Benguerua Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Marlin Lodge is located amidst pristine island shorelines and idyllic dhow sails of Mozambique’s Benguerua Island. Comprising 17 chalets, it provides the ideal location for an intimate wedding abroad. The private, en-suite chalets each have their own veranda and a wooden walkway leading to the beach in front of each unit. The wedding ceremony can be held on the beach or in the lodge’s dining area. Weddings are tailor-made and there is no additional charge, apart from additional or specific requests that the lodge does not stock or cater for.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
The Waterberg Meander
Limpopo Province, South Africa
The Waterberg Biosphere recently launched the new Waterberg Meander. The 350km route across the Waterberg plateau guides guests to accommodation in the area such as Makweti Safari Lodge, as well as self-drive visitors through the Waterberg. Visitors will enjoy the scenic landscapes while also having access to environmental, geological and historical information, referenced by signed sites along the route. The investment in conservation over the past 15 years and the area’s status as a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve establishes it as an international destination.
The Waterberg Biosphere recently launched the new Waterberg Meander. The 350km route across the Waterberg plateau guides guests to accommodation in the area such as Makweti Safari Lodge, as well as self-drive visitors through the Waterberg. Visitors will enjoy the scenic landscapes while also having access to environmental, geological and historical information, referenced by signed sites along the route. The investment in conservation over the past 15 years and the area’s status as a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve establishes it as an international destination.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Interest in Zimbabwe on the increase
Malilangwe Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Local ground handlers are reporting that overseas travel agents and tour operators are increasingly encouraging travel to Zimbabwe. This is attributed to numerous factors: the country’s conversion to US dollars, making trade easier; the lifting of travel advisories by the USA, UK and Germany; improved political stability after the implementation of a power-sharing government and the efforts of Zimbabwean tourist bodies. Singita's Pamushana Lodge in the protected Malilangwe Trust has reported an increased interest from agents, especially as a honeymoon destination.
Local ground handlers are reporting that overseas travel agents and tour operators are increasingly encouraging travel to Zimbabwe. This is attributed to numerous factors: the country’s conversion to US dollars, making trade easier; the lifting of travel advisories by the USA, UK and Germany; improved political stability after the implementation of a power-sharing government and the efforts of Zimbabwean tourist bodies. Singita's Pamushana Lodge in the protected Malilangwe Trust has reported an increased interest from agents, especially as a honeymoon destination.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
The migration returns to Singita Grumeti Reserves
Serengeti, Northern Tanzania
Sabora Tented Camp, located in the wilderness plains of Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, is yet again in the midst of an annual migration! Enormous wildebeest herds are returning from the northern Serengeti to join existing populations of zebra, Thompsons gazelles and topi. At this time of the year the herds are typically further north. East Africa has however been experiencing an extended dry spell and last month's early rains in the Grumeti Reserves created a spectacle more reminiscent of the migration seen during the months of June and July. On the left is the view from Sabora Tented Camp across the plains.
Sabora Tented Camp, located in the wilderness plains of Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, is yet again in the midst of an annual migration! Enormous wildebeest herds are returning from the northern Serengeti to join existing populations of zebra, Thompsons gazelles and topi. At this time of the year the herds are typically further north. East Africa has however been experiencing an extended dry spell and last month's early rains in the Grumeti Reserves created a spectacle more reminiscent of the migration seen during the months of June and July. On the left is the view from Sabora Tented Camp across the plains.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Ellerman turns contemporary
Bantry Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Having recently completed a refurbishment, complemented by a new website, Ellerman House & Villa are planning further exciting developments. Housing the most extensive private collection of South African art, the new 'Ellerman Contemporary' gallery is due to open in December 2009. As the space is destined to become a dynamic venue for promoting South African contemporary art, only the latest technology will be used. This includes sensory faculties for the precise control of light, a high-resolution projector for presentations and state-of-the-art surround-sound system.
Having recently completed a refurbishment, complemented by a new website, Ellerman House & Villa are planning further exciting developments. Housing the most extensive private collection of South African art, the new 'Ellerman Contemporary' gallery is due to open in December 2009. As the space is destined to become a dynamic venue for promoting South African contemporary art, only the latest technology will be used. This includes sensory faculties for the precise control of light, a high-resolution projector for presentations and state-of-the-art surround-sound system.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Giraffe Manor Update
Nairobi, Kenya
Giles and Jessica Pattison will be joining the management team at Giraffe Manor in a full time role as of 1 November this year. Rudy will be involved with the important role of keeping back of house operations running smoothly, together with a wider role within Tamimi. Marianne will remain at the front of house, with day to day hosting of guests. Important to remember for early arrival guests is the Study at Giraffe Manor. This snug area offers the use of Internet, a great selection of books and a warm fire, ensuring guests' comfort should their room not be ready on arrival. It is also available as a private dining option for romantic meals for two.
