Air Namibia: Cancellation of flights during Festive Season - Dec 2011/ Jan 2012

Air Namibia confirms the cancellation of selected domestic and regional flights during the festive season from December 23, 2011 to January 02, 2012 for operational reasons.

 

Conditions of the procedure

• All passengers will be rerouted accordingly
• Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee
• AUTSW11M60911

Refund procedures:

• Apply for full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:
• AUTSW11M60911
• Full refunds for unused tickets will be granted regardless of terms and conditions of the fare (even non-refundable tickets).
• Please note: all refunds must be processed within 7days from receipt of request for the refund by passenger.

For more details please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

2 New products offered by Southern Africa Travel

Thrifty Car Rental:

When you are looking for the right vehicle to suit your travel needs book a Thrifty vehciel with Namibia Reservations. Thrifty offers various vehicles for every occasion.

Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge:

Caprivi Houseboat Safaris is an exclusive lodge nestled amid a lush green garden on the banks of the Zambezi River, a few kilometers east of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of Namibia, offering genuine hospitality in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The lodge offers five rustic en suite chalets on the waters edge, a rose wood deck with lounge bar and swimming pool to relax in.

For more details or to make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more establishments http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

News from the Gondwana Collection

Five Flowers for a 'green' Roadhouse

For its eco-friendly management the Cañon Roadhouse was rewarded by Eco Awards Namibia with five desert flowers (highest ranking). Cañon Lodge and Namib Desert Lodge were awarded three desert flowers each. Decisive factors were the water recycling plants (for the gardens), the eco-friendly waste disposal and the Gondwana Eco Competition at their lodges and on the web.

Exploring Damaraland on foot

Two diverse new hiking trails at Damara Mopane Lodge offer guests the opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of Damaraland at their leisure. The Mountain Top Route (4 km) requires some climbing to reach a hilltop in the vicinity of the lodge. By contrast, the Valley Walking Trail is a leisurely 4-km-walk through diverse vegetation such as Mopane forest, grassy plains and thickets of Trumpet Thorn.

The Quiver Tree - a Victim of Climate Change?

Red alert for the quiver tree was declared at the climate conference in Copenhagen in January 2010. Aloe Dichotoma and nine other plant and animal species were added to the 'Red List'. There was indeed reason for concern: In many places in southern Namibia entire groups of quiver trees were dying while hardly any young trees were discovered. Climate change was seen as the main suspect.

For more information or to make a booking email us: info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website: http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry: Foot & Mouth Desease Update in Caprivi

We received news that foot and mouth has become a problem again for the December season in the Caprivi area. Please see the information received from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Forestry:
 
MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS/PRODUCTS AND INFECTIOUS THINGS THROUGH VETERINARY ROAD BLOCKS, CAPRIVI.

1.    The following animals/infectious things may not under any circumstances be allowed to pass through the road blocks from any infected area:

·         All cloven hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and game.)

·         Raw red meat

·         Raw milk

·         Grass, hay, straw, reeds, Lucerne

·         Manure

·         Hides and skins and second hand jute bags

·         Bone, bone meal , carcass meal and blood meal

·         Large quantities of firewood i.e., vehicle load

·         Sour milk

·         Other products that might pose a risk – contact State Veterinarian.

2.    The following may cross the road block from an infected area:

·         Dogs and cats

·         Horses, donkeys and mules

·         Live or frozen poultry and birds, feathers, eggs and raw meat of poultry and birds

·         Fish, reptiles, frogs, worms

·         Vegetables, fruit, wild, free from manure or blood

·         Leafy vegetables such as cabbages, spinach, lettuce, celery, etc., if free from manure or blood.

·         Butter, margarine, cheese in original container/package

·         Sealed containers of pasteurized milk

·         Cooked meat/canned products/polony, Vienna’s in original/vacume packed container

·         Mealie – meal

·         Quarry stones for construction

·         Trophies (with taxidermy documents) wrapped in transparent material

 3   The following may cross the road block after spraying

     with 5% washing soda

·         Wood carvings, curios, mats, future manufactured from reads/grass

·         Small quantities of firewood less than 20kg

·         Horns

Dr. F. Joubert

Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer

Windhoek

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details: info@southern-africa-travel.com

Air Namibia: Schedule adjustments

Amendments have been made to the current schedule, and the system is being updated accordingly.

Notably adjustments are highlighted below:

·        Effective 5 December 2011 until 24^th March 2012, SW 164 departure time from 06:30 to 07:00, and ensuing flight times changed accordingly,

·        Effective 5 December 2011 until 24^th March 2012, one rotation ERS-NDU-MPA, on Thursdays removed,

·        Effective 5 December 2011 until 24^th March 2012, the Rundu / Katima route changed to triangular (so that the aircraft does not return to NDU from MPA, but proceeds to ERS from MPA).

