Namibia Reservations on ATTA's online member Community

Adventure Travel Trade Association are a catalyst, a hub, a refuge, a facilitator. They are the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a global membership organization and home to a thriving community of more than 700 responsible, profitable businesses, destinations and media who transform customers and businesses alike into advocates for sustainability and justice worldwide. Their members leaders include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers.

ATTA, are driven to help adventure tourism businesses and destinations worldwide succeed. They exist to bring their members opportunities that drive new customers, lower costs and increase returns on investment. ATTA work to implement industry standards, face and address thorny issues, tackle initiatives that get adventure travel in front of the mainstream culture, and work to get others who should be investing in this industry educated about who the adventure traveller is, and the responsibilities they share to protect the people and places they visit. They are working to ensure the sustainable development of the adventure tourism industry, with their sights set on people, planet and profit.

Namibia Reservations is now part of ATTA's online member community.

Please click on the link below to read more: http://www.adventuretravelnews.com/namibia-reservations

Fire destroys villa at Camp Jabulani

“It is with regret that we advise that the Zindoga Villa has been ravaged by a fire. The thatched roof above the lounge area caught alight at approximately 04h30 on Saturday July 7. All guests were immediately evacuated to the lounge area of the main camp,” said Roode.

The Zindoga Villa is one of Camp Jabulani’s most recent additions and is a completely self-contained facility.

The team managed to save the furniture from the lounge and to contain the fire to the central section of the villa. Both bedrooms were unscathed, although the adjoining lounge and dining area have been burned beyond repair.

“The Zindoga Villa will be out of commission until further notice as the central structure will need to be reconstructed. Our reservations department will be in touch with agents and guests who have been booked into the villa to make alternative arrangements,” she said.

“While we regret any inconvenience caused as a result of the fire, we are thankful that no one sustained any injuries. Thanks go to my team at Camp Jabulani and to the folks at Kapama Game Reserve, who all rolled up their sleeves and pulled together to manage this very unfortunate situation.”

Info received by Southern Africa Tourism Update.

For more information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Air Seychelles to double SA services

Following the arrival of Air Seychelles’ first A330-200, the airline has announced that would double its Johannesburg services to four return flights a week from December 1.

According to,Air Seychelles “In March, they announced that they would double their services to Johannesburg when their second A330 is delivered next year, but because of strong bookings from South Africa and a projected boom over the busy holiday season, we reassessed the schedule to find a way to increase our frequency sooner.”

“Air Seychelles will now operate a turn-around Johannesburg service in December, ensuring better air support during weekends for the increasing number of tourists coming to the islands,” said Ball.

The schedule effective December 1 will operate as follows:

Flights will depart Mahé at 07h30, arriving in Johannesburg at 10h40 on Saturdays and Mondays. On Fridays and Sundays flights will depart Mahé at 15h35, arriving in Johannesburg at 18h45.

The return service will depart Johannesburg at 12h10, arriving in Mahé at 19h10 on Saturdays and Mondays. On  Fridays and Sundays flights will depart Johannesburg at 22h55, arriving in Mahé 05h50 the following day.

Info Received from Southern Africa Tourism Update.

For more info please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Amazing JNB-FRA fares from SAA

To celebrate 60 years flying between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, South African Airways is offering discounted fares on direct flights between the two cities for a limited period only.

The offer is available from June 29-July 14 in Germany and from July 6-13 in South Africa.

Passengers starting the journey in Johannesburg will be eligible to fly from November 14 to December 14 and from February 1 to February 28, 2013.



“With these fantastic fares we are inviting our passengers and friends to join us in celebrating 60 years of superb service linking South Africa and its biggest European trading partner, Germany, via the two countries’ key airline hubs, Johannesburg and Frankfurt,” said Theunis Potgieter, SAA’s General Manager Commercial. “In real terms, these are among the best fares ever over the last 60 years between South Africa and Europe.”

Info received from Southern Africa Tourism Update.

