More Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys.

Some more quick updates from the infamous Island Safari team.Just a quick note, the blog posts will continue again on the 6th of August 2007.

Update 1:

Destination: Ilala Lodge, Zimbabwe

Info: I would advise that your clients bring either US$ or rand cash, as the rate at present has dropped to around the 120,000 - 1. Please ensure they do not get any Zim cash and if they are self catering to bring most of their goods with them as product is very short at the moment.Most places still have fruit and veg, though meat is in short supply in the shops. When coming through the border, they must state that it will be for personal consumption, though let me just confirm with customs what the deal will be, as we will no longer be able to import goods with out a permit. I will get back to you on this.Please ensure that the clients do not change any of their monies into Zim $ as they will be taken for a ride. Rather just pay for activities and extra in forex (US$ & Rand)

Update 2:

Company: SA Express

Info: South African Express will introduce thrice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls from August 2. The flights will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Johannesburg at 10h00 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 11h45. The return flight will depart Victoria Falls at 12h35 and arrive in Johannesburg at 14h20.

Update 3:

Company: Shearwater

Info: Please note that due to the extreme conditions experienced in the gorge during this high water season the jet boat will not be available as a product for the next few months. We are in the process of totally refurbishing this product so as to provide a high quality reliable experience for our clients. We were hoping to get the boat back on track to be ready for the start of the low water season, but have been challenged by a few factors including the high water levels experienced in the gorge. We will keep you full informed in terms of our progress in this regard and apologise for any inconvenience to you and your clients.

Update 4:

Company: Rani

Info: RANI Resorts has a special package on offer for the Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.From R4 699 pps or R5 695 pp single (excluding taxes), the package includes return airfare departing JNB on British Airways, two nights' accommodation with breakfast and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Update 5:

Company: Sun International, Zambia

Info: I am not sure if it is common knowledge but The Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun will apply for visas on guest’s behalf. That is for nationalities where they cannot arrange a visa waiver and that require a pre-approved visa.

When the hotel gets the visa back from the embassy, they scan it and send it to you so you can give it to the guest. This can only be arranged with a min on 21 days.

This has come in very handy as I have a guest who said she was Italian but it turns out her passport is Croatian!!!

Update 6:

Company: Pelican Air, Mozambique

Info: From September 1, Pelican Air will operate twice weekly flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and Inhambane (INH) on Tuesdays and Fridays.It will also fly between JNB and INH four times a week; direct on Wednesdays and Sundays and via MQP on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Update 7:

Country: South Africa

Info: Passenger service charges at SA airports are set to increase in October by 50% (to R105, 26) for international flights; 49%, (to R79, 82) for regional flights and 47% (to R38, 59) for domestic flights. ACSA’s group executive corporate affairs, Solomon Makgale, told TNN that although this set of increases for 2007 was between 45% and 50%, the average yearly increase
for the five-year cycle would be 11%. He said the increases were necessary in view of ACSA’s infrastructure needs between 2008 and 2012.

(Note – these will be included in tickets costs, but still useful to know)

Update 8:

Country: Madagascar

Info: As of August 4, Airlink will no longer operate its service between Johannesburg and Nosy Be. This service was introduced on June 16. “Uptake has been extremely poor on the direct Saturday JNB-NOS service,” says Airlink marketing manager, Karin Murray. She says the trade prefers to book their passengers on flights to Antananarivo, which she says could be due to more favourable fares.Another reason for the route not receiving strong support, according to Murray, is that accommodation in Nosy Be, between August and November, is scarce due to the European summer peak. The airline will re-accommodate passengers already booked on the flights between August and October on its Sunday flights to Antananarivo, which provide same-day connections to and from Nosy Be. Passengers ticketed after October 27 will be re-accommodated on Air Madagascar’s Saturday services.

That is all for now folks

The Island Safari Team

More Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys.

