New updates for January 2008

Hi Guys,

First off as this is our first post for 2008, I want to welcome back all our readers and hope that you will enjoy this blog as much as the previous years.This update covers quite a lot of ground and if there are any questions please do not hesitate to email me at: david@island-safari.com

Update 1:

Update About: Airlines

Update Info:

A.)MOZAMBIQUE has announced plans to ease its strict aviation policy, which has until now created monopolies on certain routes within the region.Air access from South Africa has improved over the past two years, with frequencies launched by SA Express (Cape Town-Maputo), Linhas Aérias de Moçambique (LAM) increasing services (OR Tambo-Pemba and OR Tambo-Inhambane, Lanseria-Vilanculos and Lanseria-Maputo), and Airlink’s Johannesburg-Pemba flights. Several routes, however, remained constrained with only one airline operating on the route. One such example is Maputo-Johannesburg.

B.)BA Comair, which has secured rights to only one weekly flight between Lanseria and Maputo, is waiting to secure more flights a week before it launches a service.

C.)Mozambican news reports now say among the routes to be opened over the next year are Johannesburg-Beira; Lanseria-Vilanculos; Johannesburg-Vilanculos; Johannesburg-Pemba; and Maputo-Cape Town. The heavily constrained Johannesburg-Maputo route will not be opened
during phase 1 of the program as it needs to be “monitored”.

Heavily regulated skies in Mozambique have had a detrimental effect on the country’s tourism industry, reports research firm, Commark Trust. The organisation says high ticket prices on the Johannesburg-Maputo route, when compared with those on the Johannesburg-Durban route (the same distance), have had an impact on tourist numbers to the country and are due to a policy that protects the Mozambican national carrier, LAM.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update About: Uncharted Africa

Update Info: It looks as if Camp Kalahari now only re-opening 01 July – due to refurbishment.



Update 3:

Country: Botswana

Update About: CC Africa

Update Info:

CC Africa has announced additional details on the two new lodges it will open in Botswana's Okavango Delta in June this year.

Xaranna Tented Camp will open with eight suites, with the possibility of expanding to 12 at a later stage. Each suite will have a private plunge pool and open-sided pavilion.The concession is 25 000 hectares in size and access will be via an airstrip, 20 minutes away from Maun, followed by a 45-minute game drive or boat ride to the lodge.

Xudum Delta Lodge will also open with eight suites with the possibility of expanding to 12 later on. Each will have a private plunge pool and a 'lofty hideout'. There will be two main guest areas and four satellite guest areas to guarantee privacy. Access is via the same airstrip as Xaranna Tented Camp, but Xudum is located only a 20-minute game drive away.

Activities at both lodges will include mekoro rides, boat safaris, walks, and both day and night game drives.


Update 4:

Country: Zambia

Update About: Chongwe River Camp

Update Info: Special offer for April, May and June 2008

Book a minimum 4 night stay at any Chongwe River Camp property and receive an extra night
free of charge.Choose a combination of properties during your stay: Chongwe River Camp, Albida Suite, Chongwe River House and Bushbuck Bushcamp (June only).For property combinations – free night will be taken from cheapest accommodation.All reservations subject to booking conditions and availability.For more information and to make a booking please contact us at info@chongwe.com

Update 5:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Cape Town Lion Walking Tours

Upfdate Info: You may think you know Cape Town, but did you know that once upon a time sheep were sent to Robben Island to protect them from the prowling Cape Lion?Follow in the paw prints of the now extinct Cape Lion, which once roamed and ruled the peninsula. As the tour continues, you will encounter lions everywhere, although they are silent now. Each has a story to tell, of the history of a city and the people who left their mark.Highlights include a stop at the Netherlands Consulate, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Koopmans de Wet Huis and a tour of the Gold of Africa Museum. Refreshments and snacks are available in the coffee shop:

Time: Mon - Fri from 10am onwards
Venue: Gold of Africa Museum, 96 Strand St.
Cost: adults R35, children R25.
For more info: 021 405 1540 or email museum@goldofafrica.com

Update 6:

Country: South Africa

Update About: GRAPES, GOURMET & GALLERY EVENINGS AT WINCHESTER MANSIONS

Update Info: Experience signature wines of some of the Cape's finest estates perfectly matched with a gourmet feast against a backdrop of striking works of art at the monthly Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evenings at Winchester Mansions,Cape Town's leading beach front boutique hotel in Sea Point. Each Grapes, Gourmet & Gallery evening is hosted at the hotel's elegant yet cosy restaurant "Harvey’s at the Mansions" and showcases a selection of wines from a featured well-known

Cape wine estate accompanied by a marvellous set-course menu. Executive Chef, Henry Jonkers, will create dishes to match each of the highly appraised wines to perfection. A varied collection of art by leading local artists will be exhibited on the evening courtesy of Patrice Boussekey's Eclectic Gallery. These monthly evenings have built up a loyal following of regular guests and promise an excellent gourmet affair with fine wine and food combinations and stunning art.

Future dates for Grapes, Gourmet & Gallery Evenings for 2008:

23 January: De Wetshof, Robertson
20 February: Elgin Vintners, Elgin
19 March: Haute Cabriere, Franschhoek
16 April: Paul Cluver, Elgin
14 May: Simonsig, Stellenbosch
11 June: Joubert Tradouw, Barrydale
16 July: Ernie Els, Stellenbosch
9 August: Rupert and Rothschild, Paarl
10 September: Hartenberg, Stellenbosch
15 October: Ernst & Co. Stellenbosch
12 November: Doolhof, Wellington

Evenings start at 19h00 and costs R260 per person, inclusive of a glass of wine per course.To book your table contact +27 (0) 21 434-2351 or send an email us. harveys@winchester.co.za