Last Island Safari update for October

Hi Guys,

This is our last update for October and I have got quite a bundle of news and updates to relay to you guys.For comments or questions email me as always at: davis@island-safari.com

Update 1:

Update About: Airlines

Update Info: Zambian Airways will now be allowed to include the National Airports Corporation departure tax into the ticket price.This is the $8 for domestic flights and $25 for international flights that passengers currently have to pay direct to the airport authorities at each airport (Lusaka, Mfuwe, Livingstone, Ndola.)

The inclusive taxes will apply to all tickets sold from 01 November 2007. Tickets sold prior to 01 November for travel from November onwards are not affected and passengers will have to pay their tax direct to the departure tax desk at airports. The departure tax is waived for domestic-to-domestic passengers, such as those travelling Mfuwe-Livingstone (via Lusaka), but we can only waive the tax if the passengers are booked on a through-fare (such as MFULVI).Please ensure to book your passengers on through-fares whenever possible, to avoid un-necessary duplicate payment of the taxes.Please check additional ZamAirway notes on rate site

PROFLIGHT Commuter Services is introducing daily scheduled flights on its Lusaka-Mfuwe-Livingstone routes from next year.The Lusaka-Mfuwe route will be offered twice daily.Proflight will use two Jetstream 41 aircraft, which carry up to 29 passengers and a Jetstream 32, which can carry up to 18.

Update 2:

Country: Botswana

Update about: Orient-Express Safaris

Update Info: We thought we would hand out an early Christmas gift – internet usage in all Orient-Express Safaris camps is now available on a complimentary basis at our purpose built – but discreet - internet lounges.

Also, as from January 2008 all premium brands of spirits and wines will be included in our nightly rates, and only imported champagnes will be charged at an additional cost to guests.

Update 3:

Country: Mozambique

Update about: Vilanculos Beach Lodge

Update Info: At present, we foresee being closed until 31 May 2008. However, we shall keep you posted as to the progress of Phase 2 of our project. As details regarding the time frame involved, opening date, rates etc become available we will post them on our website www.vilanculos.co.za


Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Update about: SAN Parks

Update Info: SANParks was planning to develop a national park in the Garden Route. The park will comprise the Tsitsikamma and Wilderness national parks, Knysna National Lake Area, Southern Cape Indigenous Forests and the associated fynbos Mountain Catchment Areas. The plan is to have SANParks take over all management responsibilities of all the indigenous forests. Once this is in place, the proclamation of all the protected areas as part of the Garden Route National Park will commence.Van Schalkwyk said: “Currently SANParks has a number of initiatives in place in the region and a variety of tourism products in the pipeline.” He said the programmes SANParks were involved in include eradicating alien vegetation and improving tourist facilities.

Update 5:

Country: South Africa

Update about: Three Cities

Update Info: THE R20m refurbishment of the Mandela Rhodes Place Apartment Hotel in Cape Town is almost complete and the hotel should open its doors mid-November. The hotel, which was recently acquired by Three Cities, will feature a new lobby and lobby bar; a rooftop gym, swimming pool and restaurant and new conference rooms.A spa will also be opened next year. It will be run by Camelot and feature six treatment rooms, a hydrobath, floatation pool, tylarium (herbal sauna), relaxation area and juice bar.

Update 6:

Country: Botswana

Update about: Elephant Valley Lodge

Update Info: Reminder - a ONE-NIGHT stay at EVL amounts to US$210 per person sharing per night (and not the US$165 we get
as part of the packages).




Update 7:

Country: Zambia

Update about: Sanctuary Lodges


Update Info:

1.Chichele Presidential Lodge Opening Offer: Spend three nights at Chichele
Presidential Lodge and a partner stays FREE of charge.

