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