Nice video showing animal battle at Kruger

Hi guys,

Here is a nice video I founded, showing an animal battle in the Kruger National Park.The video includes the animal sounds.

Latest Island Safari Update For July

Hi Guys!

As I am posting this, it is freezing cold here in Cape Town.Luckily there is no snow yet.

Getting back to the updates, we have quite a lot for you guys this month.Included are updates from the Victoria Falls, CC Africa, Tongabezi, Zambia and lot's more.So as always read and be informed!

Update 1:

Destination: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Update: Hotel Upgrade

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.

Update 2:

Company: 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.

Info:Shearwater
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 3:

Destination:Quilalea, Mozambique

Update: Upgrades

Info: Quilalea, located in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique, will be closed from 1 - 30 Nov 2007. Roofs will be re-thatched, pool extended and private verandas with sun loungers and umbrellas will be added to each villa. The lodge will re-open on 01 December. Book now for the festive season!

Update 4:

Destination: Tongabezi, Zambia

Info: This time of year one can tell the African's from the travellers by the amount of padding they wear...As Tongabezi and Sindabezi Island are both designed to let the outside in we now offer blankets to keep clients cozy karos-style around the fire, at dinner and out on the Sanpan. We also have African mbaaula fires dotted around wherever heat is needed, and of course you will have a hot water bottle waiting in bed! At Tongabezi we now also offer electric blankets to keep our guest extra snug throughout the night. The ultimate luxury however is having a hot breakfast served in bed on a crisp African Winter morning.

New numbers: Hopefully these lines will offer better communication links with Tongabezi.Please note these are in use with immediate effect.

Lodge +260 213 327450
Fax +260 213 327483
Direct Reservations number +260 979 312766
SKYPE username is “Tongabezi”.

Upgrade 5:

Destination: Wildlife Camp

Info:We were very fortunate not to suffer damage from the floods and remained high and dry!We did close for a month and this gave us time to re-paint and renovate some of the chalets. We have spruced up the main bar and have done some menu changes. Most of our guests are on the full board option which includes all their meals. However our other guests have the option of ordering from our a-la-carte menu.We also offer a kiddies menu and if preferred a’ picnic dinner’ for the children who are on a night drive.We are a family orientated camp and encourage and welcome families with children, our own children are always happy to make new friends.

To some who have not been on a “camp inspection” we have the following accommodation:

7 x twin chalets – and we can put in extra beds for children. Our chalets are all On-suite and we have recently put in new “walk-in mosquito nets.” All the chalets also have paraffin lights as a back up system to our mains power

2 x family chalets – each chalet has two bedrooms and a bathroom and can Easily sleep 5 per chalet.

5 x on-suite tents – these are situated on a private area near the campsite and Can either be booked by our full board guests – who have all their meals in the main restaurant or can be booked as a self catering option

4 x Bushcamp tents –our Bushcamp is rustic and there is no running water or Mains power. We recommend it as a one night or two night option. We only conduct walks from the camp (no drives) and it is a perfect rustic night under the stars! We only offer this as part of a full board option.Full board option – this has grown very popular over the last few years and now at least

70% of our guests take this option. We make sure everyone gets personal attention and have had some wonderful comments regarding our hospitality, food, game drives and staff

Upgrade 6:

Destination: Remote Africa

Info: Rory McDougall, well known Zambian artist and guide, offers tuition on water colour painting safaris at Tafika and Chikoko Trails in the South Luangwa National Park. Fingers previously dirtied by bush tracking can now blend pastels on artist's boards. Costs from US$250 per day for a group of six.

Upgrade 7:

Destination: African Anthology, South Africa

Info:

Ivory Tree: the Ivory Tree Spa recently won the Les Nouvelles bush spa of the year award. We have also replaced three standard suites with three luxury suites, please visit www.anthology.co.za for details.

Kapama: we have extended the promotional rate of R850.00 Nett per person per night sharing for all new reservations staying at Buffalo Camp during the month of July 2007. In March of 2008 we will be opening a brand new spa facility at River Lodge, this 2.5 million rand project will feature multiple treatment rooms, gym, heated swimming pool and steam room - in addition to change rooms and a lounge area.