Conditions and Validity: Validity 15 December 2007 – 30 April 2008

To qualify for this fantastic offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 January 2008 Partner stays in the same room as the full paying guest

2. All Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Zambia - Pay for 6 nights, stay for 7 nights

Conditions and Validity: Must be a minimum of two camps in the Zambian portfolio used Validity: 1 May 2008 – 15 November 2008

To qualify for this high season offer reservations must be made BEFORE 31 May 2008

Terms and Conditions: The above offers are governed by Sanctuary Lodges & Camps Terms and Conditions

- Normal inclusions and exclusions are in place as per the Sanctuary Lodges
Camps,Terms & Conditions
- All offers exclude the Easter weekend 21 – 24 March 2008
- Sanctuary Lodges & Camps reserves the right to withdraw any of these offers
- Applicable rates as per the negotiated STO rates
- Not applicable to existing reservations
- Valid for reservations made after the 22 October 2007

Tel: +27 11 438 4650 Fax: +27 11 787 7658
southernafrica@sanctuarylodges.com www.sanctuarylodges.com

2nd Island Safari Update for September

Hey Guys,

Welcome to Island Safari's 2nd update for September.As I am typing this, I must first comment on the beautiful weather we have here in Cape Town today.Nice and warm.This is probably the first of many nice days to come this summer.Anyway, enough of me rambling on about our beautiful weather and on with the updates.That is of course, why you guys read my blog.

Here follows the updates:

Country: Zambia

Update 1:

Property: Islands of Siankaba

Info on the update: The Islands of Siankaba will close from 14th January – 14th February 2008 for maintenance and raising of the suspension bridge. The new chef, recently arrived from the Isle of Arran, brings with him some exciting new culinary flavours.With so much on offer at Islands of Siankaba and the surrounding areas, we strongly recommend guests have a minimum three night stay.

Update 2:

Property: Tongabezi

Info on the update:We have now resumed the Livingstone Island Walks starting from the Eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls right along the edge of the Falls to Livingstone Island and back again. There will also be an opportunity to swim in one of the rock pools along the way. Meeting point is the weir within the Falls park area and drinks will be on offer upon arrival at Livingstone Island.Maximum number per visit slot is 10 pax. Reservations are to be made through Tongabezi. Relative fitness is required - Recommended footwear are rafters or trainers.No flip flops or hard soled shoes.

Country: Mozambique

Update:

Info on the update: Travellers visiting Mozambique from countries that are known to be at risk for yellow fever are now required to present vaccination certificates. This follows an announcement by the Mozambican Interior and Health Ministry this week. Travellers failing to present valid certification at the point of entry will be vaccinated at the cost of 1 350 meticais (ZAR 377). According to the ministry, health staff have been stationed at the country’s main airports, and rail and road border crossings. Countries where yellow fever has been reported are mainly in Africa and Latin America.These include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya and Brazil.

Country: Mauritius

Update 1:

Property: Banyan Tree

Info on the update: BANYAN Tree has signed a contract to manage a new resort in Mauritius, making it the group’s first in that country.The resort will be located in the Le Morne area and will comprise a 60-villa resort and 110 units of Banyan Tree branded residences. It will also have a golf course designed by Gary Player for use by residents and guests at the resort.The first phase will kick off next month and the entire project is expected to be complete by 2010.

Country: Namibia

Update 1:

Locations: Caprivi and Kavango regions

Info on the update: Tourists travelling to the Caprivi and Kavango regions in Namibia are advised to exercise extreme caution in areas inhabited by elephants subsequent to an increase in deaths as a result of elephant attacks.Authorities advise people not to walk around at night and to avoid disturbing the animals in any way.

Country: South Africa

Update 1:

Location: Table Mountain, Cape Town

Info on the update: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company is extending its hours earlier than usual this year. As of yesterday, September 16, the cableway is open from 08h00 and until the end of October the last car will return at 19h00.In November the last car will return at 20h00, from December 1-15 at 21h30 and from December 16-January 15 at 22h00. The Cableway will increase its fees from October 1. A return adult ticket will cost R130, R68 for children, students R88, senior citizens R68 and a family R330.

