Island Safari December 2007 Update

Hey Guys,


First off I want to wish all of our readers a happy festive season and prosperous new year, and may 2008 be just as good as 2007 has been.This update include news from Zambia,Namibia,South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Sun International.As always, if you have some more questions or inquiries about Island Safari, you can email me at: david@island-safari.com


On with the updates then.


Update 1:

Country: Zambia

Update About: Norman Carr Park Entry Fees

Update Info:

We have recently been told that Park Entry fees and bush camp lease fees in the South Luangwa are to be increased for 2008. We have calculated the financial impact that this will have on our company and decided that we can not afford to absorb the burden of these extra costs.

We are therefore increasing the rates at our 4 bush camps by US$20 per day, the rates at Kapani Lodge will remain unaltered. We will be implementing this increase for all bookings on which deposits have not already been paid to us.

We do apologise for the inconvenience that this is bound to cause and trust that you can work with us to make this process as smooth and painless as possible.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update About: African Bushcamps Info

Update Info:

NEW! Linyanti Walking Safaris: This is a mobile tented camping safari experience focused on walking within the private concession in the Chobe Enclave part of the Linyanti. This is an adventure that will awaken you to the heart beat of Africa and its true wilderness.

Distance walked each day will vary depending on the capabilities of the group and what their interests are with many stops for water, picnic breakfasts, lunches and many interesting sightings along the way. Each day the camp may move, dependent on where the wildlife action is. This is an adventure safari for those that seek to explore the wild and remote wilderness area on foot. Close-up safe encounters on foot with elephant, buffalo and lion are not uncommon in the hands of the best professional guides whose first passion is to interpret and bring to life every aspect of the bush.

Accommodation is in stand-in spacious tents with comfortable beds and en-suite private bathroom facilities. The Linyanti area is best known for its large populations of Elephant and buffalo that congregate in vast numbers especially during the dry season. Lion, sable, roan, leopard, wild dog, and a number of the plains game can be enjoyed in the Linyanti. The rare and elusive sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, hippo and crocodile can be found in the surrounding marshes.

Guaranteed departures based on two people on our set departure dates. Maximum people per safari is six. All other walking safaris other than the set dates will be based on departures according to request including private departures, minimum four people and minimum three nights. Minimum number of people on the set departure dates is 2 people.

Update 3:

Country: Mozambique

Update About: Mozambique's main border post

Update Info:

MOZAMBIQUE’S main border post with South Africa at Ressano Garcia is open 24 hours a day until January 15. This is to speed up the movement of tourists during the busy festive season. The southern regional director of Mozambican customs, Goncalves Mandava, has also called for an increase in the number of customs and immigration staff at the border post.

Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Botlierskop reserve being closed.

Update Info:

The Reserve has closed after floods caused severe damage to the property.While repair workha begun, the reserve expects to reopen only in April 2008. Activities such as game drives, horse-back safaris and bush walks will recommence in January 2008. Botelierskop's reservatio office remains open, but all existing bookings are being cancelled with guests being referred to Buffelsdrift Game Lodge near Oudtshoorn. Restaurant bookings are referred to Café Gannet Restaurant in Mossel Bay. According the Marcia Holm, office manager at Mossel Bay Tourism, the areas most affected are the low-lying areas at Great Brak River where several homes and a caravan park were damaged as well as Little Brak River where floods caused extensive damage to the beach and adjacent facilities. Holm said repairs to the beach and facilities at Little Brak River should be completed by the end of the week.

Update 5:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Sun International hotel price increases

Update Info:

Please note that the following meal prices at the Sun City Hotel have increased as follows
with immediate effect:

Buffet Lunch at the Sun Terrace Restaurant has increased from R145 to R150 per person
Buffet Dinner at the Calabash Restaurant has increased from R145 to R150 per person

Update 6:

Country: Namibia

Update About: Islands in Africa Reservations Department

Update Info:

Islands in Africa

For those who have dealt with Karis in Islands in Africa's reservations department, who has formed an integral part with Islands in Africa's team for so long, has left.We wish her every success and good health!Meanwhile, should you have any reservations inquiries please direct them to either Nosihle,Vicky, Susan or Phil – res@islandsinafrica.com, safari@islandsinafrica.com