Some more quick updates from the infamous Island Safari team.Just a quick note, the blog posts will continue again on the 6th of August 2007.


Update 1:

Destination: Ilala Lodge, Zimbabwe

Info: I would advise that your clients bring either US$ or rand cash, as the rate at present has dropped to around the 120,000 - 1. Please ensure they do not get any Zim cash and if they are self catering to bring most of their goods with them as product is very short at the moment.Most places still have fruit and veg, though meat is in short supply in the shops. When coming through the border, they must state that it will be for personal consumption, though let me just confirm with customs what the deal will be, as we will no longer be able to import goods with out a permit. I will get back to you on this.Please ensure that the clients do not change any of their monies into Zim $ as they will be taken for a ride. Rather just pay for activities and extra in forex (US$ & Rand)

Update 2:

Company: SA Express

Info: SOUTH African Express will introduce thrice-weekly flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls from August 2. The flights will operate on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Johannesburg at 10h00 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 11h45. The return flight will depart Victoria Falls at 12h35 and arrive in Johannesburg at 14h20.

Update 3:

Company: Shearwater

Info: Please note that due to the extreme conditions experienced in the gorge during this high water season the jet boat will not be available as a product for the next few months. We are in the process of totally refurbishing this product so as to provide a high quality reliable experience for our clients. We were hoping to get the boat back on track to be ready for the start of the low water season, but have been challenged by a few factors including the high water levels experienced in the gorge. We will keep you full informed in terms of our progress in this regard and apologise for any inconvenience to you and your clients.

Update 4:

Company: Rani

Info: RANI Resorts has a special package on offer for the Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls.From R4 699 pps or R5 695 pp single (excluding taxes), the package includes return airfare departing JNB on British Airways, two nights' accommodation with breakfast and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.

Update 5:

Company: Sun International, Zambia

Info: I am not sure if it is common knowledge but The Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun will apply for visas on guest’s behalf. That is for nationalities where they cannot arrange a visa waiver and that require a pre-approved visa.

When the hotel gets the visa back from the embassy, they scan it and send it to you so you can give it to the guest. This can only be arranged with a min on 21 days.

This has come in very handy as I have a guest who said she was Italian but it turns out her passport is Croatian!!!

Update 6:

Company: Pelican Air, Mozambique

Info: FROM September 1, Pelican Air will operate twice weekly flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) and Inhambane (INH) on Tuesdays and Fridays.It will also fly between JNB and INH four times a week; direct on Wednesdays and Sundays and via MQP on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Update 7:

Country: South Africa

Info: PASSENGER service charges at SA airports are set to increase in October by 50% (to R105, 26) for international flights; 49%, (to R79, 82) for regional flights and 47% (to R38, 59) for domestic flights. ACSA’s group executive corporate affairs, Solomon Makgale, told TNN that although this set of increases for 2007 was between 45% and 50%, the average yearly increase
for the five-year cycle would be 11%. He said the increases were necessary in view of ACSA’s infrastructure needs between 2008 and 2012.

(Note – these will be included in tickets costs, but still useful to know)

Update 8:

Country: Madagascar

Info:AS of August 4, Airlink will no longer operate its service between Johannesburg and Nosy Be. This service was introduced on June 16. “Uptake has been extremely poor on the direct Saturday JNB-NOS service,” says Airlink marketing manager, Karin Murray. She says the trade prefers to book their passengers on flights to Antananarivo, which she says could be due to more favourable fares.Another reason for the route not receiving strong support, according to Murray, is that accommodation in Nosy Be, between August and November, is scarce due to the European summer peak. The airline will re-accommodate passengers already booked on the flights between August and October on its Sunday flights to Antananarivo, which provide same-day connections to and from Nosy Be. Passengers ticketed after October 27 will be re-accommodated on Air Madagascar’s Saturday services.

That is all for now folks

The Island Safari Team

Island Safari Update

Hi Guys,

It is that time again.Yip, another update from the Island Safari team.

