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.

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.

Zim-Zam: Two new hotels for Kenneth Kaunda airport

Zambia Airports Corporation is set to identify a hotel chain to run two hotels that are being built at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka, as part of a $360 million expansion project of the airport.

According to Communications and Brand Manager, Mweembe Sikaulu, a viable investor will be identified to run the two hotels.

“The in-transit hotel, which will be housed within the airport terminal, will have 30 rooms, while outside the terminal, a second hotel will offer 70 rooms,” said Sikaulu, adding that construction was anticipated to be completed in 2019 along with the expansion of the airport.

She said the transit hotel would operate as a three-star facility while the 70-room hotel would be built as a five-star facility with conferencing rooms.

The new Chinese-funded airport is being built in the shape of an eagle, the Zambian national bird.

Kenneth Kaunda Airport currently handles two million passengers and is the gateway to Zambia.

New activities for the whole family

 

Paddling in the mangroves

Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique recently added stand-up paddle boards to its repertoire of water sports. This is a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy, combining it with a snorkelling picnic or a dhow sailing cruise. The mangrove forests near the lodge are an idyllic location to explore on the paddle boards. The lodge is reached by boat transfer from Maputo to the Santa Maria Peninsula.

Horse ride and picnic

A new activity for families at Legend Golf & Safari Resort and in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg is horse riding. Two packages are on offer, combining a one- or two-hour ride with a picnic lunch. Rides are accompanied by a trained guide.

Berries and ‘buses’ on the Garden Route

At Fancourt, on the Garden Route in the Western Cape, eco-friendly tours are available on the recently introduced Eco-Rider, a two-wheeled battery-powered machine, with the ability to clamber over all types of terrain on the golfing estate. The activity is already popular with families, and is done under the guidance of a local guide. A day trip on the Outeniqua Power Van, a rail bus travelling from the Outeniqua Transport Museum through one of the most scenic routes in George against the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountain, is another novel means of exploring the beauty of the Garden Route. Nearby, and ideal for families, is Redberry Farm for some strawberry picking. Visitors can also explore the large hedge maze, relax in the onsite tea garden, purchase home-made delicacies from the farm stall, while children enjoy mini train rides, bumper boats, and pony rides. Teenagers and younger children can socialise in the Teens Lounge or Kidz Club. Even babies are given special care at Fancourt, receiving their branded soft towels and face cloths.

Picking up bush skills

A meaningful conservation experience is now on offer in a remote corner at Gondwana Game Reserve on the Garden Route, where a tented eco camp has been established for 10 people in five tents. It comes with private staff who see to catering and tent service, and a dedicated field guide and vehicle for the duration of the stay. A six-day/five-night stay option enables guests to participate in wildlife and veld management, learn bush skills and volunteer in the local community. There are also specific weeks where a family programme is hosted. Says owner, Mark Rutherford: “They ensure the activities are not too long or too strenuous for the little ones, to keep them motivated and happy. Family projects are developed for all age groups to be able to actively participate. While the regular, more adult programme (16 years and up) brings in elements of wildlife monitoring and research, for the younger crowd they will substitute this with activities like fishing, treasure hunts and nature craft to keep it fun and interactive.” The reserve has the Big Five species, and is blanketed in fynbos.

Museums that tell the story of South Africa

1.The Apartheid Museum
En-route to Soweto, this museum is often combined with a day spent in the sprawling township providing a fitting introduction to its past. “The brilliance of the Apartheid Museum is that it presents the historical system which dominated South Africa in the 20th century in clear, graphic and sometimes chilling terms. The experience is made powerful and comprehensible through tremendous thought to the discreet elements which make up the exhibitions, which despite their often horrific content are always clean, clear and audible.”

2.‘Liberation Struggle’ museums 
The establishment of the Constitutional Court on the site of a former prison gave rise to Constitution Hill. Filled with symbolism of freedom and transparency, the site offers tours of buildings that once held heroes of the struggle captive, and now house the court that ensures human rights for all. Liliesleaf, the underground safe-house of ANC activists in the 1960s, was the site of a police raid in 1964 that resulted in the Rivonia Trial, which saw Mandela sentenced to life.
The Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto highlights the 1976 uprising of students, and is named for the first youngster to be killed in the tragedy.  Also in the township, the one-time Orlando West residence of the Mandela family, the matchbox-size Mandela House, is a popular stop which displays much Mandela memorabilia.

3. Interpretation Centre Complex, Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
“The theme of human development is very attractive because people see it as their own history which interests them more than anything else. Our storyline is the biography of humanity looked at in large. Homo naledi [a recent fossil discovery] was a catalyst for huge renewed interest in the shared origins of humanity in Africa.”

4. SAB World of Beer
A museum to the process of beer making, as well as a conference venue, this facility is operated by South African Breweries.  It was voted South Africa’s top tourist attraction in 2009 and 2011, says General Manager, Tony Rubin, and is currently rated second most popular Johannesburg museum on TripAdvisor.