For more information please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Exciting News from Sanctuary Retreats

An exciting announcement...

The annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards survey results are in! The votes are the combined opinions of 28,876 Condé Nast Traveler readers, some of the most discerning travellers in the world. We are delighted to announce that Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, Sanctuary Olonana and Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero were named #13, #18 and #19 respectively in the Top 35 Africa Resorts.

Walking in Mosi-oa-Tunya
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, Zambia

The new walking safari activity offered at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma will now be available as an included activity at no additional cost to guests. Other activities included in the rate are sundowner cruises, a village tour, a tour of the Falls and game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Delta Camp Transfers
Sanctuary Retreats, Botswana

Sanctuary Baines’ and Stanley’s Camps have resumed road transfers to and from the airstrip due to lower delta water levels. This will not affect boating excursions from Sanctuary Baines’ Camp. If the water levels rise during the rainy season, transfers will again be combined with a boat excursion.

Air Botswana Check in
Sanctuary Retreats, Botswana

Please note that passengers flying with Air Botswana from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg will now need to check in at counters 72-74 and not counters 63-64 as before.  

For more establishments please visit our website at http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/ or email to info@southern-africa-travel.com

Air Namibia: Cancellation of Regional Flights from 15-30 November 2011

Air Namibia confirms the cancellation of flights SW742 / SW743 / SW715 / SW716 / SW746 / SW747 from 15 November 2011 until 30 November 2011 for operational reasons.

 

Conditions for the procedure

• All passengers will be rerouted accordingly
• Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee
• AUTHSW11M57911

Refund procedures:

• Apply for full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:
• AUTHSW11M57911
• Full refunds for unused tickets will be granted regardless of terms and conditions of the fare (even non-refundable tickets).
• Please note: all refunds must be processed within 7days from receipt of request for the refund by passenger.

For more information please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Air Namibia: Cancellation of Regional Flights from 01-14 November 2011

Air Namibia confirms the cancellation of flights SW715/6 and SW746/7 from November 01-14 2011 for operational reasons.

Conditions for the procedure:

* All passengers will be rerouted accordingly
o i.e. SW746/7 should be re-routed or re-protected on SW744/SW749
o i.e. WVB/JNB pax destined for JNB/WVB via WDH
* Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee
AUTHSW11M56211

Refund procedures:

*Apply for full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:
AUTHSW11M56211
* Full refunds for unused tickets will be granted regardless of terms and conditions of the fare (even non-refundable tickets).
* Please note: all refunds must be processed within 7days from receipt of request for the refund by passenger.

For more information please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

News received from Tour Brief

Opuwo Country Hotel reports that the C43 between Sesfontein and Opuwo is closed to 2X4s and buses. Use the C35 from Kamanjab as an alternative
For more information please contact us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Edelweiss arrives in Cape Town

Swiss airline, Edelweiss Air, arrived on its maiden flight from Zurich to Cape Town at 20h25 on October 25 with over 150 passengers on board and departed again for Zurich at 22h25 with about 50 passengers.
The airline, using an Airbus A330-200, is scheduled to fly non-stop twice a week between Cape Town and Zürich on Tuesdays and Fridays. From November 1 flights will arrive at 21h45 and depart at 23h25.
“Edelweiss Air is the second airline to join the Cape Town International Airport family this year, following Zambezi Airlines, which started operating from Cape Town in June this year.  Now Zambezi Airlines flies to the city three times a week. We are also looking forward to Air France launching its non-stop flight between Cape Town and Paris-Charles de Gaulle with three weekly frequencies and British Airways is set to introduce double-daily flights to Cape Town at the end of the month. This is all positive news for the airport and Cape Town and certainly a testament to what we have to offer as a region in tourism and business,” said Deborah Francis, Acting Communications Manager.

Derived from Tour Update

Air Namibia: Cancellation of Flights from 19-23.10.2011

Air Namibia confirms the cancellation of flight SW742/3 on October 19 2011, SW752 on October 19 & 22 2011, SW715 on October 20 & 23 2011 for operational reasons.

Conditions for the procedure:

• All passengers will be rerouted accordingly
• Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee

         AUTHSW11M55110

Refund procedures:

•  Apply for full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:

        AUTHSW11M55110

• Full refunds for unused tickets will be granted regardless of terms and conditions of the fare (even non-refundable tickets).
• Please note: all refunds must be processed within 7days from receipt of request for the refund by passenger.

For more details please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

News from SafPar

Zambezi River Festival
Set in Livingstone, on one of the most famous sections of White Water in the world from the 22nd – 29th October is THE ZAMBEZI FESTIVAL 2011.
One week packed with awesome races, competitions, prizes and parties - starting off
with a sunset cruise on the famous Makumbi. The races will include downriver races, Rodeo, Raft races, and of course the traditional boat race in the bar. It’s going to be great fun and the more the merrier!

