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 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

New Island Safari Updates!

Hi Guys,

I hope you guys are having fun traveling.I want to let you guys know, that I am grateful that you take the time out to read our bog, as we try to keep you updated with all the latest Island Safari news and updates.

We have quite a bit of news today, so relax and take your time while reading.

On with the updates then:

Update 1:

Company: Air Botswana

Topic: New Flight Regulations

Info: A directive has been received from the SA Civil Aviation Authority with regard to the abovementioned items.We have been advised that we are required to comply with effect from the 02 April 07, and only International flights will be effected. The directive for implementation is as follows:


1. All LAGS (liquids/ aerosols/ gasses) should be carried in containers with a capacity not
greater than 100ml each.
2. LAGS in quantity less than 100ml, carried in part filled containers larger than 100ml, are
not to be accepted.
3. Containers with LAGS should be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic and of a
maximum capacity not exceeding 1 litre. The containers must fit comfortably within the
transparent bag, which should be completely closed.
4. Each passenger may be permitted to carry only one bag.
5. All conventional security controls and checks, including random hand searches on
passengers are applicable.
6. Empty containers with a capacity greater than 100ml are permitted.
7. Exceptions are allowed for medication, baby milk/food and special dietary or other medical
requirements provided there are accompanying medical documentations and mothers will
be able to taste baby foods.

Please ensure your passengers are aware of the new procedures. I need to emphasize, that ACSA Security has asked for an extension on the implementation date, however they have not had any response from CAA as yet.

Update 2:

Destination: Botswana

Compmany: Ker and Downey

Topic: Camp Updates

Camp 1:

Footsteps Across the Delta – Poor rains throughout the region this season has led to game beginning to concentrate around the permanent waters of the concession, as opposed to a 'normal' year when this happens around August. This includes large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant (followed by the usual assortment of predators!) and surely means a bumper game viewing season for all at the Four Rivers!

Camp 2:

Shinde – Shinde opened up to a new season with a stunning new look, a complete rebuild of six tents, an entirely revamped and extended main area and three shiny Land cruisers professionally converted for game viewing. All of the new tents are now on raised wooden decks with great views of the flood plains and waterways. The old curio shop has been removed and replaced by the new expansive camp fire area, which includes a semi enclosed informal lounge area and viewing decks all joined to the existing tree house by winding walkways.

Camp 3:

Kanana Camp – The refurbishment of Kanana was completed during the closed season, with a new roof over the main area as well as enlarged and redesigned bathrooms throughout. In celebration of this new beginning, the floodwaters arrived early and with significant amounts of water still flowing into Botswana, the levels are still rising. This however has done nothing to put the game off and within the first two days of opening camp, leopard, cheetah and sitatunga have been spotted.

Camp 4:

Kanana Mokoro Trail – The latest addition to the K&D portfolio is up and running! KMT offers a unique opportunity to experience some the Delta's most specialised species, namely the sitatunga and Pel's fishing owl. Sightings of sitatunga have been excellent during the last two months as tents, pots and pans, beds, crockery, cutlery, linen, tents showers and not least the kitchen sink have been carefully transported by mekoro to their new home deep in the swamps of the Kanana concession. A truly pioneering safari experience awaits!

Update 3:

Destination: Chobe National Park

Lodge: Chobe Safari Lodge

Topic: Refurbishment

Info: No there is no refurbishment work being carried out at the lodge at present. We do have plans to conduct a complete rebuilding of our food and beverage areas and once this has been approved by our local authorities (the matter is pending with them right now), we will inform all of our clients and guests of the impending works and the exact dates that this is going to be carried out. We intended to start 2 months ago, but as I said the matter is pending approval, and hence I cannot say with certainty the dates this will be carried out. Once approved I anticipate it will be a matter of 4 weeks before the works go ahead. I hope you understand why it is that I cannot be more exact in terms of the dates right now.

We have done an extensive maintenance program on all our safari rooms and so we have had a
lot of workers around the place, but refurbishment - none yet.