For more information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Namibia Reservations - Leading Lodges of Africa Circuit

Visit Namibia, where you will experience the most breathtaking beauty of landscape, wildlife and nature. We only have the best there is to offer our clients and with us you will have the opportunity to explore the most memorable 12 days of your life taking you through Namibia’s finest selection of Lodges that offers you Game Drives, Nature Walks, Balloon flights and off course meeting one of our most historical tribes “The Bushmen”
 

2 PersonsTour Length: 12 Days / 11 nights
Validity Period: Valid until 31.10.2012
Price: N$ 10375.00 per person sharing

For more info please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Beach Hotel Swakopmund to open in 29 Days!

The Swakopmund Beach Hotel will open on 28 July 2012

The hotel is located only 50m from the Atlantic Ocean and within walking distance to the center of Swakopmund. The combination of modern architectural styles with glass fronts and classic furnishings are exceptional, and a guarantee for a pleasant stay. All 20 comfort-rooms, the 5 family units, the 3 comfort apartments and the 5 luxury apartments have a balcony with a breathtaking view on the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms/apartments on the southern side of the hotel have also views of the dunes of the Namib Desert.

In addition to a fully glazed lounge they have a roof terrace with swimming pool and a amazing 360 degree view over the city, the dunes and the sea. For guests we offer a free shuttle service with a electric motorized rickshaw.

Reservations can now already be made.

Info received from Beach Hotel Swakopmund.

For more info please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

SA Tourism launches cookbook to cater for new markets

SA Tourism, in partnership with the South African Chefs Association (SACA) has produced a cookbook called ‘Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain Dining in South Africa’ in a bid to help the country’s hospitality industry better cater for the tastes of emerging markets, such as India.

“The increase in visitors from emerging markets has given us a good dilemma – how can we better create for the travel needs of our visitors from these new markets? How can we literally make them feel at home in our country, ensure they are welcomed as family and ensure their every need – including their specific dietary requirements – is catered for while they are here?” said SA Tourism CEO, Thulani Nzima.

The book sets out the specific dietary requirements of vegetarians, vegans and Jains (an Indian religion that follows a path of non-violence towards all living creatures) with lists of food items that each group may and may not eat; gives a brief explanation of the culture that informs the dietary needs of these tourists; and gives a broad selection of recipes.

The recipes have been contributed by some of South Africa’s best chefs from top hotels and lodges. It will be made available to SA’s hospitality industry and will be distributed to 6 000 chefs through SACA.

SA Tourism has recently completed research about Indian tourists’ travel behavior-some of the findings included:

- More than half of Indian travellers come to SA in large groups comprising family and friends.

- More than half of them say the cuisine on offer in their leisure destination of choice is an important factor when choosing where to go on holiday – and where to stay.

- These visitors prefer accommodation with inter-leading rooms for the holiday party. 

Info received by Southern Africa Tourism update

For  more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

And Beyond Travel Updates

South Africa

&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the reopening of &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp has been delayed until 06 Aug 12. We understand that you have guests booked prior to this date, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Tswalu

 Please be advised that as of 01 Jul 12, the scheduled departure time from Execujet at Cape Town International to Tswalu will change to 12h00. The flight will land at Tswalu at 14h00, and depart 14h30, arriving back in Cape Town at 16h30.

Southern Africa

Botswana:

&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Sandibe being on the East side has not yet received any flood water this year. The permanent channels are still flowing and there are still a fair amount of water around after last year's super high floods and massive rains in Dec and Jan, however, the flood plains are drying up. This means that unfortunately we are still unable to offer mokoros as an activity.

Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwean VISA Memo

Infant/Child VISA's: Please be advised that Zimbabwe will no be charging FULL VISA fees for any individual who is required to have a VISA despite their age. This includes infants and children who were previously being exempted from this. This has been imposed with immediate effect.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting re opened on Sunday 27 May 12 after closing for high water floods. High Water Trips will run from Rapid No. 15 to Rapid No. 23 during this initial High Water period.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

The main areas at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge will be undergoing a refurbishment from 20 - 29 Jun 12. Most of the building work will take place between 22h00 and 06h00 (under management supervision). There is some limited trades work, but this again will be carried out under senior supervision during the hours of 10h00 - 12h00 and 14h00 - 16h00 on a few days only, which is when the majority of guests are off site enjoying activities etc. around the destination

Zambia:

Livingstone Island trips

Livingstone Island trips have re opened since Friday 01 Jun 12 after closing for high water floods.