Yellow Fever
The South African Department of Health has introduced some amendments to the yellow fever vaccination policy for travellers coming from yellow fever risk countries. Travellers from countries with low risk of yellow fever transmission (such as Zambia) still pose a risk of yellow fever importation into South Africa.
As of 1 October 2011, all travellers from and to Zambia (including those in transit) are required to show proof of yellow fever.

For more information please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for accommodations in the Zambezi area www.southern-africa-travel.com

World Rhino Day - 22. September 2011

Taking a stand!
After a hugely successful awareness raising campaign in 2010, Rhino Africa is aiming even higher in 2011. 22 September has been declared RHINO DAY by the WWF. With the momentum from the devastating recent events at Aquila Private Game Reserve, a Big 5 Game Reserve close to Cape Town, we are planning an enormous show of strength outside Parliament in Cape Town.
Everyone is feeling passionately about putting a stop to poaching. So whether you’re with Rhino Africa, Getaway Magazine, Wildlife ACT Fund, Africa@Heart, Saving Rhinos (Facebook: Saving Rhinos), Walking for Rhino Rights, Chishakwe Ranch, Aquila Private Game Reserve (Saving Private Rhino Initiative) or just a passionate individual, let’s get together, stand tall and speak with one voice.

Date: Thursday 22 September 2011
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (come down after the rugby and in your lunch break)
Where: Congregate by the Louis Botha Statue outside Parliament in Cape Town. We hold the necessary permissions from the City of Cape Town and the Magistrate Office.
What to wear: Red!
What to bring: Bring placards with an anti-rhino poaching message; water; sun cream and a hat. Bring good cheer, a loud voice and your vuvuzelas!

Derived from Rhino Africa

Robertson Wine on the River set for October

 

From October 14 to 16, the Robertson Wine on the River will be held on the banks of the Breede River for the sixth consecutive year. Visitors will be able to enjoy over 300 wines from various wineries, browse through the food stalls, and listen to live jazz, ballads, and blues.

The festival will take place in a marquee at riverside farm Goudmyn, situated on the R317 between Robertson and Bonnievale. Features will include tutored chardonnay tastings at the Chardonnay Tent, the Robertson Farmers’ Market, river cruises, and an arts and crafts selection.

There will also be a range of children’s activities. Children under 18 will enter free of charge, after which the activities will be charged for on a pay-as-you-go system.

Designated parking areas have been arranged and, for visitors who use parking areas further away, a shuttle service will provide transport to and from the festival.

Derived from Tourism Update

News received from Tour Brief

Kulala Wilderness Camp closing April 2012
Wilderness has announced that Kulala Wilderness Camp will close permanently on 15.04.2012. After Kulala Wilderness Camp has closed, future Wilderness accommodation in the Sossusvlei area will be provided by Kulala Desert Lodge and Little Kulala.
Alternative arrangements are being made for all affected bookings.

Kulala Desert Lodge is expanding
Kulala Desert Lodge will add 6 new rooms (5 twins & 1 family) in early 2012. The main area will be enlarged and remodelled. The camp will be closed from 15 January to 14 April 2012 inclusive. Alternative arrangements are being made for all affected bookings.

Laughter comes calling...
A female brown hyena has taken up residence near Serra Cafema. Picture courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

Lüderitz Nest Hotel: gateway to the Sperrgebiet

Main points
* 73 rooms, incl. family units & paraplegic friendly rooms
* Located in Lüderitz, with all rooms overlooking the ocean
* Ideal base for visiting Kolmanskop, Diaz Point, Shark Island and the rugged coastal scenery.
* Children’s playground, pool and childcare services
* Courtyard sheltered from wind
* Noted seafood restaurant
* Conferencing
* Offers Lüderitz Town Tour, Peninsula Tour, Kolmanskop Tour and Sunset Tour
* Friendly to children
* Suitable for the aged
* Suitable for the disabled with 3 x paraplegic friendly

Destination: the Sperrgebiet, tourism's rough diamondIn 1908, when diamonds were discovered by railway worker Zacharias Lewala in the vicinity of Lüderitz, the German colonial administration quickly declared a restricted zone, the 'Sperrgebiet'. For a long time, the only sign welcoming travellers read 'keep out'. Today, all that is changing, as parts of the restricted area have been opened for the adventurous. The Sperrgebiet is a rugged, closed area, that can only be visited with a permit that must be applied for two weeks in advance. No children under 14 can enter the Sperrgebiet. Kolmanskop, although treated separately, also falls within the Sperrgebiet. The attraction of the area lies in its history, it’s marvellous natural attractions and the sense of illicit pleasure that comes from visiting a forbidden zone. The trip to Lüderitz, from where the Sperrgebiet is entered, is difficult to schedule as the distances are long, and the route in and out between Lüderitz and Aus must be repeated. However, if the traveller is pressed for time, a fly-in is recommended.