Update 3:

Destination: Mozambique

Compnay: LAM

Info: LAM Mozambique Airlines is increasing services between South Africa and Mozambique with four new flights, including new services from Lanseria. It will launch direct flights from OR Tambo International to Pemba and Inhambane on March 25, as well as launching direct flights from Lanseria to Vilanculos and Maputo on May 20. The direct service between OR Tambo International and Pemba will operate on Fridays, returning on Sundays. The direct service between OR Tambo and Inhambane will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,
returning the same days. From Lanseria, the direct flight to Vilanculos will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays and return the same days and the additional flight to Maputo will operate on Sundays.

Update 4:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Resort and Hotel updates

Company: Rani Resorts

Property 1: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa

Info: Just as Rome was not built in a day, it will sadly take a little time to rebuild our newly renovated and fabulous Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa post Cyclone Favio. But 30 of the beach chalets and all guest areas will be gorgeous again by July and all activities will be fully operational from July. The Sanctuary Spa will open in October and in the meanwhile, from August we will be offering a range of spa treatments in one of our spacious Bay View Suites. Our staff is looking forward to once again pampering our guests. Rani Resorts continues to support and supply the local Bazaruto and Vilanculos communities affected by the
cyclone.

Property 2: Medjumbe Private Island

Info: Medjumbe Private Island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique reopens in April after an upgrade and each of the 13 beach chalets now has a private plunge pool just metres from the Indian Ocean. The runway has been widened and upgraded and not a single nesting turtle or its offspring was inconvenienced by us in improving our romantic Medjumbe Private Island for our guests!

Property 3: Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa

Info: The beautiful new Courtyard rooms and gym at The Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa have been creating a stir and the Sanctuary Spa opens in April to deliver an all-encompassing wellness experience to our guests. Island and safari combinations of SA and Mozambique (Bazaruto or the Quirimbas) are now a simple reality thanks to Airlink’s twice weekly direct flights into Pemba from Johannesburg. Travel to the Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa and into the Quirimbas Archipelago is now seamless. Airlink flies to Pemba from 24 March, with return flights scheduled on Tuesdays and Saturdays. East African safari itineraries with the Quirimbas as a beach add-on are also becoming popular. Why not interest your guests in this exciting new option?

Property 4: Matemo Island

Info: Matemo Island remains a favourite with guests internationally and becomes home to a famous Swahili icon, Kingsley Holgate’s ‘Spirit of Adventure’ dhow while he circumnavigates Africa by land.Kingsley, who is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and one of Africa’s greatest present day explorers, has, unlike many earlier types with scant regard for African culture, immersed himself in the etiquette and customs of this continent. Once again he sets off on a philanthropic adventure through 33 countries with his anti-malaria ‘one net one life’ and ‘the right to sight’ campaigns. Guests at Matemo Island will have the rare opportunity of experiencing sunset cruises and trips to Ibo Island aboard this museum.

Property 5: Lugenda Wilderness Camp

Info: We invite you and your guests to become members of an exclusive safari club; Lugenda Wilderness Camp, Niassa Mozambique. This truly unique 42 000 square kilometre reserve is one of the most remarkable, remote and untouched safari destinations in Africa. Lugenda Wilderness Camp reopens with 8 beautiful tents in June, after the traditional rainy season. Please offer your guests an authentic wilderness experience comprising our pristine island and safari itinerary of Lugenda and our Quirimbas National Park islands, Matemo and Medjumbe.

Update 5:

Destination: Victoria Falls

Property: The Stanley and Livingstone

Info: The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls, with its unrivalled taste, sumptuous food and friendly staff has received international recognition with the accolade of Best Safari Lodge, presented this week during the National Tourism Awards. Please contact us to arrange familiarisation trade safaris or to tailor-make packages for your guests at exceptional rates.

Update 6:

Destination: South Africa

Company: Sun City

Topic: Maintenance

Info: We refer to our e-mail dated the 15th November 2006, notifying you of the annual maintenance closure dates of the Valley of Waves, Dungeon, Amphitheatre and Observatory Deck at Sun City. Please note that the closure dates were from 21 May - 30 June 2007 and have been amended to 22 May - 22 June 2007 both dates inclusive.

During this period no function bookings will be accepted. Residents at The Palace will be asked to use the shuttle to gain access into the Entertainment Centre.

The Palace Pool will also undergo maintenance from 24 June to 19 July 2007 both days inclusive. The pool will re-open on the 20th July 2007.