Easinav: our latest development is in the form of an electronic map. The purpose behind this development is to orientate website visitors and assist with the locations of our destinations. Please take a look at the map and test the functionality. The map will enable visitors to view a summary of the salient features at each destination.

This too is available at www.anthology.co.za.

Upgrade 7:

Destination: Cape Grace, Cape Town

Info: Taking care of the little ones has always been high on the list of priorities at Cape Grace and this year, considering the kids continues as a new range of gifts for children staying at the 5-star V&A Waterfront hotel, is launched.

Starting with Babies, Cape Grace has put together a pack of the trusted, travel size Johnson & Johnson products ranging from soap for sensitive skins to natural lavender scented shampoo which encourages relaxation before bedtime. Also included in the welcome gift is a Kids @ Cape Grace embroidered waterproof bib and a cuddly African animal toy.

Toddlers are up next with a box of treats sure to keep the tiny tots entertained. Amongst other delicious delights, tooth-friendly Caring Candy consisting of only natural ingredients is sure to please while the African finger puppets, African story and 24-piece Cape Grace puzzle will keep them busy for hours.

And for Kids between 4 and ten years old, Cape Grace has carefully selected an educative hamper complete with Big 5 Playing Cards, a 50-piece Cape Grace puzzle, a Cape Grace colour-ing-in activity book with crayons, an African story and of course a few edible treats too!

Lastly the Tweens and Teens are catered for with a camera to capture happy holiday moments in the Mother City and a South African note book to document the detail.

Cape Grace also offer Kids @ Cape Grace embroidered linen prepared for all cots on arrival. This includes a duvet cover, sheet and pillowcase. In addition to the much loved African Story telling in the Library every evening at 18h00, our Guest Liaisons have now introduced Gingerbread decorating for Kids. Alternate evenings can be spent dressing these edible treats, whilst parents can enjoy the History & Wine Orientation in the Cape Grace boardroom.

Much thought has gone into sourcing and preparing healthy, interesting gifts for Cape Grace’s small visitors. After all, it’s often the little things that matter the most!

Upgrade 8:

Destination: Sun International, South Africa

Info: Please note that Zimbali Country Club will undertake its annual treatment to the greens and tees from 14 January 2008 for two weeks. The course will however still be open for bookings.

Upgrade 9:

Company: CC Africa

Info: We regret to inform you that Bongani Mountain Lodge will no longer form part of CC Africa's lodge portfolio with effect 31 March 2008 when our current lease over the property expires.

We are unable at this stage to confirm who will be taking over the management and bookings for Bongani Mountain Lodge but we will be sure to keep you updated as and when we are notified. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause you but as I am sure you will understand the matter is not in our hands.

Please note that we have extended the 2007 Contracted Rates to our travel partners to the end of March 2008.We unfortunately do not have rates for bookings and/or enquiries from 01 April 2008 onwards. CC Africa will hold all bookings in our reservations system for 1 April 2008 and beyond and will hand these over to the owners when they inform us that they are in a position to receive them. However, CC Africa cannot be held responsible for bookings from 01 April 2008.

That's it for now guys.Until next time, good-bye.

The Island Safari Team

Island Safari updates

Hi guys,

Welcome to yet another Island Safari update post.I just want to let you guys know, it is quite cold here in Cape Town this time of year, but luckily we are used to it.Another thing people with some great travel stories and photo's, can email them to me at: david@island-safari.com, and maybe we can put them up here.Anywayz here follow today's updates.As always read and be informed!

Update 1:

Country: Botswana

Topic: Orient Express

Info: Orient-Express Safaris’ Eagle Island Camp was voted “Botswana’s Leading Safari” at the prestigious 2007 World Travel Awards held in Dubai earlier this month. The Middle East & Africa voting campaign reached a total of 167,000 travel professionals worldwide, including more than 110,000 travel agents who unanimously voted Eagle Island Camp to be “The Best” safari in its location. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards program in global travel industry today, serving to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements found in all sectors of the global travel industry.