Nature: the amazing plants of the Sperrgebiet
A large part of the Sperrgebiet consists of the Succulent Karoo Biome, a global diversity hotspot. Spreading from Aus, across the border of the Sperrgebiet, this environment is an under-marketed attraction that gives consultants an interesting alternative for clients with an interest in botany, succulent plants and deserts.

For more information please email us: info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website: http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/ or visit our sister website http://www.namibiareservations.com/

Air Namibia upgrades regional fleet

Air Namibia has announced an upgrade of its regional fleet by adding two new-generation A319-100 aircraft, scheduled to enter service this month.

The A319-100 will be in a two-class configuration, with 16 business-class and 96 economy-class seats. The new aircraft offers a 137cm seat pitch in business class and 81cm pitch in economy class. The aircraft will service the Windhoek, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Luanda and Accra routes.

Derived from Tourism Update

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Lodge Inn

Situated a mere 40km from Otavi en-route to Grootfontein near the quant town town of Kombat. Offering 5 comforable en-suite rooms, a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. A perfect stopover to visit the Caprivi or Etosha National Park.

To make a booking please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more details http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

News received from Air Namibia

Cancellation of flight SW781/2 JNBWVB 02 September and 07 September 2011 WVBJNB.

Dear Trade Partner,

Air Namibia announces the cancellation of flight SW781 JNBWVB on September 02, 2011and SW782 WVBJNB on September 07, 2011 for operational reasons.

Conditions for the procedure
All passengers will be rerouted accordingly
Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee
Passengers will not be provided with accommodation
AUTH/SW/11/MISC/M515/11/08

Refund procedures:
Apply for a full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:
AUTH/SW/11/MISC/M515/11/08
Full refunds for unused tickets will be granted regardless of terms and conditions of the fare (even for non-refundable tickets).

Please note: all refunds must be processed within 7 days from receipt of request for the refund by the passenger.
You can contact any nearest reservation/ticket office for further details

Derived from Air Namibia Newsletter

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
Nkasa Lupala tented lodge is situated in the Wuparo community conservancy 130km west of Katima Mulilo in the Caprivi Region of northen Namibia. The distance from Kongola is 75km on good gravel road.
The Lodge consist of a network of Teak platforms with 10 luxury Tents constructed out of steel, canvas and wood with proper doors and windows and en-suite bathroom facilities. For the 10 rooms there is a central dining room, lounge facility with kitchen, storage, office and bar linked to the rooms through a network of pathways. The lodge is totally energy self-sufficient for electricity and water heating by using solar panels and will serve as an example of sustainable construction and planning not only in the region but in Namibia as a whole.

To make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more accommodation www.southern-africa-travel.com

When is a good time to come to Namibia?

Unlike many other African countries, Namibia is an all year destination. The dry season is best for game viewing whereas the wetter (green) season is better for scenery, bird watching and general photography.

January, February, March & April:
Wildlife and game viewing:
Animals, especially in Etosha, tend to spread out and not gather at the waterholes. However, this does not mean that one does not see animals. Many of the plains game like springbok and zebra, give birth during this time so lots of young to be seen. Animals like the lions, leopard and others stay in their territories and do not move away.
Desert and landscapes:
This period is the best time to visit the Namib Desert with its green grasses, open and clear skies with some beautiful cloud formations.
Photography:
This is an excellent time in the desert for landscapes, beautiful colours as well as ethnic people.

May, June, July & August:
Wildlife and game viewing:
Water levels are dropping and animals start congregating at waterholes for their daily drink. Still quite a lot of vegetation so animals are a quite spread out. A good time for game viewing.
Desert and landscapes:
Autumn and winter means cool and chilly evenings bringing crisp conditions, clear skies and pristine dunes and landscapes.
Photography:
Fantastic months for photography. Landscapes, dune formations etc are at their best with little dust in the air giving clear and open skies.

September, October, November & December:
Wildlife and game viewing:
This period can get very hot indeed which makes for excellent game viewing … again, a wide range of animals meeting at the waterholes. This is often during the heat of the day so good game viewing throughout the day. In the north of Namibia, the rains can start as early as December but game viewing is normally still excellent.
Desert and landscapes:
All year destination but can get extremely hot from about 11h00 to 16h00.
Photography:
Photography in Namibia is always good … game in Etosha, dunes at Sossusvlei, landscapes and ethnic people. Middle of the day and early afternoon is hot and the light would not be that good.

