Knysna Hollow Country Estate!

Re-Opens October 2018

Knysna Hollow Country Estate will re-open in October 2018 as a brand-new, exclusive 4-star country hotel. Set in the heart of the Garden Route in a lush 3-acre garden environment, Knysna Hollow has been completely re-invented as an upmarket, full-service hotel on the outskirts of Knysna. The property will feature 45 luxurious Garden Suites, situated in the indigenous gardens around two sparkling swimming pools. All rooms will be decorated in a clean, contemporary style with private garden-facing verandahs and will offer all modern in-room amenities including air-conditioning, satellite television, Nespresso coffee stations, king-size beds and free wireless internet.

The modern Cape-country style Manor House will be the focal point of the new property and has been purposely designed to offer a contemporary, relaxed space where hotel guests can meet and enjoy genuine hospitality and cuisine. A sleek new reception and guest hospitality area will welcome guests upon check-in, while the open-plan destination restaurant will offer all-day dining with seasonal, locally-sourced dishes for which Knysna Hollow has always been renowned. The bar-lounge area will feature a unique glass wine cellar and a library with internet work stations on a mezzanine level. All restaurant and bar areas will open out onto outside verandahs with views of the gardens for outdoor dining and sundowners in the warm summer months.

Knysna Hollow will also re-open with two modern function facilities catering for conferences, weddings, meetings and events.

The not-to-be-missed Namaqualand flowers!

Seeing the flowers!!

Visitors can enjoy self-catering accommodation at the Skilpad Rest Camp or enjoy various camping options along the coast. The main entrance, reception, administrative offices and prime accommodation are all at Skilpad. During the flower season, in spring, they host a temporary luxury camp at the coast that is run by a private operator.

Part of the semi-desert Succulent Karoo biome, Namaqualand is home to the richest bulb flora of any arid region in the world and more than 1 000 of its estimated 3 500 plant species are found nowhere else on earth. When compared to regions with similar semi-arid environments, the richness of this biome is exceptional.

During early August and September, seemingly overnight, the dusty valleys of Namaqualand are transformed in to a wonderland, carpeted with wildflowers that draw visitors from around the country and from abroad. 

Updates On Botswana!

A new boutique guest house has opened in Gaborone, Botswana.

Opened in early May this year, Bannerloft Guest House offers nine rooms, accommodating a maximum of 18 guests.

Ed Bannerman, GM, says five of the rooms are deluxe rooms with queen-size beds, while four twin rooms have two three-quarter beds.

The guest house has free WiFi for guests and facilities include a conference room for 20 delegates.

The guest house is located 12 kilometers northeast of Sir Seretse Khama International airport, about 15 minutes’ drive in Maruapula. It is in close proximity to malls and central business district.

Big Tree Valley Hotel in Maun, Botswana, has been revamped.

“The revamp has added life, colour and quality creating a better experience overall for guests,” says GM Keneo Sebati.

Ceramic tiles has replaced carpets, while the interiors of all rooms has been refurbished. The reception and restaurant have also been revamped.

The hotel has a total of 13 rooms, which can accommodate 29 guests. Additional facilities include a conference room for 100 delegates.

Chobe Princess

With only a small number of guests per boat staying in one of the three Chobe Princesses is like being on your very own houseboat. The entire boat can also be booked exclusively, giving you your very own private villa on the water. As you drift down the Chobe River and spot incredible wildlife scenes, you'll be able to completely relax in an intimate river safari experience.

Each houseboat has a minimum of three smaller "tender" boats for use on daily excursions that take your fancy: mark off over 450 bird species found in this wetland paradise, try your hand at landing a tiger fish, or capture Africa's unique beauty on a photographic safari. Whatever you choose to do, your day trips will be personal and flexible because you’ll be sharing the tender boats with a small number of guests. Alternatively, simply laze on a deck chair with an ice-cold drink in hand as you soak up the tranquility that surrounds you.

Each cabin on board the Chobe Princesses is tastefully decorated in a contemporary style, and each has its own private view onto the ever-changing landscapes beyond. As you lie on your king-sized bed, spot an elephant grazing on the riverbank nearby, or see a fish eagle diving for its prey. On the upper entertainment deck, a spacious lounge and bar area encourages you to take time out while there’s also a plunge pool that's perfect for a refreshing dip. After a day spent doing as you please, fall asleep with the calls of hyena or even a lion drifting through the open doors of your cabin.

