New Island Safari Update for November 2007

Hi fellow travellers,

Today I have another batch of updates to post on the blog.Recently we got a piece of news from one of our suppliers about a certain celebrity who stayed in one of their lodges.She is none other than Charlize Theron who spent 2 nights at Muchenje Lodges.Thanks for the heads up guys.Without further re due, here follows the updates:

Update 1:

Update On: Airlines

Update About: Botswana Airlines

Update Info: As Airlines are experiencing high volumes of valuable items going missing out of passengers checked in luggage, we are appealing to yourselves in assisting us to advise your clients of the following.

Air Botswana requests that the following items should not be included in their checked baggage, fragile items, money, jewellery, precious metals, negotiable documents, cameras, pocket computers, mobile phones and chronic medication. The airline assumes no special liability on such items.Please note this is Industry practise and passengers will be advised to claim through their personal Insurance.

Update 2:

Country: Zimbabwe

Update About: Rani Resorts

Update Info: Rani Resorts will open a satellite camp to The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.The Old Ursula Camp will comprise four en-suite cottages, large lawns and pool that overlooks a waterhole.The camp was one of the original hunting lodges of the Matetsi region.The camp will open in January next year once an extensive renovation has been completed. It will, however, maintain its traditional ambience.Together the Stanley and Livingstone and Old Ursula Camp will accommodate up to 40 guests.


Update 3:

Country: Zimbabwe

Update About: Shearwater

Update Info: Please be advised that as of the 1st of December 2007, the child policy on the helicopter rates will change in Zimbabwe. The helicopter company will now charge FULL price for all passengers on the helicopter.Please make the necessary adjustments in your rates schedules.


Update 3:

Country: South Africa

Update About: Three Cities

Update Info: Shishangeni Private Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park has introduced a children's safari programme to entertain young guests while educating them about the bush. The 'Cubs Club' comprises a two-day programme co-ordinated by a trained and reliable youth ranger. Some of the activities included in the programme are making chocolate animals, a kiddie’s afternoon game drive, a safari walk to spot butterflies and insects, and outdoor games. Each member of the club will receive a survival pack containing a pair of binoculars, a water bottle, workbook, crayons and a cap.

Update 4:

Country:Mauritius

Update About: Beachcomber

Update Info: The five-star Shandrani Hotel has become the first five-star fully inclusive hotel, not only within the Beachcomber group, but in Mauritius. The fully inclusive package, Serenity Plus, is described by Beachcomber as a “no-holds-barred, fully inclusive package that not only includes food and beverages, but also top-brand-name drinks and even French champagne”. Beachcomber says: “The bar is always open for drinks, snacks, beach and poolsid service. Even the mini-bar is included.” Each adult gets a free massage, and certificated divers may explore to their hearts’ content at no extra charge.

Also launched today was Beachcomber’s optional, fully inclusive Serenity package to Le Victoria.

Update 5:

Country:Mozambique

Update About: Quilalea

Update Info: Closed during November for renovations. The roofs of all the villas and the main building are being re-thatched. Private decks with sun loungers and umbrellas are being added to all the villas.The resort’s bar and lounge will also be refurbished. The main pool will be doubled in size and a surrounding deck will be added to it. New sun loungers and umbrellas will also be added to this area.

Update 6:

Country:Seychelles

Update About: Fregate

Update Info: Herewith we would like to inform you about the newly introduced Passenger Service Fee of 2 EUR for flights from Mahé and Praslin to any other Island (only this direction) operated by the Twin Otter Plane.The fee will be collected by Frégate Island Private when the guests check out.Please note that this fee is also applicable for existing reservations.

The fee is not applicable for the Helicopter transfer.

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