Rebuilt Wellness Facilities for Toka Leya Camp

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

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

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

Cheetah's in Botswana

Cheetah's are found throughout the wilderness areas of Botswana - even in the arid reaches of the Kalahari.

Best places to see them:
Chitabe in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti (in particular Kwando).

Cheetah have one of the highest success rates when it comes to hunting but of all the predators they are the most likely to have the kill stolen away. They have to eat very quickly once they have killed as other predators are quickly on the scene. Vultures have been known to steal kills from Cheetah.

Personal observations of Cheetah hunts reveal varying methodsof operation. A family group of a mother and her five offspring in the Savute Marsh would often use a flanking manoeuvre during a hunt.

Two individuals would flank a herd of Antelope before revealing themselves in a half hearted chase. The prey would scatter in all directions with at least one heading in the direction where the other three were waiting in ambush.

Although Cheetah rely on speed during a chase a great deal of patience and stalking goes into a hunt. During a chase prey is knocked to the ground in mid stride after which the cheetah suffocates the prey by clamping its jaws on the victim's air pipe.
Cheetah are susceptible to competition from other predators and are the first to move away from an area when competition gets too much. The previously mentioned group of Cheetah in the Savute eventually moved out of the area when Hyenas continually stole their kills.

The Hyenas developed the habit of following the group on a hunt and when a kill was made would move in immediately and steal the food.

Discover the Joy of the Open Air

The views are stunning, the air is clean, fresh and bracing...

The Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Park boasts the highest concentrations of rock art south of the Sahara, spectacular mountain peaks, rich biodiversity and rare fossils, bringing together the best of South Africa and Lesotho to form a spectacular cross-border mountain paradise.

Just Another Paradise

Situated on the scenic Route 62 and cupped between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges with the Breede River running through the valley.   

Endless exploration awaits you in the Robertson Wine Valley

Attractions

Attractions and things to do in and around Robertson area - including the towns of Ashton, Montagu, McGregor and Bonnievale. Great variety of things to do with Kids, Hiking trails, Mountain Biking, Cycling, Breede River boat trips, river rafting and fishing, Health and Wellness, Farmers' Markets, Horse riding and Horse Cart Trips, Sky diving, Rock Climbing, Mountain Tractor Rides, Food and Wine pairings, Arts and Crafts, Antiques and Collectibles.

In the Vineyards

SPRING :  The beginning of spring is the beginning of a new growing season in the vineyards. New shoots start emerging from the dormant buds and active growth commences. Spring is a very active time in the vineyards and activities such as fertilizing, shoot thinning and preventative sprays against fungal diseases takes place during this time. Shoot thinning is an activity where unnecessary and unwanted shoots are removed by hand in order to create a canopy microclimate which will be beneficial for wine quality. In areas where vine growing without supplementary irrigation is not possible, growers will also start irrigating during the spring period.

Towards the end of October and beginning of November the vines flower and after berry set the new bunches will start to develop. Other canopy management activities towards the end of spring include shoot positioning and tipping the growing tip of shoots in order to control growing vigor.

                                                                

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.

Kasane lodge up for sale – reports

The Bridgetown Lodge in Kasane is up for sale to a South African company for P95 million (R131 million), according to a report by investigative journalism arm, amaBhungane, published in Daily Maverick.

The report suggests that investors in the lodge, developed by former Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Patrick Balopi, have not been paid the rentals they were promised. Balopi has sold his shares.

Owner Ahmad Mansur Sidiqui, is quoted as saying he has invested P24 million (R33 million) in the lodge and is selling his stake because the business is “going down”. According to the report, the lodge’s occupancy has never exceeded 32%.

The Bridgetown Lodge is well located for attractions such as the Chobe Game Reserve, the Victoria Falls and the flood plains of the Zambezi. It comprises 36 rooms and facilities include a restaurant and bar.

New Zimbabwean camp opens

Kavinga Safari Camp, situated on a cliff in the southern sector of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, opened in May.

The camp comprises five spacious double or twin-bedded, en-suite tented units with verandas built on raised platforms, offering a view of the rising sun over the mountains.  The central living area has an upstairs wooden deck with views over the waterhole and the Ruckomechi riverbed.

A stepped pathway leads visitors down to the wildlife observation hide, which is built into the ground to provide close-up water-level views.

Kavinga Safari Camp also has guides on hand to offer a wilderness experience to wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, hikers and photographers wanting to explore the Mana Pools Park and World Heritage Site..

New culinary route opens on Cape West Coast

West Coast Way Foodie Route, which showcases the diverse flavours to be found in this area, launched last week.

The route is a self-drive circular route with 10 stops – the West Coast National Park with Geelbek Restaurant; Langebaan; Saldanha Bay; Jacobsbaai; Paternoster and Cape Columbine; St Helena and Shelley Point; Velddrif; the West Coast Fossil Park; Hopefield; and the Thali Thali Game Lodge.

“The West Coast Way Foodie Route showcases the relationship between passion, innovation and food,” said Founder, Carmen Lerm.  

“It must be mentioned that this new route is located within an area of vast natural and cultural beauty,” added James Vos, South African Shadow Minister of Tourism.

The route launch began at Thali Thali Game Lodge with a traditional West Coast breakfast, followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Herons Rest. Guests were then taken to Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay for oysters with a final stop at Saldanha Bay Cultural Village and Museum, showcasing the historic fishing houses of Hoedjieskop in Saldanha.

Other West Coast Way routes include the West Coast Way Scenic Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route and the West Coast Way Cultural Route.

“Tour operators can use these routes as part of their itinerary and easily find what they need to put bespoke and new packages together,” says Lerm.

