Breaking News!

Hi,

I just got an official letter from Marlin Lodge, where they state precisely, what happened when cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago on 22 February 2007.

Here follow the letter

MARLIN LODGE AFTER CYCLONE FAVIO

As you will be aware, Cyclone Favio struck the Bazaruto Archipelago on 22 February 2007 and has cased significant damage to the area.

We are relieved to report that our island community and staff sustained only minor injuries in the event, though tragically many have lost their homes and possessions. Marlin Lodge is donating funds to help rebuild the community and provide basic necessities, and we have been overwhelmed by the staff’s resilience and help during this time.

At Marlin Lodge itself, we are still in the process of assessing the destruction but can report that the lodge has suffered extensive damage. Consequently, the decision has been taken to close the lodge for a minimum period of 10 months.

Current Reservations
Unfortunately, both provisional and confirmed reservations currently being held are now cancelled with immediate effect. Reservations that have been paid for, either by deposit or full payment, will be refunded as soon as Marlin Lodge has received settlement from their Insurance Company.

We would like to thank everyone that has contributed to Marlin Lodge’s great success so far, and although this is a very difficult time, we are excited about the future and look forward to your continued support.

Yours faithfully,

Marlin Lodge Management.


As u can see the cyclone caused an inconvenience for a lot of people, but are willing to compromise.

The Island Safari Team.

Some new images and other updates.

Hi Guys,

I have just uploaded some new images and links to our destinations.To view them, just click on the flicker image at the bottom, to see them.

Will post other updates on destinations as soon as I get them.

Another thing, could somebody please post comments here, on the hurrican Favio in Mozambique, if any of you were there.It would be great if we could get some feedback.

Until then, happy travels.

The Island Safari Team.

Island Safari Updates

Hi,

I hope all blog visitors are doing well and are having a nice time traveling.

I received some more updates on the lodges we do business with.

So read and be informed.

Update 1:

Destination: Mozambique

Topic: Currency

Info: On 1 January 2007 the old Mozambican currency, MTS, ceased to be legal tender.Only MTn (new notes) are accepted. MTn is a transitional name for the new currency, which will be called MTS from 1 July 2007. Check carefully when changing money and receiving change to avoid fraud and old currency.


Update 2:

Destination: Mozambique

Property: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

Info: Honeymoon extras applicable to Superior rooms only

Standard rooms booked with Honeymoon extras will be invoiced at Superior room rates

- Welcome drinks on arrival
- Mineral water in the rooms available on arrival and replaced when used
- In-room tea and coffee items replaced when used
- Sea View
- VIP basket with dried fruit and nuts
- Bottle of wine
- Branded gowns in rooms for use during stay
- Bath salts in bathrooms
- Bottle of Champagne on ice with engraved champagne flutes (honeymooners retain these
as gifts)
- Private dinner in front of chalet on request
- Free snorkelling trip for one day
- One Free sunset drive to Sand Spit
- Option to have a continental breakfast served in bed on one day

Update 3:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Baines Camp

Info: As expected the rain arrived for Christmas but did not last too long. It seems that the airstrip is the place to be to for general game viewing as guests have been lucky to see many animals upon arrival. Some guests enjoyed a leisurely viewing of some wild dogs that had a kill - they were so full after chewing at their kill that they lay about for ages.The leopard, named Anita, has been around camp from the 15^th to the 18^th and provided us with a lot of entertainment. There is continued maintenance in camp since which includes fixing the deck and general cleaning up.

Update 4:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Chief's Camp

Info: They received quite a bit of rain from Christmas through to New Year but the first few weeks of January have been dry with hot days. Leopard and rhino have been sighted and wild dog sightings have been frequent. Cheetah sightings have been excellent. Large herds of buffalo and elephants have been seen this month with great general game in Boro area.

Update 5:

Destination: Botswana

Topic: Chobe Chilwero

Info: They saw some rain in mid-January with strong wind and afternoon thunderstorms while temperatures fluctuated. A number of sable antelope, kudu and buffalo have been sighted along the river and the Nantanga pans. Due to the rains most animals have moved inland with a number of hippo and crocodile sightings on boat activities. Lions have often been spotted in different parts of the park with a number of wild dog, leopard, hyena and other general game also being seen.

Update 6:

Destination: Botswana

Property: Stanley's

Info: A lot of cleaning and tidying up has been in progress - the back of house particularly having a lot of high grass slashing, pathway clearance and reconstruction of clothing lines, staff gathering areas etc. Similarly, pathways to guest rooms and guest welcome areas have also been renovated and tidied while maintenance of all facilities both front and back of house is ongoing.

Ok folks, that is it for now.

Remember to email us at: info@island-safari.com

Happy Travels.

The Island Safari Team

Hurrican Favio update.

Hi all,

Just thaught I should maybe give an update on Hurricane Flavio.

Below is and image of the hurricane in it's current state:

Here is also a link to a report on the hurricane, for anybody who is interested in finding out more about the hurricane:

http://www.weathersa.co.za/Pressroom/2007/
2007Feb20TropicalCyclone.jsp

The Island Safari Team.