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.

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

New Island Safari Update for Setptember

Hi Guys,

Welcome to our latest blog entry on all things Island Safari as well as winter, for some of you folks in America and England.I hope it won't get to cold this winter, but that is what we are here for, taking you to all the nice and warm places in Africa and other pristine beaches.

Just a quick note, our accountant is going to be a dad, so kudos to him, and we wish him all the best with this new addition to the family.May God bless him.

On with the updates then!

Update 1:

Country: Zambia

Property: Stanley Safari Lodge

Info: Maintenance on the The Stanley Safari Lodge is - 31 Jan to 13 Feb inclusive







Company: Zambian Airways

Info: We have again received an update on the runway lights at Livingstone airport.The construction is delayed further and we have been given a date of 11Sep for the commissioning of the lights.Therefore, we are forced to change our timings again on flights Q3502/503 for the month of September.

Q3502/503 will operate on Mon,Wed,Fri,Sun at the following timings for Sep07:

LUNLVI 1515-1615
LVILUN 1635-1735

We will be contacting you for individual booking changes.

Update 3:

Country: Namibia

Property: Leading Lodges

Info:EAGLE Tented Lodge and Spa in the Epacha Private Game Reserve in Namibia has added eight luxury tents, bringing the total number of rooms to 16.The new tents have twin beds, mosquito netting, an outside bath, a shower,large viewing deck and a splash pool. Other facilities offered by the lodge include two restaurants, two bars,a swimming pool and a fully equipped spa. The lodge offers a range of activities, including game drives in the Etosha National Park.

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