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!