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.

Island Safari Updates

Hi fellow travelers, welcome to another update from the one and only Island Safari team.I hope the blog readers on here are founding our blog interesting, if not please email me at: david@island-safari.com with some ideas and suggestions.

About the updates, please read through it and if there are further inquiries, please send them to this email address: info@island-safari.com

On the with the updates then:

Update 1:

Destinations: Seychelles

Company: Seychelles Helicopters




Update:Following my email sent out to the industry in February 2007, I understand that there has been some confusion on what baggage limitations apply.

I quote the following Limitations from our Services Manual Page 19:

Baggage Charter Flights:

Each aircraft can normally carry the full airline 20kg baggage allowance per person, but space is the limiting factor.
Soft luggage is preferred to the rigid variety.

If a charter is for less than the full compliment of four passengers, baggage space and weight is less critical.

On Shuttle Flights:

Experience has shown that excessive baggage can sometimes pose a problem, although the magnitude of this problem depends on a number of factors, which are difficult to predetermine.

10 kgs of soft luggage is desirable and will ensure smooth operations.

Please note the following:

Charter flights are dealt with on a case by case basis, with the pilot in command ensuring that the helicopter is flown within the helicopter MAXIMUM ALL UP WEIGHT. We have operated in this manner for 14 years and NOTHING has changed in this respect. Shuttle Flights are HSL’s ’reduced rate' flights that are sold on a per seat basis and as such are subject to certain limitations. Passengers on these Shuttle Flights were only expected to carry limited luggage (weighing around 10kgs). Unfortunately, these shuttle flights have been abused by allowing up to 4 holidaymakers, each with their full airline baggage allowance (20-30kg each and sometimes with their golf clubs) as a cheaper option to them chartering a helicopter.

Abuse of the Shuttle Flights leads to overcrowding of the luggage bay, often with the extra baggage put on the floor or on passenger's knees inside the cabin.

This has become a FLIGHT SAFETY RISK and carrying more than 10 kg each on Shuttle Flights MUST CEASE IMMEDIATELY.

Note: Every helicopter booking confirmation must emphasize that there is a 10 kg restriction per passenger on all shuttle flights.

Should you have any further queries, please liase with Clara at marketing@helicopterseychelles.sc

Update 2:

Destination:Zimbabwe

Topic:CAMOUFLAGE-patterned clothing

Update:CAMOUFLAGE-patterned clothing is not permitted in Zimbabwe, says the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg.Although the ruling is not directly on camouflage clothing, says Ndaipaneyi Mukwena from the Johannesburg office of Zimbabwe Tourism, it applies to any clothing that could be construed as mimicking military-wear. Tourists are urged not to wear, or even carry, any military-inspired clothing while travelling in Zimbabwe.

Update 3:

Destination: South Africa

Company:Southern Sun

Update:Please be advised that the Southern Sun Elangeni hotel has commenced with the refurbishment of rooms, suites and corridors, plus the Convention Centre Fitness Room. It is anticipated that the project will continue until October 2008.One floor will be blocked off at a time -so guests will not be exposed to any contractors on the floors Noise factors will be kept to a minimum and construction and demolitions take place during the day - 09h00 until 16h00.