Read and be informed!

Update 1:

Destination: Norman Carr, Zambia

Info: The Government has recently announced that fee waived visas, which have been available to tourists in Zambia for a number of years now, will only be offered to visitors staying 14 days or less.Those tourists planning to spend more than 2 weeks in Zambia will, with immediate effect,need to buy a visa on entry.We have staff at Lusaka Airport to meet our guests off of all international flights,assist them with immigration and customs formalities and see them safely onto their connecting flights.We can therefore guarantee a smooth arrival into the country but there is nothing we can do about the new interpretation of the existing law.

Those of you requiring more clarification on this subject will be interested to read the information put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs on their web site.

Update 2:

Company: Zambian Airways

Info: We have just received notice from National Airports that the construction on the runway lights at Livingstone airport is further delayed. The lights are not anticipated to be ready until mid-August.Therefore, we cannot operate Q3502/503 until such time, as we cannot land/takeoff after 1800hrs.This is really a disappointment for us, as Livingstone is demanding more flight frequencies and the Spice Islands-Victoria Falls connection.We have officially complained to National Airports, explaining this major setback to the Zambia tourism industry and the late notices we have received on the continued delays.

We will be going through the scheduled flights and moving all passengers onto Q3500/501 up to 1Sep07.In some cases, we may be able to move the 502/503 flight earlier and still operate.We will be contacting you individually for affected bookings.

We will keep you updated on any further developments.We thank you for your patience and understanding, we want you to know that we understand the frustrations this causes to tourists and travellers.

Update 3:

Destination: Dugong Beach Lodge, Mozambique

Update: RE-OPENING – OCTOBER 2007

Info: Following the cyclone, which hit Mozambique in February, extensive renovations, alternations and additions are taking place at Dugong Beach Lodge.Major changes include: 14 newly constructed, air-conditioned chalets, Individual walkways to the beach, Private Sala with day beds, Baths & showers overlooking private garden courtyards, Island style bar with martini seats, Boma and deck with open fire, Inter-flowing swimming pools, Floating jetty for easier access

It is the intention of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts that the accommodation, facilities and activities on offer at Dugong Beach Lodge will ensure that guests experience the ultimate in barefoot luxury in this magnificent, unique wilderness.

Update 5:

Destination: Lodges of Botswana, Botswana

Info: I'm writing this from a freezing but very sunny deck at Delta Camp. Elize's Hoffman x 4 have just gone out for the day, after an early breakfast, with a picnic lunch, the next guests don't arrive until lunchtime, so all is peace and quiet.Maggie is singing in the kitchen and the hippo are grunting down in the channel.

We've had good game recently, plenty of lion. Ken and Sheenah Sullivan,fresh out from Ireland, spent 10 minutes raving about the wonderful sighting of a Pel’s Fishing Owl they had on their afternoon walk, before remembering that during their morning excursion they had been charged by six (yes, six)lion, to a distance of 3 or 4 metres. They were completely unfazed. But the owl.....!

Apart from that, just the usual - lions, hyena, jackals, lechwe, impala, wildebeest, tsessebe, zebra, giraffes, reedbuck (going through something of a revival), warthog, monkeys, baboons, elephant, hippo, crocodile, plenty of genet, great birding (including wattled cranes), a Pearl-Spotted Owl that has taken to visiting during breakfast......no leopard for a week now.

At Delta Camp the new lights' installation starts today. It has taken our supplier well over a year to get them right, and the new towels arrived in Maun several days ago and await space on a plane. We have been so busy the priority has been getting the food in fast enough. Lena is doing such a good job here and getting such rave reviews that I'm forced to realise that not only am I not indispensable, but that the less time I spend here the better.

Stone, our buyer extraordinaire, is back from a well-deserved 4-week break.He is so quietly efficient that despite being our newest employee, he was unanimously voted Man of the Year. He makes everyone else's life so easy.MD took a break from Oddballs' and did an excellent job of covering for Stone while he was away. That's my story for the week. Not quite Jo Pope, I know............

