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

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!'

Article on Island Safari

You can read up on the new article posted on Island Safari at the following url:

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/an-online-tour-operator-with-a-difference-67152.html

The Island Safari Team

News update on recent developments in the elephant back safari industry,from Wild Horizons.

Hi All,

I want to write an update on the developments in the elephant back safaris industry, from Wild Horizons.

Because of recent negative press, surrounding the Domesticated Elephant
Industry in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the number of questions they received regarding this case, the managers and owners of Wild Horizons, felt that it was neccessary to comment on thier curent position in the elephant back safaris industry.

Wild Horizons, seen as the lead in Elephant Back Safari's, has a mission statement, which describes their policies and principles of honour within the industry.Many elephants of the Wild Horizons herd came to Wild Horizons as a result of tone down exercises carried out in the 1980's, by the Zimbabwe National Parks Department. The leftover elephants were sold to zoo's and circuses around the world, but these remaining few stayed on African soil. AT first they were not moved and lived on farms.This lifestyle was soon ended as, Wild Horizons,to improve the way these elephants were living, turned into a magnificent safari experience.

They couldn't be released into the wild as they were raised by humans and the wild would be a thread to their existence.Wild Horizons mission statement, states that the elephants' lifestyle must be as habitual as possible, whilst offering guests a unique opportunity of interacting with and learning from these elephants. They believe that they have created an environment as habitual as they can and the fact that they've had four calves born to thier females, fathered by wild elephants, prove all of this.

The profitable aspect of Elephant Back Safaris has generated a long debate on the principles surrounding the industry, but the poeple at Wild Horizons have a clear way of doing things and thier standards of training and the breeding and caring of the elephants, which protects the elephants in thier charge. Their policies describing the aquiring of elephants for their operations, are clearly laid out in the working code of their mission statement, are public and open to any inquiry, and definitely exclude the capturing of elephants from herds in the wild.

It has been thier policy to work together with Zimbabwe's Wildlife Authority in assisting with genuine orphans and injured elephants and their track record for doing this, is clearly documented.

It is daunting that an industry which has the opportunity to exel so much in terms of educating the public, at the same time providing safe refuge to suffering elephants from pain or carelessness, has been brought into such dishonour.

I hope you all have clarity now on this issue.