Info Received by &Beyond

For more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Table Bay sets High Tea benchmark

Sun International’s Table Bay Hotel lounge provides the perfect location for a social encounter over a teacup. And now, setting a new benchmark for High Tea, the hotel is believed to be one of the first in South Africa to offer TWG Tea, which is said to be the finest luxury tea brand in the world.

With over 1 000 single-estate harvest teas and exclusive tea blends, TWG Tea claims to have the largest collection of teas in the world.

In order to produce the optimum selection of teas for South African consumers, TWG Tea has joined forces with The Table Bay Hotel to create a tea pairing selection. These creations seek to enhance the public’s appreciation of fine teas and create a luxury experience for first-timers and tea connoisseurs alike.

Offered throughout the afternoon, High Tea at the Table Bay is an event to be enjoyed at leisure.

Tea pairing, says the hotel, allows epicureans to experience “molten potions with the best selected desserts and savoury dishes.”

The Table Bay High Tea experience is a three-course affair and each course is paired with a complementary loose-leaf tea. The first course offers savoury creations paired with light-bodied teas to enhance the flavours. The mushroom and ham quiche is paired with Pai Mu tan, a white tea from China. Cucumber sandwiches, a staple of any High Tea, are paired with Imperial Pu-Erh, a matured Yunnan tea, also from China.

There are several other savoury dishes and each is paired with blended teas from Darjeeling and China.

The second course is devoted to scones – from plain scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, to currant scones served with lemon curd. The selected English Breakfast, French Earl Grey and Good Hope Teas enhance the buttery texture of the scones.

The third course features Bain de Roses Tea, a black tea blend; South African Rooibos Red Tea; Chocolate Tea, another black tea; Pink Flamingo Tea, a green tea blend; and Number 12 Tea. Each is paired with desserts for dessert lovers.

High Tea is served between 14h30 and 17h30

Info Received by Hotel & Restaurant

For more info please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Air Namibia: Cancellation during Festive Season - Dec 2012/ Jan 2013

Air Namibia confirms the cancellation of selected Domestic, Regional and Intercontinental flights during the festive season from December 23, 2012 to January 03, 2013 for operational reasons.
 

Conditions of the procedure 

• All passengers will be rebooked on Air Namibia flights accordingly
• Passengers are to be rebooked at no fee
• No rerouting to other airlines
• AUTSW12M77312

Refund procedures:

• Apply for full refund on your net/published fare level via your GDS and quote the following reference number:
• AUTSW12M77312
•  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@namibiareservations.com

Stellenbosch first SA town to offer free Wi-Fi

Stellenbosch will become the first town in South Africa to have the entire town under free Wi-Fi.

After successfully providing free Wi-Fi to residents and students in the Stellenbosch city centre, the municipality has started rolling out its “internet connectivity project” in Cloetesville, Idas Valley and Kayamandi, according to a report by the Cape Argus. 

It certainly is a fantastic initiative in Stellenbosch that gives travellers the optimum freedom to connect to a wealth of experiences. This also applies to our communities that are in great need of connecting to the world of knowledge at no cost

Info received from Southern Africa Tourism Update

For more info please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Windhoek Country Club Launches Kids Corner

The Windhoek Country Club Resort launched their newly added Kids corner during Easter Weekend this year.

It was  successful and a big hit with parents who could enjoy their lunch in the comfort of knowing their kids are having fun and are safe

The Kids corner will be available on Sundays and special days.

Info received from Namibia Connect.

For more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Fisherman's Guesthouse under new Ownership

Fisherman’s Guesthouse, previously known as Byseewah, is now managed by Belgian chef Louis Fenaux and Anneke Cloete.

Louis who has been fishing and hunting in Namibia for years is the perfect guide to take you out on a real adventure at the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Anneke has been in tourism for a long time and will be your hosts in the welcoming guesthouse after a long day out in Namibia’s untouched nature!

