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.

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 Update

Hi Guys,

It is that time again.Yip, another update from the Island Safari team.

Read and be informed!

Update 1:

Destination: Norman Carr, Zambia

Info: The Government has recently announced that fee waived visas, which have been available to tourists in Zambia for a number of years now, will only be offered to visitors staying 14 days or less.Those tourists planning to spend more than 2 weeks in Zambia will, with immediate effect,need to buy a visa on entry.We have staff at Lusaka Airport to meet our guests off of all international flights,assist them with immigration and customs formalities and see them safely onto their connecting flights.We can therefore guarantee a smooth arrival into the country but there is nothing we can do about the new interpretation of the existing law.

Those of you requiring more clarification on this subject will be interested to read the information put out by the Ministry of Home Affairs on their web site.

Update 2:

Company: Zambian Airways

Info: We have just received notice from National Airports that the construction on the runway lights at Livingstone airport is further delayed. The lights are not anticipated to be ready until mid-August.Therefore, we cannot operate Q3502/503 until such time, as we cannot land/takeoff after 1800hrs.This is really a disappointment for us, as Livingstone is demanding more flight frequencies and the Spice Islands-Victoria Falls connection.We have officially complained to National Airports, explaining this major setback to the Zambia tourism industry and the late notices we have received on the continued delays.

We will be going through the scheduled flights and moving all passengers onto Q3500/501 up to 1Sep07.In some cases, we may be able to move the 502/503 flight earlier and still operate.We will be contacting you individually for affected bookings.

We will keep you updated on any further developments.We thank you for your patience and understanding, we want you to know that we understand the frustrations this causes to tourists and travellers.

Update 3:

Destination: Dugong Beach Lodge, Mozambique

Update: RE-OPENING – OCTOBER 2007

Info: Following the cyclone, which hit Mozambique in February, extensive renovations, alternations and additions are taking place at Dugong Beach Lodge.Major changes include: 14 newly constructed, air-conditioned chalets, Individual walkways to the beach, Private Sala with day beds, Baths & showers overlooking private garden courtyards, Island style bar with martini seats, Boma and deck with open fire, Inter-flowing swimming pools, Floating jetty for easier access

It is the intention of Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts that the accommodation, facilities and activities on offer at Dugong Beach Lodge will ensure that guests experience the ultimate in barefoot luxury in this magnificent, unique wilderness.

Update 5:

Destination: Lodges of Botswana, Botswana

Info: I'm writing this from a freezing but very sunny deck at Delta Camp. Elize's Hoffman x 4 have just gone out for the day, after an early breakfast, with a picnic lunch, the next guests don't arrive until lunchtime, so all is peace and quiet.Maggie is singing in the kitchen and the hippo are grunting down in the channel.

We've had good game recently, plenty of lion. Ken and Sheenah Sullivan,fresh out from Ireland, spent 10 minutes raving about the wonderful sighting of a Pel’s Fishing Owl they had on their afternoon walk, before remembering that during their morning excursion they had been charged by six (yes, six)lion, to a distance of 3 or 4 metres. They were completely unfazed. But the owl.....!

Apart from that, just the usual - lions, hyena, jackals, lechwe, impala, wildebeest, tsessebe, zebra, giraffes, reedbuck (going through something of a revival), warthog, monkeys, baboons, elephant, hippo, crocodile, plenty of genet, great birding (including wattled cranes), a Pearl-Spotted Owl that has taken to visiting during breakfast......no leopard for a week now.

At Delta Camp the new lights' installation starts today. It has taken our supplier well over a year to get them right, and the new towels arrived in Maun several days ago and await space on a plane. We have been so busy the priority has been getting the food in fast enough. Lena is doing such a good job here and getting such rave reviews that I'm forced to realise that not only am I not indispensable, but that the less time I spend here the better.

Stone, our buyer extraordinaire, is back from a well-deserved 4-week break.He is so quietly efficient that despite being our newest employee, he was unanimously voted Man of the Year. He makes everyone else's life so easy.MD took a break from Oddballs' and did an excellent job of covering for Stone while he was away. That's my story for the week. Not quite Jo Pope, I know............

Fun Fact!

The new Seven Wonders of the World have been announced. After a global vote, in which 100 million people cast their ballots via the Internet and by phone, the Great Wall of China, India's Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu in Peru, Brazil's Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum in Rome, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza in Mexico and Jordan's Petra were declared the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids of Giza were given honorary status as they are the only wonder of the original seven that remains standing today.

Until Next Time

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

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.

Ibo Island Lodge Client Comments

Hi all,

I thought, I should post some client comments, on the new Ibo Island lodge, that opened in the Quirimbas Archipelago in December.

Here are a few:

"Congratulations for creating
the best palce in Northern Mozambique -
take it from an expert!The
houses are beautiful, the
team is great, the food
delicious, the relaxation 100%
Fantastic!"

"A very magical place and
special place. Beautiful
surroundings, attentive
service, good food.Everything
I for and more.I am sure this
place will be a great success and I
am honored to be among the first to
sample the delights that are
Ibo Island Lodge."

"Considering you have only
been open 2 weeks this is a
superb lodge. Well trained
staff, excellent guides &
activities, lovely room.
These poeple really know
what they are doing!"

'Couldn't fault it - absolutely
excellent in all aspects.
Probably among the best places
I've been to 27 countries!'