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.

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 - 16 April 2007

Hi friendly travelers,

Welcome to another timely update, from the the Island Safari team.We have some interesting updates included in the post, ranging from new Helicopter Seychelles shuttle flights to the latest Sun International updates.

Without further re due, here follow the updates:

Update 1:

Destination: Namibia

Info:

1. NAMIBIA Wildlife Resorts has embarked on a number projects as part of its turn-around strategy.A new lodge, Sossus Dune Lodge, is being built in Namib Naukluft Park in Sossusvlei.The site of the lodge overlooks the Sesriem Canyon.It will have 25 stand-alone accommodation unites built on wooden decks and connected by elevated wooden walkways to the main unit, which will include a restaurant,bar area, swimming pool and reception. Accommodation will be en-suite with private decks.The lodge is expected to be complete within the next few months.Changes are also under way at several lodges in Etosha National Park.Accommodation and facilities at Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni are being upgraded.


2. The Namibia Tourism Board says it is not necessary for those travelling to the Northern Caprivi Region to alter their plans, despite the recent heavy rains in Angola that caused the Zambezi River banks to burst.“We have received no reports of road or tourism establishment closures” said Neil Carney, media manager for the Namibia Tourism Board in Johannesburg.He advised that those who want further peace of mind to call the relevant establishments before travelling.Villages outside Katima Mulilo, the regional capital of the Caprivi Strip have been submerged and parts of Kabbe, Linyanti and Kongola are flooded.

Update 2:

Destination: Victoria Falls

Update: Night rainbows

Info: NIGHT rainbows, known as lunar rainbows or moon bows, can be viewed over the Victoria Falls. These occur on the following dates between 19h00 and 00h00:

* May 1, 2, 3, 31
* June 1, 2, 29, 30
* July 1, 29, 30, 31
* August 27, 28, 29
* September 25, 26, 27
* October 25, 26, 27
* November 23, 24, 25
* December 23, 24, 25

Update 3:

Destination: Zimbabwe

Lodge: ILALA Lodge

Update: New building plans

Info: ILALA Lodge in Zimbabwe has announced that it will be building another three rooms, bringing the total to 35. The Palm Restaurant at the lodge is undergoing a refurbishment,with the seating area being furnished with wrought iron and teak tables and cane furniture.The kitchen and buffet areas will also receive an upgrade, but the restaurant will remain open during the entire process. The lodge’s in-house tour operator, Zambezi Wilderness Safaris, has refurbished all its pontoon boats, with new carpets and bar counters fitted, chairs recovered and all boats repainted.

Update 4:

Destination: Seychelles

Company: Helicopter Seychelles

Update: Shuttle transfer service

Info: We would like to inform you all of the changes with regards to our shuttle transfer service.These changes are effective until further notice and will be available on a request basis in accordance with the table below. Please note that prior to dispatching the second flight, the first must be filled.

Please be advised that if you have already pre booked a shuttle flight outside of these times with our reservation, we will honour the timing given. However, all future bookings will be in accordance with the following times:

ROUTE: FIRST FLIGHT: SIA – PRI – LAD – SIA X 1 - SECOND FLIGHT: SIA – LAD – PRI – SIA X 1

WEEK DAY:MONDAY TO FRIDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SATURDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
AFTERNOON FLIGHTS X 1 15H00 TO 16H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SUNDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

ROUTE: SIA – LSS – SIA

WEEK DAY:MONDAY TO FRIDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 1 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SATURDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
AFTERNOON FLIGHTS X 1 15H00 TO 16H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

WEEK DAY:SUNDAY
MORNING FLIGHTS X 2 09H00 TO 11H00
BAGGAGE LIMITATION 10 KGS PER PERSON

Please note that we have set these times in accordance with the international flight arrivals so as to consolidate the number of passengers in order to make this service sustainable.We request your supporting assisting us by briefing your TO’s of the timings accordingly.

If clients request transfers outside these times, or have excess luggage,they will be given the option of chartering the helicopter.

Update 5.1:

Destination: South Africa

Company: Sun International

Update: Maintenance

Info: Please be advised that the Zip Slide, one of the many activities available on the Sun City Resort will be closed for routine maintenance from 21/05/07 to 15/06/07 inclusive.Due to maintenance of the pool at Zimbali Lodge please be advised that our pool will not be in operation from the 9th July 07 until 29th July 07 inclusive.

All guests in house will still be able to make use of the pool at the Forest Suites and the Valley of the Pools.

Update 5.2:

Company: Welgevonden Game Reserve

Update: Entrance Fee

Info: EFFECTIVE immediately, all international and domestic visitors to the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo will be charged an entrance fee of R114.

News Update on Island Safari Destinations and lodges.

Hallo fellow travelers,

Today I am posting some new updates on our destinations and lodges.Remember you can always email us at: info@island-safari.com, for any questions you might have.