Drought forces Kruger to cull animals

The Kruger National Park has culled 59 of its hippos, said William Mabasa, Acting Head of Communications, SANParks, a result of the drought, which has left no food for the animals.

At the moment the meat is being sold to staff, but Mabasa says that ultimately they want to supply the meat to some NGOs around the park.

“Our abattoir’s registration process has not been complete, so we can’t take that meat out at the moment.”

Mabasa adds that the park will also look to cull buffaloes but at the moment there are no plans to cull any other animals.

The best lodges to see the wildebeest migration

The annual migration in East Africa is a memorable safari experience and a dream for many overseas visitors. Kim Emmanuel looks at some of the best places to stay when viewing the migration.

1.Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp
Robert Dixon, Senior Marketing & Digital Manager of Sanctuary Retreats, recommends the three of the group’s camps to best enjoy the wildebeest migration. “Rain is what motivates the migration and rules where the herds will be throughout the year,” said Dixon, adding that the best time to visit is July to October.
Sanctuary Serengeti Migration Camp in Tanzania is a seasonal camp that is located in the Western Serengeti from April – July, in the Northern Serengeti from August – November and in the Southern Serengeti from December – March each year.
This camp will move between three different locations, literally following the migration as it travels across the Serengeti, offering guests year round access to this incredible spectacle.
The camp offers 10 luxury safari tents each with their own en-suite bathrooms, indoor bucket shower and personal tent attendant.

2.Serengeti Serena safari Lodge

Serengeti Serena safari Lodge is located in the Serengeti National Park, 335 kilometres from Arusha, Tanzania where guests can enjoy a ringside seat of the annual migration of the wildebeest.
The lodge comprises 66 rooms of which one is a suite, two are handicap rooms, 26 twin rooms, 21 double rooms and 16 triple rooms (three pairs connecting rooms).
The lodge is accessible via a one hour flight from Arusha Airport to Seronera Air strip, followed by a transfer to the lodge 27 kilometres away.
Apart from witnessing the wildebeest migration, guests can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon safaris, walking safaris, nature walks, the swimming pool, acrobatic shows, cultural dances, video shows, a local guitarist, and board games.

3.Governors’ Camp

Governors’ Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara is one of the best places to experience the migration.
"The camp presents an unmatched migration experience, more especially due to its ideal location and perfectly executed game drives," says Dave Bennett, Chief Sales Officer at Wilderness Safaris.
The camp is ideally located just north of several crossing points and adjacent to the renowned Paradise Plains where the BBC has filmed much of their migration footage.
The Governors’ Camp Collection comprises of seven luxury safari camps and lodges. The group also operate two aircraft, which are used to fly clients to and between camps.


4.Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is located in the centre of the famous ‘Mara Triangle' of Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
The lodge provides views over the savannah and down to the hippo-filled Mara River, where guests can view the annual migration.
The lodge comprises 74 rooms (including five family rooms and one suite, all of which are non-smoking), a central dining room, internal and external bar, swimming pool and sundeck, Maisha Safari Spa and Gym, and gift shop and business centre. Other facilities include satellite television, WiFi, 24-hour medical services, a conference centre and events facilities.
Transfers to the lodge by road from Nairobi are approximately five hours in duration, while Mara Serena Airstrip is two kilometres from the Masai Mara Serena Safari Lodge.

5.Sanctuary Kusini

Sanctuary Kusini is the only permanent camp in the remote southern part of the Serengeti, Tanzania, and is ideal for seeing cheetah and wildebeest that congregate on the grassy plains in the calving season from mid-December to March.
Sanctuary Kusini comprises 12 tents each with its own personal attendant, mosquito netting, hairdryers and in-room safe.
The camp's communal areas include a dining area, lounge and library, as well as a campfire.

6.Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana is a tented safari camp on a private stretch of the Mara River in Kenya's Masai Mara.
During the annual wildebeest migration, the action happens on the camp's doorstep.
The camp comprises 14 tents with en-suite bathrooms and offers game drives, cultural visits, bush dinners, sundowners, balloon flights and scenic flights.
In Nairobi, scheduled flights depart from Wilson Airport (approximately 45 minutes) to the Mara.

7.Porini Lion Camp

Porini Lion Camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya, is the ideal base for the main Serengeti-Mara migration. The camp has some of the biggest big cat densities in Africa and this provides a lot of big cat action when the thousands of wildebeest are around.
Night game drives during migration time is when the lions, leopards, and hyenas are most active and offers opportunities to watch a hunt or a pride noisily feasting on a wildebeest. The camp is also situated in easy reach of some of the key Mara River crossing points for those that may be interested in seeing them.

8.&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp

Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp is a luxury lodge located in the Western Serengeti, Tanzania, in the path of the Great Migration and its river crossings.
The lodge comprises 10 tented safari suites with overhead fans, outdoor showers, swimming pool, and Safari Shop. It can accommodate 20 guests.
Apart from the wildebeest migration, guests can also witness the topi, a species of antelope, migration from the lodge.

9.Porini Mara Camp.

Porini Mara Camp in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, the first conservancy in the Mara, Kenya, set up as an exclusive area for wildlife and with a room density not exceeding 1 tent to 700 acres, is the ideal place for the calving of the Loita migration. This occurs at the same time as the calving in Ndutu, Serengeti and offers great photography opportunities and memories of new life and at times death by the over 30 lions found in Ol Kinyei.

10.Sayari Camp.

Sayari Camp is located in the far north of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
It comprises 15 tents that are split between two wings, with six tents in the smaller camp, to the north of the swimming pool, and nine in the bigger camp on the south side. Each wing has its own lounge and dining area, and a central swimming pool linking the two.

Each tent has its own en-suite bathrooms, with spacious showers and egg-shaped baths large enough for two, and offers views of the Serengeti plains.