“As a business, World of Beer is evolving all the time,” states Rubin. “In the past 12 months we have improved our offering by doing beer tasting packages, food and beer pairing lunches, Halloween tours, Valentine’s Day packages, rugby packages in partnership with sports marketing companies, Saint Patrick’s Day promotions, a new and improved Tap Room menu, team building packages, the list goes on.”

5. Voortrekker Monument
“The fact that the monument and museum represents and communicates a specific period is part of its DNA. This DNA tells a particular story. Most museums in the country have transformed their displays to include our post-1994 history, despite their themes, which often confuses foreigners who are not familiar with the detail of our country’s transformation.”

Paulsen points out that the facility is the only Afrikaans monument to have been awarded Grade 1 National Heritage Site status post-1994.  It is one of but a few remaining examples of Art Deco architecture, houses what is believed to be one of the longest marble friezes in the world as well as one of the six largest historical tapestries in Africa.

6. Ditsong Museum of Natural History
Visitors to this museum, which records 50 000 visitors a year, will notice some of its star attractions in the grounds – namely the skeleton of a whale fin and dinosaur models. Its human evolution display is a favourite for international visitors, who also take advantage of a behind-the-scenes tour of the Broom Room, named after Dr Robert Broom who discovered Mrs Ples. The room houses many of the most important fossils of early hominids in the world. The Austin Roberts bird hall is also popular, displaying over 870 Southern African bird species.The museum is located in central Pretoria, two blocks away from the Gautrain and Metrorail train station.

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

Okavango Delta, largest Inland Delta

Botswana’s magnificent Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, is a maze of deep lagoons, large lakes and hidden, meandering channels. 

 During the annual flood season the Delta covers a vast area of over 16 000 km² before shrinking to less than 9000 km² in the dry season. Trapped in a basin of parched Kalahari Desert sand, the freshwater oasis attracts wildlife that depends on the permanent waters of this unique environment.

For more information please contact us at

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Natural Mystic Lodge

Comfort and Nature

Located on the Zambezi River, offers a unique vacation experience for every travel adventurer. Visitors can gaze at the mighty Zambezi as it flows over the edge of the gorge. Victoria Falls is the world's largest curtain of falling water, although its fame has spread far and wide, the magic of the site has been preserved for all to come and see.Families are welcome and will find plenty of activities for all ages. offers travel experiences destined to become lifetime of memories.

Bar and Restaurant
riverfront bar and restaurant is ideal for viewing those beautiful African skies. Great place for sundowners.

Activities
Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls on a guided tour or explore the falls yourself.Take a day trip to Botswana to see Chobe National Park, which is only an hour away from. Learn the culture and history of the area at The Livingstone Museum and The Railway Museum. Enjoy the crocodile park and snake farm.

 
Natural Mystic Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, facing Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe. We are located 20 km from Livingstone Town "Adventure Capital" of Zambia on the Nakatindi Road (M10). Only 30 km from the spectacular Victoria Falls, and 50 km from the Kazungula border connecting Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Botswana Travel Tips...

 

1. What to Bring
Binoculars, torch, insect repellent, lip salve, sunscreen, sunglasses. Cosmetics, medications, and cigarettes are all available in the major towns, but if specific brand names are needed, it is best to bring enough to last your stay.
However, care needs to be taken to comply with international aviation security regulations for items in carry on luggage. Contact your airline for details.

2. Clothing and Personal Care
In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable.
Garments of neutral colours that blend with the bush and forest are advisable for safaris and game viewing.
Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort.
Bring a lightweight jacket and/or jersey for unexpected temperature changes or rain.
In winter, wear trousers, long sleeved shirts / blouses and jerseys.
From May – August, night temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius, so warm jerseys and jackets are vital, especially on morning and evening game drives.
Closed, comfortable walking shoes or gym shoes are a must in all seasons.
Special attention should be given to protection from the sun. Bring a sunhat, good quality sunscreen, sun lotion and polarised sunglasses.
Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps.

3. Fire Arms
The issue of firearms licenses in Botswana is strictly controlled, and all firearms imported under the authority of an import permit must be licensed immediately upon arrival in Botswana. The importation of firearms that do not have the manufacturer’s serial number or other number by which they can be identified, stamped or engraved on a metal part of the weapon is totally prohibited.
It should also be noted that police permits for firearms are issued on a limited quota basis, and there can be a considerable delay in obtaining a permit, particularly on first importation. It is advisable for intending importers to make applications well in advance of dispatch, so that unnecessary inconvenience and expenses can be avoided.

4. Health
Botswana is one of the healthiest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with good primary health care facilities available throughout the country. However, the following health precautions are advised.
Vaccinations
If you are travelling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no other immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine.
Malaria
Malaria, including cerebral malaria, is common in northern Botswana, in the Okavango and Chobe areas, particularly during and immediately following the rainy season, from November to April.
As the strains of malaria, and the drugs used to combat them, frequently change, and as certain strains can become drug resistant, it is best to seek medical advice before your departure and take any medication prescribed. Pregnant or very young children are not advised to travel to malarial areas.
Other precautions are: to wear long sleeves, socks, closed shoes, and generally keep the body covered, to sleep with a mosquito net and to use mosquito coils and repellent.
Sun And Heat-Related Problems
Always take preventive measures that include wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses, liberally applying sunscreen every three or four hours, regularly taking rehydration mixes, drinking plenty of water and fruit juices (at least three litres of liquid daily), avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol, which causes dehydration.

