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