Cresta Hotels - Zimbabwe

Hotel Bulawayo

 

Cresta Lodge

Jameson Hotel

Oasis Hotel

The Ancient Fish River Canyon

Fish River Lodge in southern Namibia is the only lodge perched directly on the rim of the Fish River Canyon offering guests breathtaking views of the canyon from sunrise to sunset. Experience first hand the geological forces that unfolded 300 million years ago, when the Fish River began to etch its way through hard quartzite forming a Canyon 90 km long, making it the world's second largest Canyon. Set in a grove of ancient Quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma), the Lodge has been carefully designed to echo the terraced and rugged terrain as well as the colours and textures of the landscape thereby offering guests a pleasant change from the typical 'safari' type lodge found elsewhere in Africa. There is a blend of classical and contemporary furnishings and many of the accessories have been made by San and Nama communities whose ancestors once roamed the terrain; authenticity, comfort and simplicity are key to the Lodge's unique ambiance.

Tautona Lodge - Botswana

Tautona Lodge is a private game reserve located 5 minutes from the town Ghanzi, Ghanzi is a town in the western part of the Republic of Botswana in Southern Africa. The lodge is situated on a private reserve in the Kalahari with an abundance of wildlife including Eland, Oryx, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Ostrich, and Kudu as well as an extensive variety of bird life. Tautona Lodge offers luxury but affordable accommodation to holiday makers as well as the many business people that frequently visit Ghanzi. Secluded and tranquil with Waterbuck and Eland that graze peacefully amongst the chalets.. For your enjoyment the amenities at the lodge include an excellent a la carte restaurant, sports bar, pool table, table tennis, darts, swimming pool and open air deck

1xLuxury Family Chalet

Double story thatched stone building comprises of 1 Double en-suite bedroom, 2 twin rooms sharing a bathroom. Dining area, TV lounge and kitchenette with a private veranda and an outside BBQ area.

7 X DOUBLE MINI CHALETS & 1 X TWIN MINI CHALET

Thatched stone building comprises of an en-suite bedroom with a TV and tea and coffee making facilities…

DOUBLE / TWIN CHALETS

Thatched stone building comprises of 1 x Double / Twin en-suite bedroom. TV lounge with a kitchenette.

4 X TENTED ACCOMMODATION

Luxury Tents with twin beds and en-suite bathroom and BBQ facilities situated in the campsite.

Tautona Campsite

Tautona Campsite is 5min drive from the Main lodge. The campsites are set beneath the shade of thorn trees. Guests can enjoy a true bush experience under the Kalahari sky. The campsite facilities include electricity an ablution block with a double set of "flush" toilets, showers with hot and cold running water and a communal sink for washing dishes. The Boma and Lapa is available especially for the rainy days. Guests are welcome to enjoy Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner at Tautona Lodge Ala Carte Restaurant and have sundowners at the Pub. 

Explore the Okavango Delta

Considered one of Africa's masterpieces, the Okavango Delta offers and insight into one of Africa's truly great wildernesses. A World Heritage Site, this vast and virtually untouched freshwater wetland lies at the heart for Botswana's arid Kalahari yet supports an abundance of wildlife within a setting of dazzling natural beauty!

Highlights of the Okavango Delta:
The variety of flora and fauna means excellent game viewing year round
With such a profusion of life, predators in the form of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyaena and wild dog abound
Mokoro excursions offer an authentic and unobtrusive insight into this incredible wetland paradise

Okavango Delta Accommodation:

Camp Okavango
Eagle Island Lodge
Guma Lagoon Camp
Gunns Camp
Kana Kara Camp

For more accommodation please visit our website:
 www.botswana-reservations.com

Rebuilt Wellness Facilities for Toka Leya Camp

Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp, near Livingstone in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, has upgraded the wellness area and added a traditional Zambian massage to its spa menu. The new treatment can be enjoyed in the rebuilt spa or on guests’ private decks.

The wellness area has a separate spa treatment room with outdoor decking overlooking the Zambezi River, and a fitness room. The new spa treatment, Ukuchina, is an age-old massage technique that involves deep tissue massage using warm cloths on the body.

Toka Leya has 12 safari-style tents and an infinity pool.

Safari top the list for family holidays

Safari was by far the most popular family activity in the region, followed by adventure and beach activities. “Wildlife, ecology or bush experiences shared by the entire family are the most popular,” said Christian Grosch, MD of Airboat Afrika.