Island Safari Updates

Hi,

Well time sure does fly, as we are already at the end of February.I hope those of you have been traveling, has been doing so without any problems.

I recently got some notifications and updates concerning the properties and destinations that we sell on our websites, and I thought I should post them here.

If you guys have some questions about our properties or destinations that we sell don't hesitate to email us at: info@island-safari.com

Here follow the updates:Update 1:

Destination: Zambia

Property: Tongabezi

Update: Refurbishment is ongoing.All the paths were recently done around Tongabezi and the cottages are in the process of being upgraded.

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia/South Luangwa

Property: Bushcamp Company Mfuwe

Update: Here's an update on the flooding in the Luangwa Valley Mfuwe Lodge and the Bushcamp Company have been affected by the recent floods in the Luangwa and, indeed, Mfuwe Lodge was evacuated 2 weeks ago as the water levels rose. However, the levels have now dropped and they will be returning to the lodge shortly to start the clean up process.

They will, of course, be up and running as soon as possible. Mfuwe Lodge will hopefully be open in time for Easter, with Kapamba Bushcamp opening at the end of April.It is difficult at this time, however, to fully assess the damages in the other camps as the water is still too high for them to go in and inspect properly - but they hope to know more in the next few weeks and will keep you posted.

Update 3:

Destination: Zambia

Update: River Rafting – due to high water levels, no rafting from 16 February, until further notice.

Update 4:

Destination: Seychelles

Property: Banyan Tree

For: South African Trade Partners
Valid: 02 Feb – 31 Mar, applicable for all villa categories

Update: Intimate Moment
Sanctuary for the Senses: Share a few moment with you partner, indulging in a Banyan Tree flower Jacuzzi & Swimming pool with our own Spa oils, scented candles and aroma therapy burners. Your villa Jacuzzi, Swimming Pool and bedroom will be decorated with traditional Thai elements, creating a very claming
and relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to spend some private moment together.

It is the perfect experience to light up your senses:
A delicate balance of oils, candles, incense, frangipanis, red wine or champagne and relaxing music will be set up in the villa. This special ambiance and warmth will relax you in no time and provide an unforgettable romantic experience.

Update 5:

Destination: Seychelles

Company: Helicopter Seychelles

Update:Please see below the self-explanatory email from Helicopter Seychelles.With immediate effect, the luggage limitation
for helicopter transfers has changed to 10 kg per person when 4 passengers are travelling. In that case, we suggest a twin otter transfer (small plane).

For two passengers traveling, the limitation is 20-30 kg per person.


Update 6:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Benguerra Lodge

Update: Floods

The rains causing flooding in central Mozambique (more than 700kms north of them) has not affected them.The Zambezi basin floods every year and unfortunately for the people living in that area this year is worse that most.
At Benguerra they’ve had a surprisingly dry and temperate February.

Update 7:

Destination: Mauritius

Property: The Residence

Update: Please inform your reservation department: of a Stop Free Sale.In All Room Categories: From February 22nd to March 2nd 2007 inclusivePlease note that they still accept bookings ON A REQUEST BASIS ONLY.


Update 8 :

Destination: South Africa

Property: Sabi Sabi

Update: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve’s airstrip has been awarded a Category 4 (C4) Licence, by the Civil Aviation Authority after complying with all C4,
requirements.

The new licence clears the way for large aircraft to land on the private airstrip, allowing guests to charter flights directly into the reserve from anywhere in the world (first clearing customs at one of South Africa’s international airports).

The three daily flights between Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and Sabi Sabi, operated by Federal Air, will continue as scheduled.
All Civil Aviation requirements, including implementing comprehensive emergency evacuation and fire fighting procedures, are in place; with highly trained staff on site for all take offs and landings.


This is all the updates for now.
Please check back daily for more updates.

The Island Safari Team