GAUTENG: UPGRADES AT CONSTITUTION HILL’S OLD FORT
The Old Fort on the Constitution Hill precinct has undergone a visitor experience upgrade including new technology and innovative design. The experience upgrade aims to enhance the Old Fort’s rich heritage innovatively and will help ensure that the site remains attractive to the public. The new design makes history accessible and fun using interactive technologies and game design, attracting more families and youth. The upgrades will provide visitors with a self-guided experience and allow guests the opportunity to engage physically with the history of the site through audio-visual storytelling, game-like activities, and the punctuated use of cutting edge technology, like holograms.

LIMPOPO: REFURBISHMENTS AT KAPAMA RIVER LODGE
Kapama Private Game Reserve has revealed that the first phase of upgrades at the Kapama River Lodge is complete. The refurbishment included major structural work, a new spacious reception area, new game vehicle access bays, a styled landscaped garden, a curio shop, an expansive cocktail bar and a sizeable swimming pool. The lodge now boasts 3 swimming areas, including the original rim-flow pool, the elongated Spa & Wellness Centre pool and the latest 12m x 12m addition. Future developments will include a new fine-dining experience and upgraded luxury suites.

MPUMALANGA: LODGE OPENS IN SABI SAND GAME RESERVE
The &Beyond Tengile River Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve has opened its doors. The lodge consists of 9 air-conditioned guest suites, offering 180-degree views over the Sand River. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, guests can also enjoy a lounge, a dining area, a bar, a private deck, a swimming pool and Wi-Fi. The lodge boasts a Wellness Centre that overlooks the river and includes a gym and pool, massage rooms and a sunken deck where guests can enjoy treatments. Activities include game drives, interpretive bushwalks and birdwatching. Sustainability elements in the lodge’s design include thermal efficiency and state-of-the-art waste-water and sewage treatment systems.

WESTERN CAPE: TINTSWALO ATLANTIC PROPERTY UPDATE
Following the recent fire that broke out at Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive near Hout Bay on 5 February, the owners are currently assessing the damage to the resort. The structure and contents of the main lodge area, including the lounge, dining room and public areas were completely destroyed. The Zanzibar suite, 1 of the 12 guest rooms, and the room closest to the public areas were also severely damaged by the fire. Fortunately, with the successful containment of the fire, the other 11 guest suites were not affected. Tintswalo aims to have the lodge rebuilt, and is estimated to take 5 months. Forward bookings during the rebuild period will be moved to other hotels in the area. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and no casualties have been reported.

KENYA: NEW OPENING TIMES AT MARA TRIANGLE
The Maasai Mara National Reserve has amended its opening times at all gates into the Mara Triangle. The opening times have been pushed half an hour earlier, now opening at 6am from the beginning of January. The new time change will allow guests to make the most of the golden morning light for photography within the reserve.

TANZANIA: CASH REQUIRED IN MWANZA FOR TANZANIAN VISA
The Immigration Office at Mwanza Airport only accepts cash payments for visas, as it cannot currently process any form of credit card payments. Passengers and operators are reminded that it is possible to acquire a visa for Tanzania when transiting/disembarking in Mwanza, however, the Immigration Office at Mwanza Airport does not accept any form of credit card payments. Passengers at Mwanza Airport are escorted outside the premises to the nearest ATM to withdraw the cash required for the payment of visas, which can cause delays to other passengers. passengers are advised to either apply for an e-visa or to carry a sufficient amount of cash to pay for the visa on arrival in Mwanza.

TANZANIA: UPGRADES AT SANCTUARY NGORONGORO CRATER CAMP
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp recently underwent a complete transformation boasting brand-new safari tents. All 10 classic canvas tents have been beautifully decorated and furnished, complementing the biodiversity of the terrain. Each tent features an en-suite bathroom, luxurious beds, plug points and yoga mats. Other upgrades include a new lounge area, dining room and wraparound decking, all raised up to ensure panoramic views.


ZIMBABWE: VICTORIA FALLS PROPERTY EXPANDS
Shearwater Explorers Village is set to expand its Victoria Falls property to 400 beds by mid-2019. The village consists of restaurants, a recreational area, chalets and tenting, catering for a wide class of tourists, including backpackers and luxury.


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
The Rand Show from 19 – 28 April 2019

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

Western Cape
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