Eagle Island is truly unique in that it is the only camp in Botswana to offer fully inclusive helicopter excursions as part of its safari program from January 2008. The camp is situated deep within the Botswana's Okavango Delta, on the pristine island of Xaxaba. Hidden from the world and surrounded by Illala Palms, the tented camp overlooks a lagoon fed by the tranquil waterways of the Delta. Built to blend into its environment, the camp offers its guests a peaceful setting from where to enjoy an abundance of exceptional wildlife sightings and prolific birdlife.

Update 2:

Country: Mozambique

Topic: Bazaruto in general

Info: IT has been four months since Cyclone Favio hit Mozambique and while many properties were closed for repairs, several are ready to open again.Indigo Bay is currently in the process of repairing its property and facilities, 30 of its Beach Chalets will be open from July 7, with the Bay View Villas set to reopen in August. The Sanctuary Spa will also open in October.

Bazaruto Lodge:is being revamped and extended with the addition of 14 bungalows, to be ready from August. The rest of the lodge will open from July, with an improved restaurant and games room.

Benguerra Lodge:is expected to be re-launched by November as a more private and exclusive property. The chalets are being rebuilt as spacious suites, each with a private plunge pool and personalised butler service. The suites are also being built closer to the beach.

Dugong Beach Lodge:is set to open in October with a number of changes having been made. It will feature an informal business centre, a bigger curio shop, a boma and open fire, a floating jetty and 12 newly constructed chalets, which will provide 14 additional bedrooms.

Update 3:

Country: Mauritius

Company: Beachcomber

Hotel:Le Mauricia – Spanking new

Info:Count 8 weeks to the opening day of the all new Le Mauricia, South Africa’s favourite Beachcomber Hotel.Look forward to bright new room interiors,restaurants with new pizzazz and public areas which invite you in with the promise of a great holiday. The Village opens its doors to families in smart two bedroom apartments and one snazzy villa with its own private pool. Mark the date in your diary – 13 August 2007!

Hotel:Le Victoria – A new Serenity

Info: Just one year after this popular hotel re-opened after a rejuvenation programme the next big surprise comes.On 01 November 2007, guests will now have the option of Serenity – an all inclusive package. A daily rate per person gives you total peace of mind as it covers most meals, drinks and other items usually considered extra.

There are different rates for adults and children and little ones under 5 years are free. It’s a bargain at the price.

Update 4:

Country: South Africa

Hotel: Twelve Apostles

Topic: Hotel refurbishment

Info: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is pleased to announce exciting refurbishments at the Hotel over the next few months, which will greatly enhance the facilities and aesthetics of the hotel and most importantly the guest experience.


The Leopard Lounge refurbishment, which will start in July 2007, will include a newly appointed wood-panelled bar, soft furnishings, fabrics and wallpaper, with a stunning effect of chic and stylish contemporary design and décor. The adjacent Cloakrooms will also be upgraded and renovated. During the closure, a temporary Bar will be set up in The Café and The Leopard Room Bar and Lounge will reopen on 31 July 2007.

Azure Restaurant will also undergo a soft refurbishment in August 2007, enhancing the stylish and comfortable interior while capitalizing on the views of the shimmering seas and stunning sunsets. During the refurbishment, Azure Restaurant will be closed for breakfast and lunch for 10 days. The dates will be confirmed shortly and communicated to you accordingly.

We have also identified rooms that will undergo a soft refurbishment in September and we will also be increasing the number of interleading rooms available to accommodate families, over the next few months.

While it is anticipated that there will be occasional and isolated noise, our staff will be on-hand to manage and ensure that there is very little inconvenience to guests or patrons of the Hotel. Guests will also be accommodated in rooms well away from any planned renovations. The working hours will be between 0900 and 1600

The award-winning Sanctuary Spa will be closed for a week, from 16 - 22 July 2007 inclusive for a soft refurbishment.We apologise for the inconvenience however the closure is required to maintain the pristine conditions and service standards that come with being one of only three Leading Spas in South Africa.Hotel guests can still have certain treatments in their rooms during the scheduled closure. A list of treatments is available on request.

So until then, happy travels!
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