Back again for some more Island Safari updates!

Hi Guys,

I am back today, bringing you all the latest news and updates from the Island Safari camp.Sorry for the delay, but as I stated. I was gone for a while, but now I am back again.So without further delay, here follows all the updates for July 2007.

Update 1:

Company: Zambia Airways

Info: Due to the demand on Livingstone flights, we have decided to re-open our evening Livingstone flight at an earlier time for the month of August.Please note that Q3502/503 will operate on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at timings below For August.This gives us additional MFULVI, NLALVI and LVINLA connections on select days, as below.

We have also increased capacity on Q3500/501 LUNLVILUN on Tue, Thu, Sat for August. This flight will be operated by both Embraer and 1900, to allow extra capacity.

Therefore, if you were looking for seats in August to L’stone, please re-check availability now.For individual existing bookings on August Q3502/503, our Email Centre will be advising you on the new PNR details:

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
502 LUNLVI 1515-1615
503 LVILUN 1635-1735
802 MFULVI 1350-1615 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
401 NLALVI 1400-1615 (Wed, Fri)
503 LVINLA 1635-1830 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)


Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Company: Rani Resorts

info: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa welcomed guests at the beginning of July, following closure of the hotel for renovations after Cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago in February. The Beach Chalets, guest areas and all activities are fully operational. The Bay View Villas will be complete in August and the spectacular Sanctuary Spa will be operational later in the year. It seems everyone wants a taste of the newly-opened Indigo Bay – whether to escape from the cold Southern Hemisphere winter or to escape to an exotic African island haven - August is filling up rapidly. We urge you to book soon to avoid disappointment


New Lugenda Concession

Info: Rani Resorts has been granted a second concession in the Niassa Reserve, northern Mozambique. With Lugenda Wilderness Camp as Rani Resorts' first venture into thisextraordinary wilderness wonderland, the new concession will add further value to the region and our guests' experience. Located within the Niassa Reserve.

Pemba Spa Open

Info: Earlier this month, the first of four planned Sanctuary Spas in Mozambique, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach, opened its doors to Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa guests and the frontier town of Pemba.

With a steam chamber, dry and wet treatment rooms, as well as an outside double treatment room overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, a seaside Hydro pool and Juice Bar, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach provides an oasis of relaxation, revitalisation and rejuvenation for your body, mind and soul in a truly remarkable setting.

Marlon Fishing Season

Info:Only three months to go until the Marlin fishing season in the Bazaruto
Archipelago begins. We are delighted to offer you special packages which include either 4 (or 6) nights' accommodation at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa with 3 (or 5) full day fishing excursions, where our professional skippers and crew will help you on your quest to tackle the mighty Marlin! Food (or is that bait?) for a fisherman's soul...

Update 3:

Country: South Africa

SA Horseback Safaris: Important Update

Info: Please note the following instructions from our car transfer company with regards to collection of clients from Johannesburg airport, effective from 1st September 2007.

Important Notice : Due to the on going re-construction of the O.R.Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport Waterberg Transfers would like to suggest the following meet and greet strategy for the future to ensure all guest receive the best possible service when being meet by their driver. In preparation for the FIFA 2010 world cup football tournament many of the existing terminals are currently under construction and with some entrances in the arrivals lounge only measuring 1 metre wide this is proving to be problem with clients finding the Waterberg Transfers designated driver.

We would like to suggest that from the 01st September 2007 all clients arriving on International flight only, to be instructed by reservations / agents / lodges /hotels to make their way to the Information desk in International Arrivals where their driver will be waiting with sign in hand. This will avoid the clients having to read 100's of signs before finding their name. The information desk at international arrivals in positioned in the centre of the arrivals lounge and is well sign posted. There are a lot less people around this area which should make finding clients much easier.

The information desk is also central to all currency exchange and close to bathrooms/toilets and shops.On a separate note, can I please ask that you try to persuade all clients to take the option of the car transfer as opposed to flying to Nelspruit Airport from Johannesburg. We are seeing a high incidence of lost baggage for clients taking this route and it really does take much longer than the car transfer direct from Johannesburg.

Company: Sun International

Info: Due to emergency repairs that need to be carried out on the pool at The Table Bay Hotel please note that the whole pool area will be closed with effect from 23 July to 31 August 2007. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Company: Sefofane Air Charters

Info: SEFOFANE Air Charters has introduced new flights between Lanseria and Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays departing Lanseria at 10h30 with the return flight departing Welgevonden at 15h20. Depending on the number of passengers, the aircraft used for this route will either be a Cessna Grand Caravan, Cessna 402 or Cessna 210. If passengers then need to be transported to the Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, this can be arranged. This is in addition to the existing flights between Lanseria and Pafuri.

Island Safari updates

Hi guys,

Welcome to yet another Island Safari update post.I just want to let you guys know, it is quite cold here in Cape Town this time of year, but luckily we are used to it.Another thing people with some great travel stories and photo's, can email them to me at: david@island-safari.com, and maybe we can put them up here.Anywayz here follow today's updates.As always read and be informed!

Update 1:

Country: Botswana

Topic: Orient Express

Info: Orient-Express Safaris’ Eagle Island Camp was voted “Botswana’s Leading Safari” at the prestigious 2007 World Travel Awards held in Dubai earlier this month. The Middle East & Africa voting campaign reached a total of 167,000 travel professionals worldwide, including more than 110,000 travel agents who unanimously voted Eagle Island Camp to be “The Best” safari in its location. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in global travel industry today, serving to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements found in all sectors of the global travel industry.

