Back again for some more Island Safari updates!

Hi Guys,

I am back today, bringing you all the latest news and updates from the Island Safari camp.Sorry for the delay, but as I stated. I was gone for a while, but now I am back again.So without further delay, here follows all the updates for July 2007.

Update 1:

Company: Zambia Airways

Info: Due to the demand on Livingstone flights, we have decided to re-open our evening Livingstone flight at an earlier time for the month of August.Please note that Q3502/503 will operate on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at timings below For August.This gives us additional MFULVI, NLALVI and LVINLA connections on select days, as below.

We have also increased capacity on Q3500/501 LUNLVILUN on Tue, Thu, Sat for August. This flight will be operated by both Embraer and 1900, to allow extra capacity.

Therefore, if you were looking for seats in August to L’stone, please re-check availability now.For individual existing bookings on August Q3502/503, our Email Centre will be advising you on the new PNR details:

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
502 LUNLVI 1515-1615
503 LVILUN 1635-1735
802 MFULVI 1350-1615 (Mon, Wed, Fri)
401 NLALVI 1400-1615 (Wed, Fri)
503 LVINLA 1635-1830 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)


Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Company: Rani Resorts

info: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa welcomed guests at the beginning of July, following closure of the hotel for renovations after Cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago in February. The Beach Chalets, guest areas and all activities are fully operational. The Bay View Villas will be complete in August and the spectacular Sanctuary Spa will be operational later in the year. It seems everyone wants a taste of the newly-opened Indigo Bay – whether to escape from the cold Southern Hemisphere winter or to escape to an exotic African island haven - August is filling up rapidly. We urge you to book soon to avoid disappointment


New Lugenda Concession

Info: Rani Resorts has been granted a second concession in the Niassa Reserve, northern Mozambique. With Lugenda Wilderness Camp as Rani Resorts' first venture into thisextraordinary wilderness wonderland, the new concession will add further value to the region and our guests' experience. Located within the Niassa Reserve.

Pemba Spa Open

Info: Earlier this month, the first of four planned Sanctuary Spas in Mozambique, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach, opened its doors to Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa guests and the frontier town of Pemba.

With a steam chamber, dry and wet treatment rooms, as well as an outside double treatment room overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, a seaside Hydro pool and Juice Bar, The Sanctuary Spa at Pemba Beach provides an oasis of relaxation, revitalisation and rejuvenation for your body, mind and soul in a truly remarkable setting.

Marlon Fishing Season

Info:Only three months to go until the Marlin fishing season in the Bazaruto
Archipelago begins. We are delighted to offer you special packages which include either 4 (or 6) nights' accommodation at Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa with 3 (or 5) full day fishing excursions, where our professional skippers and crew will help you on your quest to tackle the mighty Marlin! Food (or is that bait?) for a fisherman's soul...

Update 3:

Country: South Africa

SA Horseback Safaris: Important Update

Info: Please note the following instructions from our car transfer company with regards to collection of clients from Johannesburg airport, effective from 1st September 2007.

Important Notice : Due to the on going re-construction of the O.R.Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport Waterberg Transfers would like to suggest the following meet and greet strategy for the future to ensure all guest receive the best possible service when being meet by their driver. In preparation for the FIFA 2010 world cup football tournament many of the existing terminals are currently under construction and with some entrances in the arrivals lounge only measuring 1 metre wide this is proving to be problem with clients finding the Waterberg Transfers designated driver.

We would like to suggest that from the 01st September 2007 all clients arriving on International flight only, to be instructed by reservations / agents / lodges /hotels to make their way to the Information desk in International Arrivals where their driver will be waiting with sign in hand. This will avoid the clients having to read 100's of signs before finding their name. The information desk at international arrivals in positioned in the centre of the arrivals lounge and is well sign posted. There are a lot less people around this area which should make finding clients much easier.

The information desk is also central to all currency exchange and close to bathrooms/toilets and shops.On a separate note, can I please ask that you try to persuade all clients to take the option of the car transfer as opposed to flying to Nelspruit Airport from Johannesburg. We are seeing a high incidence of lost baggage for clients taking this route and it really does take much longer than the car transfer direct from Johannesburg.

Company: Sun International

Info: Due to emergency repairs that need to be carried out on the pool at The Table Bay Hotel please note that the whole pool area will be closed with effect from 23 July to 31 August 2007. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Company: Sefofane Air Charters

Info: SEFOFANE Air Charters has introduced new flights between Lanseria and Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays departing Lanseria at 10h30 with the return flight departing Welgevonden at 15h20. Depending on the number of passengers, the aircraft used for this route will either be a Cessna Grand Caravan, Cessna 402 or Cessna 210. If passengers then need to be transported to the Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, this can be arranged. This is in addition to the existing flights between Lanseria and Pafuri.

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.

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.