Derived from Namibia Tours & Safaris

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to visit Namibia at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website to see the many different establishments www.southern-africa-travel.com

News from Finesse

Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge: offers visitors ample space & privacy. The rooms are currently receiving shade roofs over the terrace area. 5 rooms have been completed already! The lodge is proud to announce the arrival of a new chef. His delicious meals will tickle your taste buds! An interesting activity offered by the lodge is the Tans Kalahari Walk: This is a 2-day guided walk through the breathtaking dune-landscape of the Kalahari with 2 nights spent at the Kalahari Red Dunes Lodges and 1 night at Teufelskrallen Tented Lodge. Guests will need to be quite fit for this activity, as the first day comprises of a 15km walk through the dunes.

Alte Kalköfen Lodge: Your ideal lunch stop in the South. This lodge is situated en route from/to the Fish River Canyon. Here you will be spoiled by Hilde with scrumptious light meals. Then there is the interesting history that Frikkie will tell you about the area. Visit the old lime oven close to the lodge, as well as the very interesting lithoparium. On the topics of the lithops the lodge has introduced a new activity for guests (only self-drive at this point) interested in these plants: We have over 20 locations from Lüderitz to Helmeringhausen and around the Canyon Lodge, where Lithops and other succulents grow in nature. To enable the guests to find the succulents we normally accompany them to the locations, where the plants are growing. The reason for this is that we are assisting the guests to find the plants, explaining names etc and ensure that the sites are properly preserved. Frikkie is also very proud to announce that the airstrip at the lodge is completed and ready to receive Fly-in clients. The co-ordinates are as follows: -00:26 49'12.10"S/ 017 22'37.20"E,
-18:26 49'52.56"S/ 017 22'29.88"E

Frans Indongo Lodge: boasts with another rhino calf born this year, and this brings the rhino population to 7 White and 2 Black Rhinos. One of the lodges' preferred partners for activities in the Otjiwarongo area is the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF).

Gelbingen Lodge: offers a great Himba experience especially for self-drive clients, who do not want to drive all the way up to Opuwo. Immanuel, who is one of the Himba of the village living at Gelbingen, guides you through his home and tells you all about their life and customs.

Guestfarm Kiripotib: This quaint guest farm is the ideal spot for guests interested in arts & crafts. The carpet weavery on site produces magnificent karakul wool carpets in all forms, colours and designs. You can create your own design right there and then. Also visit Claudia's gold smith studio, where she creates beautiful jewellery. It is also a "mecca" for astrologers with state of the art equipment that is available.

Lüderitz Nest Hotel: The project of refurbishing the rooms is still ongoing, and they really do look very stunning. The public areas are all done.
Whether it is a function or a seminar - be assured, our reputation has been founded on the professional way we handle these events, both from the Organisational and the Catering aspects. Conference rooms are available to provide the ideal setting for any number of guests from 5 to 200, and this flexibility is maintained in both our Menu's and Service.

Okahandja Country Hotel: They have replaced all the mattresses and pillows in the rooms, and the feedback from guests has been very positive. Ikus, Bianca and their team look forward to meeting you.

Sandwich Harbour 4x4: "The Kuiseb River is still flooded after the exceptional rains this year. The entire Kuiseb Delta is still mostly under water and the we cannot pass through this area at all. We are still able to get along the edges of the delta where we can find Dune Larks and most other desert species. The salt mining company is busy with draining the water into the sea. Naude found a big male warthog running around in the middle of the salt pans. He probably came down along the river and lost his direction after the strong east winds. We have recently added two Nissan Patrols to our fleet to cope with increasing demand for the Sandwich Harbour Excursions in season. We will continue to keep our groups as small and personal as possible."

Toshari Lodge: A curio shop and 3 additional Luxury Rooms were added to the lodge's facilities. An outside barbecue area enables the lodge to offer barbecue and carvery buffet on alternating nights. All building operations are completed.

Zelda Game & Guestfarm: The gardens at the entrance area have been completely revamped and now feature a waterfall and some small fountains. It invites you to stroll around and sit in the quiet nooks of the garden enjoying the tranquil surroundings. They are also busy upgrading the Be Wild Camp and plan to be finished with these at the beginning of 2012.

To find out more or to make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/ or our sister website http://www.namibiareservations.com/ for more establishments.

Update received from Namibia Country Lodges

Camels head to Twyfelfontein

Nine trained camels are moving to Twyfelfontein area. The scenic area with its historic rock engravings, volcanic and sandstone geology, panoramic vistas, endemic fauna & flora offer guest an ideal opportunity to explore the area on the back of a camel. No fences and unlimited space allow the camels to walk in any direction, leaving a light footprint without any noise or pollution to the environment.

The camels will arrive on the 3rd of August and be based at the Aba-Huab campsite.

A half day excursion on the back of a camel will take guests to various rock engraving sites which are hidden amongst Mopani trees and rock boulders and situated off the beaten track.

The traditional Damara Village not far from the Aba-Huab Campsite makes an easy morning or afternoon excursion to experience age old Damara customs in a unique setting.