Eagle Island is truly unique in that it is the only camp in Botswana to offer fully inclusive helicopter excursions as part of its safari program from January 2008. The camp is situated deep within the Botswana's Okavango Delta, on the pristine island of Xaxaba. Hidden from the world and surrounded by Illala Palms, the tented camp overlooks a lagoon fed by the tranquil waterways of the Delta. Built to blend into its environment, the camp offers its guests a peaceful setting from where to enjoy an abundance of exceptional wildlife sightings and prolific birdlife.

Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Topic: Bazaruto in general

Info: IT has been four months since Cyclone Favio hit Mozambique and while many properties were closed for repairs, several are ready to open again.Indigo Bay is currently in the process of repairing its property and facilities, 30 of its Beach Chalets will be open from July 7, with the Bay View Villas set to reopen in August. The Sanctuary Spa will also open in October.

Bazaruto Lodge:is being revamped and extended with the addition of 14 bungalows, to be ready from August. The rest of the lodge will open from July, with an improved restaurant and games room.

Benguerra Lodge:is expected to be re-launched by November as a more private and exclusive property. The chalets are being rebuilt as spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool and personalised butler service. The suites are also being built closer to the beach.

Dugong Beach Lodge:is set to open in October with a number of changes having been made. It will feature an informal business centre, a bigger curio shop, a boma and open fire, a floating jetty and 12 newly constructed chalets, which will provide 14 additional bedrooms.

Update 3:

Country: Mauritius

Company: Beachcomber

Hotel:Le Mauricia – Spanking new

Info:Count 8 weeks to the opening day of the all new Le Mauricia, South Africa’s favourite Beachcomber Hotel.Look forward to bright new room interiors,restaurants with new pizzazz and public areas which invite you in with the promise of a great holiday. The Village opens its doors to families in smart two bedroom apartments and one snazzy villa with its own private pool. Mark the date in your diary – 13 August 2007!

Hotel:Le Victoria – A new Serenity

Info: Just one year after this popular hotel re-opened after a rejuvenation programme the next big surprise comes.On 01 November 2007, guests will now have the option of Serenity – an all inclusive package. A daily rate per person gives you total peace of mind as it covers most meals, drinks and other items usually considered extra.

There are different rates for adults and children and little ones under 5 years are free. It’s a bargain at the price.

Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Hotel: Twelve Apostles

Topic: Hotel refurbishment

Info: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is pleased to announce exciting refurbishments at the Hotel over the next few months, which will greatly enhance the facilities and aesthetics of the hotel and most importantly the guest experience.


The Leopard Lounge refurbishment, which will start in July 2007, will include a newly appointed wood-panelled bar, soft furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper, with a stunning effect of chic and stylish contemporary design and décor. The adjacent Cloakrooms will also be upgraded and renovated. During the closure, a temporary Bar will be set up in The Café and The Leopard Room Bar and Lounge will reopen on 31 July 2007.

Azure Restaurant will also undergo a soft refurbishment in August 2007, enhancing the stylish and comfortable interior while capitalizing on the views of the shimmering seas and stunning sunsets. During the refurbishment, Azure Restaurant will be closed for breakfast and lunch for 10 days. The dates will be confirmed shortly and communicated to you accordingly.

We have also identified rooms that will undergo a soft refurbishment in September and we will also be increasing the number of interleading rooms available to accommodate families, over the next few months.

While it is anticipated that there will be occasional and isolated noise, our staff will be on-hand to manage and ensure that there is very little inconvenience to guests or patrons of the Hotel. Guests will also be accommodated in rooms well away from any planned renovations. The working hours will be between 0900 and 1600

The award-winning Sanctuary Spa will be closed for a week, from 16 - 22 July 2007 inclusive for a soft refurbishment.We apologise for the inconvenience however the closure is required to maintain the pristine conditions and service standards that come with being one of only three Leading Spas in South Africa.Hotel guests can still have certain treatments in their rooms during the scheduled closure. A list of treatments is available on request.

So until then, happy travels!
The Island Safari Team

Some new updates from the Island Safari team

Here follow some quick updates:

Update 1:

Zimbabwe

Topic: Vic Falls Hotel

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.

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.

Shearwater

Info: 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 2:

Mozambique

Property: Pestana

Topic: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is reopening 01 July 2007.

Bigger? We are adding 14 beautiful new rooms to the lodge, offering more guests the opportunity to experience the magic of Bazaruto. These will be ready in time for spring 2007.

Better? We are restoring the lodge, making fabulous changes to the restaurant and bar areas, ensuring that our guests are hosted in the style which they deserve, and with the minimum of disruption to the tranquillity of the Island during the construction and beautifying process.

- Guests can now look forward to a variety of water sports.

- Please remember about the compulsory surcharge applicable when the lodge reopens.This is
for additional activities above, which means that guests will now have much more to enjoy for so little extra.

- Activities will include, daily snorkelling at Coral Gardens, daily drop and collect at Dolphin Bay, use of windsurfers, canoes and Hobie cats with a rescue boat on standby.One free 30 minute water-ski lesson per stay and a free bodysurfing trip to Three Trees Beach per stay - with a qualified instructor on hand.

Update 3:

Mauritius

Topic: VIRGIN Atlantic is to launch direct services twice a week between London Heathrow and Mauritius on October 28 this year.Flights will leave Heathrow on Fridays and Sundays and return from the island on Saturdays and Mondays using an Airbus A340-300 with 34 Upper Class Suites and 35 premium-economy and 171 economy-class seats. The Upper Class Suites will be the airline’s newly released product.The service will be the airline’s 29th.


Happy Travels
The Island Safari Team