“Safari is an amazing way to gather the family together and create the experience of lifetime,” said Margie Jordan of US-based Jordan Executive Travel Service. She pointed out that in Southern Africa, families could secure an entire safari lodge.

Top destinations

1.Cape Town and the Western Cape

Cape Town came out as the top destination for families in Southern Africa. The Garden Route was noted for family-friendly options including Ostrich Safari Farm in Oudtshoorn, the Cango Caves, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Birds of Eden and Monkeyland.

2.South Africa

it is well-suited to self-drive holidays. Suggested that the availability of self-catering accommodation options positioned the country well for families.

3.KwaZulu Natal

The warm beaches in KwaZulu Natal were seen as a draw card for families, while uShaka Marine World in Durban was seen as must visit for families. The South Coast region in particular was described as a great family destination because of the many guest lodges, camping grounds and beach activities available. 

4.Botswana

“Botswana is definitely experiencing an increase in family travel,” said Walter Smith, MD of Desert & Delta Safaris.

Botswana offers Mother Nature's natural highlights with ease and authenticity. Small exclusive camps or lodges, private guides and activities focused on real natural experiences.”

5.Other highlights

Namibia was highlighted for the desert activities on offer.

Romantic Gataways

1.Blue Train bliss


Incorporating The Blue Train into a honeymoon on its route between Pretoria and Cape Town gives a  couple 31 hours of cocooning in luxury with a butler service, brunch, high tea, dinner and breakfast, an off-train excursion and accommodation in a plush compartment with en-suite bathroom.

2.Night skies the star of the show


Romance is found at a number of Sanctuary Retreats properties, among them Sanctuary Baines’ Camp bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Here honeymooners can bathe under the stars and then go on to sleep in the open, under cover of night.

3.Safari and spa accent at Summerfields


Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, near Hazyview and 10km from the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate, is offering honeymooners a four-night package with one night free and a number of complimentary inclusions.

4.Secluded beaches in Mozambique


The dunes behind Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique provide an opportunity to take a romantic walk on the beach to a new level.

5.Sabi Sands intimacy


With only 10 comfortable chalets, the four-star Idube Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands is an intimate location for a honeymoon.

Impodimo Game Lodge

Impodimo Game Lodge is set on a rocky ridge overlooking the vistas within the magnificent malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve of the North West Province of South Africa.

Rise in the morning to an African dawn and enjoy an early morning game drive with your dedicated professional ranger and tracker. Relax as your ranger guides you through the bush on a custom made open Land Rover searching out the secrets of nature. In the afternoon, when the heat of the African sun has diminished and the shadows are longer, head out on a sundowner safari to watch the sun set on this bushveld paradise and go in search of the more nocturnal creatures that now rule the bush.

Set out on a bush walk with your armed ranger and learn the art of tracking African game, enjoy the trees, birds and stunning scenery.

New restaurant opens on Sea Point promenade

Strolla, a new beach side restaurant, has opened on Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade by the Peninsula All-Suite Hotel. Strolla includes a coffee shop, restaurant and bar and offers indoor-outdoor and all-day dining. The restaurant is family friendly and has a kids’ area with beanbags, toys and video games.

    

       

                           

The Hide Safari Camp

The Hide Safari Camp is the product of our passion for nature in general, and Hwange National Park in particular. Built in 1992 by the Preston family, who remain deeply involved to this day, The Hide Safari Camp has earned its reputation as a consummate safari destination, for both the exceptional wildlife experience and the hospitality it offers.

Ten beautiful tented suites with views over the waterhole, where animals congregate day and night. Between game drives and walks in the National Park, there is plenty of time to relax in a comfortable lounge or sit quietly in a hide to watch the wildlife. After meals all together around a giant table or al fresco under the Acacia trees, you can spend a lazy afternoon by the plunge pool or in the shade of your veranda.

At The Hide they are passionate about nature; they have built on their superb location and extensive knowledge of the park with the best expert guides so that you can experience the true wilderness and wildlife Hwange has to offer. Whether on a drive to one of Hwange’s game-rich pans, on foot within our private concession or sleeping out in the Dove’s Nest, there is never a dull moment. In fact, the waterhole just metres from The Hide attracts such a variety of life that you may not need to roam far from your veranda to be a part of the action.

For more information please contact us at
info@zimbabwe-reservations.com
 www.zimbabwe-reservations.com