Fun Fact!

The new Seven Wonders of the World have been announced. After a global vote, in which 100 million people cast their ballots via the Internet and by phone, the Great Wall of China, India's Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu in Peru, Brazil's Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum in Rome, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico and Jordan's Petra were declared the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids of Giza were given honorary status as they are the only wonder of the original seven that remains standing today.

Until Next Time

The Island Safari Team

Nice video showing animal battle at Kruger

Hi guys,

Here is a nice video I founded, showing an animal battle in the Kruger National Park.The video includes the animal sounds.

Latest Island Safari Update For July

Hi Guys!

As I am posting this, it is freezing cold here in Cape Town.Luckily there is no snow yet.

Getting back to the updates, we have quite a lot for you guys this month.Included are updates from the Victoria Falls, CC Africa, Tongabezi, Zambia and lot's more.So as always read and be informed!

Update 1:

Destination: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Update: 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.

Update 2:

Company: 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.

Info:Shearwater
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 3:

Destination:Quilalea, Mozambique

Update: Upgrades

Info: Quilalea, located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique, will be closed from 1 - 30 Nov 2007. Roofs will be re-thatched, pool extended and private verandas with sun loungers and umbrellas will be added to each villa. The lodge will re-open on 01 December. Book now for the festive season!

Update 4:

Destination: Tongabezi, Zambia

Info: This time of year one can tell the African's from the travellers by the amount of padding they wear...As Tongabezi and Sindabezi Island are both designed to let the outside in we now offer blankets to keep clients cozy karos-style around the fire, at dinner and out on the Sanpan. We also have African mbaaula fires dotted around wherever heat is needed, and of course you will have a hot water bottle waiting in bed! At Tongabezi we now also offer electric blankets to keep our guest extra snug throughout the night. The ultimate luxury however is having a hot breakfast served in bed on a crisp African Winter morning.

New numbers: Hopefully these lines will offer better communication links with Tongabezi.Please note these are in use with immediate effect.

Lodge +260 213 327450
Fax +260 213 327483
Direct Reservations number +260 979 312766
SKYPE username is “Tongabezi”.

Upgrade 5:

Destination: Wildlife Camp

Info:We were very fortunate not to suffer damage from the floods and remained high and dry!We did close for a month and this gave us time to re-paint and renovate some of the chalets. We have spruced up the main bar and have done some menu changes. Most of our guests are on the full board option which includes all their meals. However our other guests have the option of ordering from our a-la-carte menu.We also offer a kiddies menu and if preferred a’ picnic dinner’ for the children who are on a night drive.We are a family orientated camp and encourage and welcome families with children, our own children are always happy to make new friends.

To some who have not been on a “camp inspection” we have the following accommodation:

7 x twin chalets – and we can put in extra beds for children. Our chalets are all On-suite and we have recently put in new “walk-in mosquito nets.” All the chalets also have paraffin lights as a back up system to our mains power

2 x family chalets – each chalet has two bedrooms and a bathroom and can Easily sleep 5 per chalet.

5 x on-suite tents – these are situated on a private area near the campsite and Can either be booked by our full board guests – who have all their meals in the main restaurant or can be booked as a self catering option

4 x Bushcamp tents –our Bushcamp is rustic and there is no running water or Mains power. We recommend it as a one night or two night option. We only conduct walks from the camp (no drives) and it is a perfect rustic night under the stars! We only offer this as part of a full board option.Full board option – this has grown very popular over the last few years and now at least

70% of our guests take this option. We make sure everyone gets personal attention and have had some wonderful comments regarding our hospitality, food, game drives and staff

Upgrade 6:

Destination: Remote Africa

Info: Rory McDougall, well known Zambian artist and guide, offers tuition on water colour painting safaris at Tafika and Chikoko Trails in the South Luangwa National Park. Fingers previously dirtied by bush tracking can now blend pastels on artist's boards. Costs from US$250 per day for a group of six.