With his background in Michelin Star rated restaurants, Louis is not only a great fisherman but a top chef and will prepare you a unique dinner in the evening, the restaurant is also open for non-guests but reservation is required.

Info received by Firsherman's Guesthouse

For more Information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

SAT Sticker Competition

Beginning of June we launched our exciting SAT Sticker Competition, All you have to do is:

SEND US AN E-MAIL WITH ALL YOUR CONTACT DETAILS AND HOW MANY STICKERS YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE. ONCE YOU RECEIVE THE STICKERS, YOU GO AND STICK THEM EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE. DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE YOUR CAMERA ALONG, YOU NEED TO SEND US PICTURES OF WHERE THE STICKER IS AND

THE ONE WHO HAS THE MOST AMAZING PLACE WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF

N$ 5000.00

 THE COMPETITION IS VALID UNTIL 30. JUNE 2013

 PLEASE SEND ALL PHOTOS TO travel@namibiareservations.com 
TO ENTER THE COMPETITION

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY 

Click here to view our competition:

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/  
http://www.namibiareservations.com/nr_sticker_competition.htm

Renovations at Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Reserve is undergoing renovations.

The refurbishment includes rebuilding the outside decks as well as paving the outside areas, and each chalet will be painted and refurnished.

The lodge will reopen in August.

For more information, visit www.cheetahplains.com

or contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

Namibia Country Lodges Unbundling

Namibia Country Lodges earlier this month announced their unbundling from its Lodges and other holdings, this after the owners decided to focuas on other business interests. The Various entities namely, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Solitaire Country Lodge, Opuwo Country Hotel, Namushasha Country Lodge and Tsumkwe Country Hotel  are being sold off individually as well as the Solitaire bakery, Service stations, Hunting concessions and Aircraft refuelling points.

Namushasha Country lodge now taken over by Gondwana Collection Namibia and was renamed Namushasha River Lodge.

Solitaire Country Lodge, Service Station, Bakery and Shop taken over b owner of Solitaire Guestfarm Desert Ranch, Mr. and Mrs. Swarts.

Info received by Tour Brief : Namibia Tourism News

For more information please contact us at: info@namibiareservations.com

Solitaire Fuel Update

Please be advised that the petrol/diesel issue has been resolved as of  June 2012, Solitaire is under the New ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Swarts, also the owners of the Solitaire Bakery, Shop, Country Lodge and Guestfarm. They promised that there will not be any more fuel shortages in the future.

Info received by Mrs. Simone Swarts

For more information please contact us at:info@namibiareservations.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note that as from 30 April 2012 Solitaire's service station will be closed and will not have any petrol / diesel until further notice.  Please make use of the service station at Sesriem for petrol / diesel fill-ups.

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

The Canyon now considered unsafe for Hikers

/Ai-/Ais Richtersveldt Transfrontier Park: The Ministry of Environment and Tourism have announced that due to the strong flow of the Fish River, the canyon will not open on 1 May, as is usually the case. The new opening date is anticipated to be the 15^th of May 2012; however this will depend on the level of the water.

The Canyon is now considered unsafe for hikers and because of the serious safety hazard; visitors will not have access to the canyon.

Media Release: Namibia Wildlife Resorts

For more information, please contact us at info@namibiareservations.com

Swakopmund Airstrip Closed

Swakopmund Airstrip will be closed from 05 April 2012 to 31 July 2012, and air traffic will be rerouted to and from Walvis Bay.

When more information becomes available, an update will be published on Tour Brief.

Waterberg Area Heavy Rains

Namibia Wildlife Resorts sent us an update on the heavy rains received in the Waterberg Plateau area. It has been raining almost every day, and the roads in this area are not in a good condition. 
We advise clients to drive with 4x4 vehicles and not sedan cars. At this stage the river is still flowing heavily.
We will keep you updated on any changes.

For more information, please send us an email to: info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website: http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

Skeleton Coast Camp - Important Update

Closure of the Wilderness Skeleton Coast Camp & opening of Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

As you may already be aware, our operation of Skeleton Coast Main and Research camps have been subject to annual concession continuity for the last few years, with the latest extension expiring at the end of May this year. An unexpected fire at the end of 2011 damaged the main area at Skeleton Coast Main Camp and prompted us to make an earlier firm decision on our continued operation in this area. As we have a very short term remaining on our lease, and it would not make economic sense to re-build the camp for this period, we have made the decision to close the camp.