Yesterday, was a great sunny day here in Cape Town, and I hope you guys are alsohaving an excellent time wherever you are traveling or reading this blog.
Well here follows the updates, so read and be informed:

Update 1:
Destination: Zambia

Property: Norman Carr

Info: THE Kapani camp was reopened on February 19, and on February 25 the Mchenja camp reopened its doors to guests as well. Both camps were closed due to the flooding of the Luangwa Valley in Zambia

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia

Property: Bush camp Company

Info:We are taking this opportunity to completely overhaul and upgrade our soft furnishings - linens, mattresses etc.

Mfuwe Lodge will be open for business from 15th March
Kapamba Bushcamp will be opening on 25th April
Bilimungwe and Kuyenda Bushcamps will be opening on 1st June Chindeni Bushcamp will be opening on 15th June
Chamilandu Bushcamp will be opening on 30th June.We regret to announce that our 2 new Hippo Pools Walking
Trails camps (Zungulilia and Gwala) will not be opening for the 2007 season.This has been a difficult decision to make,but we have realised that it will not be possible this season, due to the flooding.

Update 3:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Azura - new lodge Bazaruto

Info: As you are no doubt all aware, on Thursday February 22nd, tropical Cyclone Favio hit the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.Thankfully there was no loss of life but the area has been badly damaged, particularly on the mainland town of Vilanculos.Azura on Benguerra Island has managed to survive the storm reasonably well given its intensity.The cyclone hit from the south and Azura’s location on the northern leeward side of the island meant that it was sheltered from the brunt of the storm.

Azura has only sustained 20-30% damage to the existing buildings due to the good build quality and the strength of the architect’s design.The main damage was to roofs and brickwork. Our new staff accommodation has survived in tact which is of vital importance given that many of our staff’s homes in Vilanculos have been completely destroyed.We are working closely with the local community to assist them in any way that we can in order to minimise the affect of this freak natural disaster.

We anticipate that the cyclone will create a delay of 2-3 months to Azura’s opening date of 1st July 2007; mainly due to the fact that Vilanculos was hit very badly, hence supply lines will be affected. We will update you next week with a more accurate opening date as soon as the inspection team have made a site visit.

Update 4:

Destination: Mozambique

Travel News: CYCLONE Favio, which hit Mozambique last week, has caused substantial destruction to Vilanculos and surrounding areas.

The Vilanculos airport was closed because of the cyclone, but reopened on Sunday.Although the airport is open, Swazi Express Airways has cancelled all flights to Vilanculos until further notice. Debbie Kirkbride, station manager of Swazi Express says this is because of the closure of numerous lodges in the region.Pelican Air has also changed its flight schedule. It is now operating only three flights to Vilanculos a week, from Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Vilanculos on a Tuesday and Friday, and from Johannesburg to Vilanculos on a Sunday. These changes will be applicable for the whole of March, unless the airline receives special requests for additional flights.

LAM, Transairways and TravelMax flights are back on schedule and remain unchanged.Over the weekend, Rani Resorts sent a team to assess how much damage had been done to the Indigo Bay Resort.According to John McMillan,MD of Rani Resorts, the team found that the damage is quite severe. The central areas of the resort only have water damage, but the main problem lies with individual units which, according McMillan, have been between 10% and 100% damaged.

McMillan said the resort will be closed for at least the next three months after which they are confident the beach chalets will be up and running.The Bay View suites will also be reconstructed over the next three months, but will still need to receive interior repairs.“What is most important is that there was no loss of life. All the staff are safe and all our guest were evacuated before the cyclone hit,” said McMillan. He added that Rani Resorts had come to the aid of those living on the island by providing food and helping them rebuild their houses.

Dugong Beach Lodge, part of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts, is closed until further notice for repairs and upgrades as a result of the damage caused by cyclone Favio. The lodge should be re-opened in time for the busy season. Barra Resorts’ Barra Lodge and Flamingo Bay are both operating as normal.Marketing manager for Barra Resorts, Tony Birkholtz, said that Pomene Lodge had some water damage, but that staff were in the process of cleaning up and getting the accommodation and services back to normal.

Benguerra Lodge, however, has also suffered significant damage.Assessors will be evaluating the extent of the damage this week, but in the meantime the lodge will be closed for March.

Paula Chaplin, marketing manager for Benguerra Lodge, said that the biggest loss was the devastation of the last indigenous forest, where the lodge was situated. She also expressed concern about the community, saying that they had suffered the most, losing their homes and everything they owned.

Update 5:

Destinations: Namibia

Topic: Leading Lodges

Info: We are very glad to say that the construction of Divava is going smoothly and according to schedule. It will be the most luxurious river getaway retreat on the Okavango. Also the close proximity to Mahango game reserve makes it a gate way to Victoria Falls and tours to Botswana. In addition we have acquired luxury river boats in which to do some Hippo spotting and sun downer tours to the Popa falls.Game fishing will also be a possibility for the guests who are interested in a more adventurous activity.


Well this is all the updates, we have for now.Until the next update, happy travels.

The Island Safari Team.