Upgrade 7:

Destination: African Anthology, South Africa

Info:

Ivory Tree: the Ivory Tree Spa recently won the Les Nouvelles bush spa of the year award. We have also replaced three standard suites with three luxury suites, please visit www.anthology.co.za for details.

Kapama: we have extended the promotional rate of R850.00 Nett per person per night sharing for all new reservations staying at Buffalo Camp during the month of July 2007. In March of 2008 we will be opening a brand new spa facility at River Lodge, this 2.5 million rand project will feature multiple treatment rooms, gym, heated swimming pool and steam room - in addition to change rooms and a lounge area.

Easinav: our latest development is in the form of an electronic map. The purpose behind this development is to orientate website visitors and assist with the locations of our destinations. Please take a look at the map and test the functionality. The map will enable visitors to view a summary of the salient features at each destination.

This too is available at www.anthology.co.za.

Upgrade 7:

Destination: Cape Grace, Cape Town

Info: Taking care of the little ones has always been high on the list of priorities at Cape Grace and this year, considering the kids continues as a new range of gifts for children staying at the 5-star V&A Waterfront hotel, is launched.

Starting with Babies, Cape Grace has put together a pack of the trusted, travel size Johnson & Johnson products ranging from soap for sensitive skins to natural lavender scented shampoo which encourages relaxation before bedtime. Also included in the welcome gift is a Kids @ Cape Grace embroidered waterproof bib and a cuddly African animal toy.

Toddlers are up next with a box of treats sure to keep the tiny tots entertained. Amongst other delicious delights, tooth-friendly Caring Candy consisting of only natural ingredients is sure to please while the African finger puppets, African story and 24-piece Cape Grace puzzle will keep them busy for hours.

And for Kids between 4 and ten years old, Cape Grace has carefully selected an educative hamper complete with Big 5 Playing Cards, a 50-piece Cape Grace puzzle, a Cape Grace colour-ing-in activity book with crayons, an African story and of course a few edible treats too!

Lastly the Tweens and Teens are catered for with a camera to capture happy holiday moments in the Mother City and a South African note book to document the detail.

Cape Grace also offer Kids @ Cape Grace embroidered linen prepared for all cots on arrival. This includes a duvet cover, sheet and pillowcase. In addition to the much loved African Story telling in the Library every evening at 18h00, our Guest Liaisons have now introduced Gingerbread decorating for Kids. Alternate evenings can be spent dressing these edible treats, whilst parents can enjoy the History & Wine Orientation in the Cape Grace boardroom.

Much thought has gone into sourcing and preparing healthy, interesting gifts for Cape Grace’s small visitors. After all, it’s often the little things that matter the most!

Upgrade 8:

Destination: Sun International, South Africa

Info: Please note that Zimbali Country Club will undertake its annual treatment to the greens and tees from 14 January 2008 for two weeks. The course will however still be open for bookings.

Upgrade 9:

Company: CC Africa

Info: We regret to inform you that Bongani Mountain Lodge will no longer form part of CC Africa's lodge portfolio with effect 31 March 2008 when our current lease over the property expires.

We are unable at this stage to confirm who will be taking over the management and bookings for Bongani Mountain Lodge but we will be sure to keep you updated as and when we are notified. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause you but as I am sure you will understand the matter is not in our hands.

Please note that we have extended the 2007 Contracted Rates to our travel partners to the end of March 2008.We unfortunately do not have rates for bookings and/or enquiries from 01 April 2008 onwards. CC Africa will hold all bookings in our reservations system for 1 April 2008 and beyond and will hand these over to the owners when they inform us that they are in a position to receive them. However, CC Africa cannot be held responsible for bookings from 01 April 2008.

That's it for now guys.Until next time, good-bye.

The Island Safari Team