Giles and Jessica Pattison will be joining the management team at Giraffe Manor in a full time role as of 1 November this year. Rudy will be involved with the important role of keeping back of house operations running smoothly, together with a wider role within Tamimi. Marianne will remain at the front of house, with day to day hosting of guests. Important to remember for early arrival guests is the Study at Giraffe Manor. This snug area offers the use of Internet, a great selection of books and a warm fire, ensuring guests' comfort should their room not be ready on arrival. It is also available as a private dining option for romantic meals for two.
Conservation & Community drive in the Luangwa
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
For many years safari operators in the Luangwa Valley have been working with local conservation associations. A voluntary new Luangwa Conservation & Community Levy (LCCL) will ensure the long term future of these essential projects. In this way guests staying at The Bushcamp Company and Remote Africa Safaris are able to make a direct contribution to the ongoing survival of wildlife and development of local communities. Half of the funds collected will go to the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) and the remaining half to various community programmes, mainly associated with education.
For many years safari operators in the Luangwa Valley have been working with local conservation associations. A voluntary new Luangwa Conservation & Community Levy (LCCL) will ensure the long term future of these essential projects. In this way guests staying at The Bushcamp Company and Remote Africa Safaris are able to make a direct contribution to the ongoing survival of wildlife and development of local communities. Half of the funds collected will go to the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) and the remaining half to various community programmes, mainly associated with education.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Hope springs at Sasaab
Samburu, Northern Frontier, Kenya
Despite the severe drought that is affecting Northern Kenya, Sasaab has recorded fantastic sightings including a herd of over 200 endangered Grevy Zebra and 80 elephant. In addition, a friendly female leopard (named Osiligi by camp staff, meaning ‘Hope’ in Samburu) with two young cubs is living in the cave just behind the lodge and is seen daily. Although very aware of the recent security threats to visitors to the Samburu area, Sasaab managers Tony and Ali have advised that security is now better than it has been for many months. Sasaab is fortunate in that it is part of a joint community initiative and located outside of the main reserves.
Despite the severe drought that is affecting Northern Kenya, Sasaab has recorded fantastic sightings including a herd of over 200 endangered Grevy Zebra and 80 elephant. In addition, a friendly female leopard (named Osiligi by camp staff, meaning ‘Hope’ in Samburu) with two young cubs is living in the cave just behind the lodge and is seen daily. Although very aware of the recent security threats to visitors to the Samburu area, Sasaab managers Tony and Ali have advised that security is now better than it has been for many months. Sasaab is fortunate in that it is part of a joint community initiative and located outside of the main reserves.
Saturday, 10 October 2009
New special offers at the Islands of Siankaba
Livingstone, Zambia
The Islands of Siankaba have released 2 new special offers: (1) Stay 2 nights and receive a free Livingstone Island breezer trip; and (2) Stay 3 nights or more and choose between the above OR a 12 minute helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls. Activities are subject to availability with suppliers; should the offered activities not be available, another activity of the same value will be offered. These are valid now to 28 February 2010. The Honeymoon Offer, comprising a complimentary upgrade to the honeymoon chalet (valued at US$154 per couple per night; booked on a 'first come, first served' basis), has also been extended until 28th Feb.
The Islands of Siankaba have released 2 new special offers: (1) Stay 2 nights and receive a free Livingstone Island breezer trip; and (2) Stay 3 nights or more and choose between the above OR a 12 minute helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls. Activities are subject to availability with suppliers; should the offered activities not be available, another activity of the same value will be offered. These are valid now to 28 February 2010. The Honeymoon Offer, comprising a complimentary upgrade to the honeymoon chalet (valued at US$154 per couple per night; booked on a 'first come, first served' basis), has also been extended until 28th Feb.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Zambezi Queen prepares for launch
Chobe River, Botswana/ Namibia
Zambezi Queen, Africa's newest luxury riverboat safari, is making good progress. All items for the boat are on site and they are working long hours to keep to the first cruise date of 9 November. Level 1 and 2 windows have been installed and the top deck will follow shortly. Generators have been fitted and are running smoothly. Developments on the reservations front include a live availability system that will be online soon. New photography of the boat and surrounding areas will take place this month by top South African photographer Micky Hoyle.
Zambezi Queen, Africa's newest luxury riverboat safari, is making good progress. All items for the boat are on site and they are working long hours to keep to the first cruise date of 9 November. Level 1 and 2 windows have been installed and the top deck will follow shortly. Generators have been fitted and are running smoothly. Developments on the reservations front include a live availability system that will be online soon. New photography of the boat and surrounding areas will take place this month by top South African photographer Micky Hoyle.
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