piano of the original hotel before the island was abandoned and fell into ruin during the war of independence and the ensuing civil war. Only two hours' flying time from Johannesburg, the Bazaruto Archipelago is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for international tourists seeking an African Bush and Beach safari experience or looking for pristine and unique African island experiences.

Update 3:

Destination: Zimbabwe

Property: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Info: VICTORIA Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe has constructed a 21sqm platform underneath a 15m-high Pod Mahogany tree. The platform, named ‘Mukamba’, the Zimbabwean vernacular for Pod Mahogany, will be used as a breakfast station after guests have completed their walking safaris. The platform can also be used as a game viewing point during sundowners, or for business meetings.Future activities on board the Mukamba platform will include moonlight dinners on full moon nights.

The Lodge has also launched three new bird hides on its property. The first overlooks ‘The Duck Pond’, a spot along the nature tail closest to the main lodge entrance. The hide is split into two sections: one covered and as dark as possible so that guests will not be spotted by birds and the other with closed sides and an open top to allow guests to view the birdlife within the Acacia tree above.The other two hides are smaller and located along the nature trails near the Boma and Lokuthula Lodges.Victoria Falls is home to over 450 species, including some rare species such as Taita and Red Necked Falcons,Slatey Egrets and Brown Fire Finches.

Update 4:

Destination: Cape Town, South Africa

Info: TWO of Cape Town’s popular attractions, the Robben Island Museum and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will be partially closed for upgrades.Section B, the maximum security prison, of the Robben Island Museum will be closed until August 31, during which time the facilities will undergo restoration. The rest of the museum will still be accessible to tourists.The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will be closed for routine maintenance from July 23 until August 5.

So, until later, happy travels!