Happy New Year! 2019
From the team at GoVacation Africa: thank you for your partnership in 2018, we wish you a prosperous new year!
In this edition of What’s up in Africa? we will reiterate some of the property refurbishments and upgrades set to commence in this year.

Eastern Cape: Bukela Game Lodge expands
The 5-star Bukela Game Lodge in the Amakhala Game Reserve has launched 5 new sustainable luxury safari tents and upgraded the main lodge. The luxury tents feature indoor-outdoor showers, a deep-soaking tub, a closed-system wood-burning fireplace, an inverter air-conditioner, a noiseless minibar fridge, a pod coffee machine, and 2 private viewing decks. The new thatched main lodge area includes an indoor-outdoor lounge and a bar area overlooking the new main pool deck. New energy and water efficiencies have been incorporated into the design of the lodge and the existing rooms have all been retrofitted with more efficient technology.

Limpopo: New property at Thornybush Game Reserve
Kubili House, in the Thornybush Game Reserve, is situated on the bank of the largest dam in the reserve, the house provides guests with great wildlife activity. Kubili House can accommodate up to 10 guests and consists of 3 suites and 2 guest villas that are available for exclusive use only. Facilities include 3 swimming pools, a spa and steam room, a private game viewing-vehicle and 3 fully equipped camping vehicles. Guests can enjoy the service of a 24/7 in-house concierge to assist with daily itineraries, activities, travel arrangements and more. A private chef and sous chef are included in the stay and a housekeeping service takes place 3 times daily. Activities include glamping under the stars, game drives, 4×4 adventures, craft workshops, Segway safaris, and archery.

Western Cape: Hiking trail set for maintenance in 2019
SANParks recently announced that the popular spiral trail up Lion’s Head in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from 7 January – 15 February 2019. The maintenance period will require the full closure of the trail and will include improvements around the longevity of the trail, safety of hikers in the area and the environmental protection of Lions Head and Signal Hill. Access will not be permitted to hikers or runners via the track entrance along Signal Hill Drive while Signal Hill will remain open to the public as a viewing point.

Botswana: Helicopter flights with Desert & Delta
Desert & Delta Safaris announced that they will be offering permanent scenic helicopter flights in partnership with Helicopter Horizons at Camp Okavango and Xugana Island Lodge. These 30-60 minute trips require a minimum of 2 passengers and allow guests to see the Okavango Delta from above. The routes and take-off areas are specifically designed to make use of the pristine areas within the concession that hosts Camp Okavango and Xugana Island Lodge.

Namibia: Wilderness Safaris expands
Wilderness Safaris has introduced new fully serviced and exclusive mobile camping safaris. These privately-guided mobile camping safaris are tailored towards adventurous travelers and include an expert guide and a team that prepares everything for guests for the duration of their trip. The itineraries can be tailored to guests’ particular needs or requirements. Guests can enjoy activities like tracking wildlife on foot, game drives, water activities, scenic flights and bush dinners.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Click on the links for more information

Eastern Cape
The Herald Cycle Tour from 15 to 17 February 2019
Addo Elephant Trail Run from 1 to 3 March 2019

Gauteng
Johannesburg International Mozart Festival from 26 January – 3 February 2019

KwaZulu-Natal
Drak Challenge from 19 – 20 January 2019
Midmar Mile from 9 – 10 February 2019

Mpumalanga
Wakkerstroom Music Festival from 21 to 24 March 2019
Forever Loskop Marathon on 13 April 2019

Western Cape
Up The Creek Music Festival from 7 – 10 February 2019
KKNK from 21 – 27 March 2019

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Please note that our offices will be closed on the following Public Holidays:

Thursday, 21 March 2019 – Human Rights Day
Friday, 19 April 2019 – Good Friday
Monday, 22 April 2019 – Family Day
Saturday, 27 April 2019 – Freedom Day