That said, we have for some time been in negotiation with the Namibian government and communities to establish a new Skeleton Coast Camp south of the existing concession on Namibia’s most productive ephemeral river system, the Hoanib.  We are pleased to advise that as of last week, we have now secured tenure in an area which will be able to provide a new Skeleton Coast offering that in many ways we believe will surpass that of our former camp.

This does of course mean that a new camp has to be built and as a result, we are unable to offer a Skeleton Coast experience for the period 1 March to 31 July 2012.  Where available, we have provisionally booked all guests currently staying in Skeleton Coast Camp into Serra Cafema Camp as an alternative. While not identical to Skeleton Coast, Serra Cafema does offer a similar experience in terms of its absolute remoteness, the vastness of its scenery, a great variety of Namib desert along a river system, and interaction with authentic Himba communities. If Serra Cafema is full on the dates required, your Journey Consultant will liaise with you directly on any affected bookings in order to make suitable alternative arrangements for your clients.  

We are hopeful that the new camp will open by 1 August 2012. Confirmation of this is expected within the next week, at which time all existing Skeleton Coast bookings from that date onwards will be moved to the new camp.

Tentatively named Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, it will be located adjacent to the magnificent Hoanib River in the northern reaches of the Palmwag Concession. Activities (game drives and walking) will access the game rich riverbed (elephant, giraffe, lion, oryx), the plains, river valleys and hillsides to the south (black rhino, oryx, mountain zebra, springbok) and most importantly the downstream reaches of the Hoanib River in the Skeleton Coast National Park. This last area has a very important seep and water system that is frequented by many different game species, as it cuts through a spectacular dune field and accesses the Atlantic Ocean coastline. We expect that the new camp will be a 9-roomed Classic camp, with 8 twins and 1 family room.  Confirmation of this and additional information on the camp, the offering, access and pricing will follow shortly.

We would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for any inconvenience, frustration and possible disappointment experienced as a result of this closure. Circumstances beyond our control have made it a more difficult process than we would have intended.  We are however really excited about the new camp and believe that this will become an integral part of the northern Namibian ecotourism circuit.

News received from Wilderness Safaris

For more information, please email us at: info@namibiareservations.com or visit our website:

http://www.southern-africa-travel.com/

Naukluft 4x4 route still closed

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has confirmed that the 4 X4 route in Naukluft is still closed until further notice. 

An update will be given as soon as the route is open again.

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

Lianshulu Lodge open again

Lianshulu Lodge under new Ownership

Lianshulu Lodge is open again under new ownership and management.

The ownership consists of Dutch nationals Alexander Van Heeren and Peter Van Langeveldt as well as Dusty Rodgers who is well known in the Namibian Tourism & Hospitality Industry and Reinhardt Küsters, a local shipping entrepreneur.
Lianshulu Lodges which includes Lianshulu Main Lodge and Lianshulu Bush Lodge on an 800 ha private concession in the Mudumu National Park along the Kwando River as well as Matota Island Lodge, situated on the Mudumu National Park cut line inside the Bayelerwa Conservancy in the Eastern Caprivi Strip of Namibia, will be incorporated into a fully fledged marketing & management company known as The Caprivi Collection with central reservations and marketing based in Swakopmund under the management of Anette Küsters who too is no stranger to the travel and airline industry in Namibia.

The company has already embarked on extensive renovations and refurbishments of the properties and Lianshulu Main Lodge is now open for bookings with the remaining two properties opening on a gradual phase-in as business demands this.

This development will see the company having traversing rights through over 300 000ha, equal to the size of Belgium, of one of the most pristine and unspoiled natural wildlife areas which now form part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) spanning Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola.

Further to local activities, the company will soon offer access to safari circuits in Botswana via its own border post at Lianshulu Lodge.

A range of exclusive activities which includes river trips, transfers, bush picnics and overnight fly camps will be on offer with our affiliated properties within the area.