Ride out to "Wondergat" a bottomless sinkhole north from Twyfelfontein Lodge to toss a rock down its mouth without hearing it hit the bottom, and then traverse via a different route back to the lodge while exploring breathtaking Aba-Huab valley vistas.

Guests can participate on a longer camel safari combined with camping under the stars and trekking by day through ephemeral riverbeds of the Huab and Ugab Valley. Itinerary and quote on request.

The above activities are currently being scouted and mapped as part of our activity program at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. Detailed activity descriptions and rates will follow in the second half of August.

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge was recently awarded two Eco Award Flowers, for accommodation establishments managed according to eco-friendly principles. We follow this program with selective and careful use of our resources, reducing, recycling and reusing. Our aim is to achieve eco flowers for all six NCL establishments to prove our dedication and commitment to the environment. The desert flower symbol is proof to everyone, staff as well as guests, that we are working for the future.

Visit our website to book Twyfelfontein Country Lodge or email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Giant wine show planned for Cape Town

Key stakeholders in wine and tourism are uniting to present the country’s first specialist wine tourism exhibition, Vindaba, in Cape Town as the National Tourism Sector Strategy works towards positioning South Africa as one of the world’s top 20 travel destinations by 2020 and the Western Cape seeks ways to attract spring tourists.
With the backing of national and provincial government, Vindaba will be showcasing the best in South African wine-related tourism when it is held in Cape Town in September next year, targeting the local and international travel trade, as well as wine, travel and lifestyle media.
Wine tourism has been identified as one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative sectors of the global tourism market by the Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
Vindaba, which marks a new spirit of collaboration amongst tourism bodies, is intended as a launching pad to position South Africa on the world map of wine tourism.
Forming part of a long-term strategy to boost wine tourism, the initiative represents a partnership between Wines of South Africa (WOSA) and SA Tourism, as well as the Wine Routes, Cape Town Tourism, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and the Department of Finance, Tourism and Economic Development of the Western Cape.
It will be welcomed by all hoteliers, restaurateurs and tourism business operators in the Western Cape.
SA Tourism’s global manager for events, Sugen Pillay, says wine tourism is an important part of South Africa’s leisure offering to travellers and that the wine industry should be supported by the tourism industry.
“South Africa offers a diverse and exciting range of tourism experiences. The Winelands bring a further degree of competitiveness to our industry. At the same time, local and international tourism can help to augment the revenue streams of the wine sector.”
The organisers plan to turn Vindaba into a world-class event that will assume the status of a leading wine exhibition amongst the international wine and travel fraternities. It will also offer specialist seminars, focus on gastro-tourism and provide tailor-made wine tours for the international and domestic travel business fraternity.
Although conceived as a stand-alone event, it will be staged simultaneously with Cape Wine 2012 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Cape Wine, hosted biennially by WOSA, is a showcase for South Africa’s wines and wine styles to the international wine trade. It also attracts wine, travel and lifestyle media.
Cape Wine is considered the most successful international wine trade show in the Southern Hemisphere. It is expected that some 320 wineries will exhibit next year.
The wine industry in its entirety currently provides employment for 275 000 people in South Africa.
Van Schalkwyk has identified South Africa’s wine tourism as central to marketing the country as an attractive long-haul destination. Speaking at a tourism stakeholder workshop in April, he said: “Wine tourism is a vital product offering in South Africa’s tourism product as it helps improve the country’s competitiveness against destinations like Brazil, Australia, Kenya and Thailand.”
Van Schalkwyk said travel and tourism’s contribution to global GDP was expected to grow this year, despite the fragile world economy, and was projected to reach $5 990bn, while providing 258 million jobs.
The South African wine industry has an estimated annual turnover of R22bn, with exports contributing R7bn and wine tourism, a further R5bn.

The picture above of vineyards near Paarl was taken by Hendrik Holler.

Derived from: Hotel & Restaurant

Local news from Smart Strategies - Conditions in Botswana

There was serious damage to some equipment in Francistown which has led to a complete power failure of certain areas. Authorities are predicting 4 days to effect repairs. Then to add to Botswana’s current woe’s the strikes in South Africa are leading to fuel and gas shortages in the country.
Below is an update on conditions at the properties in our portfolio:

Thamalakane River Lodge:
Maun has no power and there is no gas to be found. Lanterns are being used for lighting. Management are in the process of sourcing portable showers for guests and will be heating water with wood fires. They are very low on gas, they are searching further afield for supplies, if they don’t have any luck then meals will be prepared in their pizza oven and on open fires. Thank goodness the pizza’s are exceptional at Thamalakane! Staff at Thamalakane are very experienced and are confident that they will be able to keep guests happy.
Reservations are handled by our offices in Cape Town so communication is all running smoothly as usual in that department.