5. Photographer Tips
Keep film in a cool box especially while traveling.
It is advisable to have all lenses fitted with UV or have filters due to harsh light.

6. Driving in Botswana
Wherever you are driving please respect wildlife, the environment and other drivers
Tar roads
The roads shown on the map above are all tar roads passable all year in a 2wd vehicle, generally they are kept in good condition throughout the country with only a few potholes, traffic is light and distances between fuel stations and toilet stops can be long so careful planning is required. Also bear in mind these areas are hot all year round so pay attention to tyre pressures – especially on well laden vehicles, if you’re vehicle is full of people and baggage tyre pressure and condition becomes much more important, then travelling long distances on hot roads can lead to tyre blowouts, so check your tyre pressure is correct, and take regularly stops along the journey for the tyres, passengers and driver !
Driving at night
Not recommended at all in Botswana (any part of the country) due to animals !
Wild animals, cows, goats, chickens, dogs and even people are attracted to the road as night falls and often sleep on the road, many collisions occur with vehicles causing serious injury, so if at all possible arrive at your destination before sunset and if you set out before dawn, keep your speed down and keep a sharp eye out for objects on the road.
Speed limits
Police are very vigilant about speeding the speed limit is:
120km/h out side city limits
100km/h on approach to towns village
60km/h passing towns and villages
30km/h in built up areas
Fines for speeding are instantly payable and in Pula cash only (police will escort you to nearest cash exchange if required)
Corruption and bribery is severely frowned upon as is drink driving in Botswana.

7.Driving License:
In Botswana, drivers must carry their driving permits licenses at all times while driving. Driving permits from neighboring countries and international driving permits are accepted in Botswana

8. Water Use
Tap water throughout the country is safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is readily available in most shops and supermarkets, and at camps and lodges.
Tourists travelling by road are advised to carry sufficient water at all times.

Kwetsani Camp

 

Located in the centre of the Jao Concession, Kwetsani Camp is situated on an elongated island covered with palm, mangosteen and fig trees. The surrounding floodplains are home to a number of “Delta specials” – species that are found in few other places on Earth. Some of these may even be seen from the privacy of one of our five “tree-house” chalets, beautifully furnished en-suite units each comprising a bedroom and lounge, and made of canvas, wood and glass.

The raised dining room, lounge and bar area, from where sweeping vistas of the surrounding floodplains stretch to the horizon, often catches the gentle breeze blowing across the waving reeds. A plunge pool with loungers is just right for those sunny afternoon siestas.

 

 

 

For more information please contact us at 

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Leopard Walk Lodge

Leopard Walk Lodge is a Private Game Lodge situated in Hluhluwe, KZN. Safe and romantic luxurious accommodation in a magnificent wildlife reserve.
 

Unwind in your luxurious accommodation, on a romantic weekend, with glass wrapped rooms and relax in your own private outdoor Jacuzzi.  Enjoy the private “secret” setting of your suite in a unique sand forest in the midst of the wildlife reserve, with over 350 bird species and abundant wildlife.
 

Leopard Walk Lodge is pleased to offer wonderful options of Body Health & Wellness Therapy & Reflexology: “Enjoy relaxing with a wide selection of body and health treatments provided by a professional beauty therapist”

You will love being in the midst of South Africa’s world famous Elephant Coast, near to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and in the environs of the World Natural Heritage Site, “A  place of wonders” – The Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park. Enjoy the ambiance of your African Safari  in luxurious accommodation in a spectacular natural wildlife Setting.

For more information please contact us at 

 info@southern-africa-travel.com
www.southern-africa-travel.com

Africa’s most exclusive hideaways

 

Singita Pamushana Lodge overlooks a lake in the remote reaches of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, comprising 38 different habitat and ecological zones in 150, 000 acres of pristine land. Malilangwe remains virtually untouched by humankind. The area is home to hundreds of baobab trees and an unrivalled gathering of birds with more than 500 species, including many raptors.
 

Spa
Bush Spa offers a holistic and healing approach to treatments, allowing them to treat each guest with the individual attention they deserve. The spa menu has been created to complement the beauty and tranquility of the wilderness, and all treatments incorporate that peace and vibrant energy to revitalize and nourish guests. 

For Families
A safari makes for an unforgettable family holiday, with exhilarating activities for the entire family to enjoy, memories made together that will last a lifetime, and opportunities to learn and grow together.With various accommodation options to choose from, Singita Pamushana Lodge is an ideal destination for families.

Activities at the lodges are tailored specifically to suit the interests and desires of each family and babysitting services are available. In the interest of safety, participation by children in any game activities is at the discretion of their guide.

Activities
Game drives
Guided safari walks
Fishing
Stargazing safaris
Tennis
Rock Art Site Visit
Sun downer Cruise

For more information please contact us at 

res@zimbabwe-reservations.com 

www.zimbabwe-reservations.com