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.

Island Safari Updates

Hi,

Well time sure does fly, as we are already at the end of February.I hope those of you have been traveling, has been doing so without any problems.

I recently got some notifications and updates concerning the properties and destinations that we sell on our websites, and I thought I should post them here.

If you guys have some questions about our properties or destinations that we sell don't hesitate to email us at: info@island-safari.com

Here follow the updates:Update 1:

Destination: Zambia

Property: Tongabezi

Update: Refurbishment is ongoing.All the paths were recently done around Tongabezi and the cottages are in the process of being upgraded.

Update 2:

Destination: Zambia/South Luangwa

Property: Bushcamp Company Mfuwe

Update: Here's an update on the flooding in the Luangwa Valley Mfuwe Lodge and the Bushcamp Company have been affected by the recent floods in the Luangwa and, indeed, Mfuwe Lodge was evacuated 2 weeks ago as the water levels rose. However, the levels have now dropped and they will be returning to the lodge shortly to start the clean up process.

They will, of course, be up and running as soon as possible. Mfuwe Lodge will hopefully be open in time for Easter, with Kapamba Bushcamp opening at the end of April.It is difficult at this time, however, to fully assess the damages in the other camps as the water is still too high for them to go in and inspect properly - but they hope to know more in the next few weeks and will keep you posted.

Update 3:

Destination: Zambia

Update: River Rafting – due to high water levels, no rafting from 16 February, until further notice.

Update 4:

Destination: Seychelles

Property: Banyan Tree

For: South African Trade Partners
Valid: 02 Feb – 31 Mar, applicable for all villa categories

Update: Intimate Moment
Sanctuary for the Senses: Share a few moment with you partner, indulging in a Banyan Tree flower Jacuzzi & Swimming pool with our own Spa oils, scented candles and aroma therapy burners. Your villa Jacuzzi, Swimming Pool and bedroom will be decorated with traditional Thai elements, creating a very claming
and relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to spend some private moment together.

It is the perfect experience to light up your senses:
A delicate balance of oils, candles, incense, frangipanis, red wine or champagne and relaxing music will be set up in the villa. This special ambiance and warmth will relax you in no time and provide an unforgettable romantic experience.

Update 5:

Destination: Seychelles

Company: Helicopter Seychelles

Update:Please see below the self-explanatory email from Helicopter Seychelles.With immediate effect, the luggage limitation
for helicopter transfers has changed to 10 kg per person when 4 passengers are travelling. In that case, we suggest a twin otter transfer (small plane).

For two passengers traveling, the limitation is 20-30 kg per person.


Update 6:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Benguerra Lodge

Update: Floods

The rains causing flooding in central Mozambique (more than 700kms north of them) has not affected them.The Zambezi basin floods every year and unfortunately for the people living in that area this year is worse that most.
At Benguerra they’ve had a surprisingly dry and temperate February.

Update 7:

Destination: Mauritius

Property: The Residence

Update: Please inform your reservation department: of a Stop Free Sale.In All Room Categories: From February 22nd to March 2nd 2007 inclusivePlease note that they still accept bookings ON A REQUEST BASIS ONLY.


Update 8 :

Destination: South Africa

Property: Sabi Sabi

Update: Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve’s airstrip has been awarded a Category 4 (C4) Licence, by the Civil Aviation Authority after complying with all C4,
requirements.

The new licence clears the way for large aircraft to land on the private airstrip, allowing guests to charter flights directly into the reserve from anywhere in the world (first clearing customs at one of South Africa’s international airports).

The three daily flights between Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and Sabi Sabi, operated by Federal Air, will continue as scheduled.
All Civil Aviation requirements, including implementing comprehensive emergency evacuation and fire fighting procedures, are in place; with highly trained staff on site for all take offs and landings.


This is all the updates for now.
Please check back daily for more updates.

The Island Safari Team