Dinaka Safari Lodge:
Dinaka is solar powered so it is business as usual at the camp. Reservations are being handled by our offices in Cape Town so communication is all going according to plan.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge:
The power outage is not affecting Nxamaseri. Reservations is running on a battery, so all is well there. Fuel and gas has not affected them yet, they have quite good reserves so all should be good.

Mapula Lodge:
Mapula reservations in Maun is affected, we (Smart Strategies) are able to assist with any booking enquiry as we have access to their systems and we are picking up their reservation emails until the power gets sorted out in Maun. Telephone lines are down and one entire cell network as well. Business as usual at the camp all is running smoothly.

Camp Dizhana:
The camp does not rely on the national power grid, so everything is running as usual. Reservations is run from South Africa so all is fine on that front as well.

Tuli Safari Lodge:
The power outages have not affected them and they are fine with stocks of fuel and gas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@suthern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for more establishments www.southern-africa-travel.com

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Kamanjab Rest Camp

Kamanjab Rest Camp is situated in the fascinating Kunene Region in the North-West of Namibia, which is also the home of the Desert Elephants, the Damara and Himba people. Cool off in the Splash pool after a hot and dusty drive.
Spot the birdlife at the Rest camp from the nearby waterhole or from the “sundowner-koppie”. Here you can enjoy beautiful landscapes with rocky Hilltops, lovely grasslands and abundant wildlife.

For more details visit our website at www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/kamanjab-rest-camp.html or email us to make a booking at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Various Packages offered by Southern Africa Travel

Etosha Package
2 Persons - Double Room at Otjibamba Lodge (BB) for 1 Night,
Okaukuejo (DBB) for 2 Nights,
Car Rental - Group B
including return flight on Air Namibia (CPT/JNB-WHK-CPT/JNB)Sossusvlei Package
2 Persons - Double Room at Le Mirage Desert Lodge (DBB) for 3 Nights,
Car Rental - Group B
including return flight on Air Namibia (CPT/JHB-WHK-CPT/JHB)Swakopmund Package
2 Persons - Double Room at Royal Benguela Guesthouse (BB) for 3 Nights,
1 Marine Dune Day 9morning Cruise with afternoon 4x4 Sandwich Harbour Excursion)
Car Rental - Group B
including return flight on Air Namibia (CPT/JNB-WHK-CPT/JNB)Windhoek Package
2 Persons - Double Room at Olive Grove Guesthouse (BB) for 2 Nights,
Car Rental - Group B
including return flight on Air Namibia (CPT/JNB-WHK-CPT/JNB)Desert Express Weekend Package
2 Persons - Overnight on the Train (DBB) for 2 Nights,
Transfer from/to International Airport Windhoek
including return flight on Air Namibia (JNB-WHK-JNB)Botswana Package
2 Persons - Double Room at The Garden Lodge (FI) for 1 Night incl 1 Game Drive & 1 Boat Trip into the Chobe National Park,
Nata Lodge (BO) for 1 Night incl. 1 Game Drive into the Sowa Pan,
1 Double Tent at Audi Camp (BB) for 2 Nights incl. 1 Day Moremi Game Reserve Safari
Drotsky’s Cabins (BO) for 2 Nights incl. 1 Day Trip with Boat & Guide (fuel excl.)Namibia Reservations offers various packages for:Self Dives Travelers, Business Travelers, Weekend Getaways, Honeymooners.

Email us for more details: info@southern-africa-travel.com
or visit our website:
http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/packages.html

Local news from Compass Marketing

Sunsail Catamarans - Walvis Bay
When visiting the Namibian Coast, it is imperative to experience a boat trip on the famous Walvis Bay Lagoon. Sun Sail Charters operates 3 luxurious Catamarans, seating 15-30 people. The Catamarans offer a stable platform for viewing marine life, also offering toilets on board and proper wash basins. The company places great emphasis on Sailing to make the trip a pleasant experience. The vessels are silent, even when underway with their engines. The company's signature trip is the 'Dolphin Cruise' which leaves from the Walvis Bay lagoon every morning at 08h15 and 10h00. During the 4 hour cruise one may experience close encounters with seals, dolphins, whales, turtles, sun fish and a variety of sea birds. Some cape fur seals are accustomed to people and entertain the guests by jumping on board. Oyster farms, a ship wreck at Pelican Point, the lighthouse and the seal colony are visited. Fresh oysters and champagne is part of the cruise. A range of other trips or parties on the boat or beach can be organised. Should customers need road transfers from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay(35 km), a Sun Sail Bus service is also available. The latest special sightings include humpback whales and a fruit bat resident on the mast. New office premises will be ready at the waterfront by end June 11. Complimenting the staff with Captain Hans and his skippers are 2 new guides- Birgit and Lynia.

BüllsPort Guestfarm and Camp Sites
The Guestfarm's private Wilderness camp sites are some of Namibia‟s best kept secrets. BüllsPort Camp sites are ideal for campers looking for privacy and solitude. Guests may also take part in a wide range of hiking and horseriding activities offered by the Guestfarm “Bulls Head Campsite“ is situated 3 km east of the Guestfarm offering a great view of the surrounding mountains. A toilet, shower, dishwashing facility, water taps near the camp ground and a shaded area for tents or entertainment is available (no electrical plug points, but the ablution block offers solar lights). “Old Police Station Site”
is located on the western side of the farm and an exclusive campsite for one group at the time – it is for true nature lovers and ideal for larger groups or private parties. The spot also features
cemented natural stone benches, Toilets, showers, dishwashing facilities, water taps and lots of
shady spots. No electricity! Natural Rock pools for swimming can be found on a walk up the quiver tree gorge.

For more information or to make a booking email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our sister website for more details.

Updated road conditions for the South of Namibia

Information received from the Gondwana Collection:

Please be advised that if you are entering the Canyon area from the north (Luderitz, Keetmanshoop areas) the C12 at Seeheim, leading off the B4 road has been closed due to severe flooding of the road.
We suggest that you rather take the Naute Dam turn off signposted the D545 and drive over the dam wall. The D545 then joins the C12 which will then lead you to the Canyon. The Canon Roadhouse, Canon Village and Canon Lodge are then well signposted off the C12.

It has also been reported that the road (C13) at Rosh Pinah has been washed away and is not accessible, therefore there is no access from Rosh Pinah up to Aus or from Aus to Rosh Pinah.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information at info@southern-africa-travel.com

News from AfriCat

AfriCat Foundation a winner!
At a glittering ceremony held at the moyo Restaurant, uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa, on May 6, 2011, the AfriCat Foundation scooped the Good Safari Award for ‘Best Wildlife Charity Organisation’ in Africa.

The hard work and impact made by AfriCat has been recognized by the judging panel of the Good Safari Awards. Leading a diverse field of established African conservation projects, AfriCat was crowned ‘Best Wildlife Organisation’ on the continent.

The team at AfriCat and Okonjima are thrilled to have been recognized for what they do and look forward to introducing more international guests to their unique project in Namibia.

2011 Health Check a resounding success
Every year the AfriCat Team, including our supporting veterinarian Dr. Mark Jago, undertakes a health check on the resident cheetah, leopard, spotted hyaena & wild dogs at our Carnivore Care Centre based on Okonjima farm. The lions of the AfriCat North Care Centre will undergo a similar health check in June.

In preparation for these examinations, individual animals in the Care Centre are identified according to routine and specific needs which may have arisen such as contraception, eye infections or abnormalities, worn or broken dentition, serious injuries and any other obvious symptoms indicating poor health, observed during our daily rounds.

For more information or to make a booking at Okonjima Lodge please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our sister website www.namibiareservations.com/okonjimae.html

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Alte Kalköfen Lodge
The lodge is named Alte Kalköfen, that was derived from two old lime ovens situated on the farms Simplon and Sandverhaar. The older oven was built in the middle 1800s and the newer oven in 1910 with the purpose to produce lime that was used for construction and agricultural purpose. Alte Kalköfen is situated on a plot inside the farm Sandverhaar. The Lodge is an interesting combination of modern architecture, it’s environment and decorative remainders from the “past”...

To make a booking please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

New on Southern Africa Travel Website

KuanguKuangu Luxury Cabin

Situated in the peaceful solitude of an idyllic valley, in the heart of the desert, KuanguKuangu is the ideal place for travellers who seek tranquillity and intimacy. Nestled in a dune, KuanguKuangu makes it possible for its occupants to live in harmony with nature, at the same time offering them comfort, luxury, adventure and relaxation.

The natural materials used for the construction of KuanguKuangu blend perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Combinations of vibrant earth tones and raw materials such as canvas, wood, stones, logs and sand in an essential wilderness mix to keep a sense of the old safaris, transcending the ephemeral nature of modern decor fashions to harmonise with the natural world.

To make a booking please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com

New on Southern Africa Travel website

Guesthouse Gecko
Situated in Windhoek offer luxurious en-suite accommodation with breakfast included at affordable rates.
Please visit our website for more details: www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/guesthouse-gecko.html

Hadassa Guest House
Situated in Otjiwarongo, with its comfortable and homely atmosphere Hadassa Otjiwarongo has been serving its customers with a smile.Our establishment, which is surrounded by peaceful bushveld, embraces tired travellers and businesspersons en route to some of Namibia’s well known destinations.
Please visit our website for more details: www.southern-africa-travel.com/item/hadassa-guest-house.html

Or email us to make a booking at info@southern-africa-travel.com

Yellow fever vaccination required for passengers travelling to and from Zambia

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South African Department of Health has subsequently issued a statement that all travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required.
All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Newsflash received from Sanctuary Retreats

For more information please contact us at info@southern-africa-travel.com