FLOATING BRIDGE SET TO IMPROVE ACCESS IN AFRICA
A new floating bridge over the Zambezi is set to improve access between Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique and enhance the movement of travellers and cargo between the 3 southern African countries. The Kanyemba floating bridge, or pontoon, will be commissioned during the 2nd quarter of 2019 and is set to expedite the clearance and movement of tourists through the Kanyemba border post. The multimillion-dollar project includes the construction of landing decks on both sides of the Zambezi River and the setting up of a floating bridge on the river. The bridge will be used as a deck to transport vehicles and people across the river from Zimbabwe into Zambia and Mozambique, and vice versa.

GAUTENG: UPGRADES SET FOR OR TAMBO
OR Tambo International Airport has announced plans for a R4.5bn development project that will see its Western Precinct acquire new offices, retail space, hotel and conference facilities and additional transit-related services. The 1st of the 7 phases will see the construction of 3 6-storey office buildings, a fitness centre, a canteen, a crèche and corporate head offices. The 1st phase is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will create an estimated 1 100 jobs. The long- term plan involves the construction of a mixed-use development consisting of a variety of buildings forming a boulevard at the international departures level including retail stores, restaurants, cafés and bars. Other long-term infrastructure upgrades will feature midfield passenger terminals to accommodate the growing passenger demand. The development will also improve the connectivity from the Gautrain station to existing hotels and facilities via pedestrian-friendly connections to the international terminal building.

NORTH WEST: SUN CITY MAINTENANCE DATES FOR 2019
Please take note of the following maintenance dates for the Sun City Resort Valley of Waves and 2019 pool closures.

  • The Cabanas: 13 May – 3 June 2019
  • Valley of Waves: 8 July – 5 August 2019
  • Note that the Chimp & Zee rope adventure will also be closed while Valley of the Waves is closed
  • Sun Vacation Club 1: 3 June – 20 June 2019
  • Sun Vacation Club 2: 6 May – 31 May 2019
  • The Palace of the Lost City: 2 June – 1 July 2019
  • The Cascades: 7 July- 7 August 2019

WESTERN CAPE: R7BN UPGRADES FOR CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Cape Town International Airport is set to receive a R7bn upgrade which is set to commence in 2020. The upgrades are scheduled to take 4 years to complete and will include a new runway and new international and domestic departure lounges due by 2023. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand at the airport and the realigned 3 500-metre runway will allow larger aircraft to land at the airport. The domestic arrivals terminal will be expanded, the baggage hall will be enlarged to accommodate additional baggage collection carousels and the meet-and-greet area will be reconfigured.

WESTERN CAPE: TINTSWALO ATLANTIC REOPENING DATE
Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive near Hout Bay is set to reopen by 1 October following the damage caused by the fire that broke out on 5 February. The fire damaged the main lodge, kitchen, dining room and lounge areas, as well as 1 of the 11 guest suites. The site has now been cleared and construction is set to commence in March.

BOTSWANA: NATURAL SELECTION EXPANDS
Natural Selection is expanding its portfolio with the addition of the Jackal & Hide, previously known as Pangolin Khwai Camp. Located in the Greater Okavango Delta, within the Khwai Private Nature Reserve, the camp offers an intimate tented retreat. Previously only specialising in tailor-made photographic safaris, Jackal & Hide will be open to all wildlife enthusiasts. The camp offers 8 Meru-style tents, with each room featuring a King-size bed, writing desks, en-suite bathrooms and private verandahs. The main area of the camp features a sunken lounge and fire pit while the lounge, bar and dining areas are under thatch. The addition of a swimming pool is scheduled for early 2019.

TANZANIA: AIR TANZANIA ANNOUNCES NEW ROUTES
Air Tanzania plans to enhance East African air access and has announced new routes to drive tourism and is set to commence flights to Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The new routes are expected to facilitate businesses and help in promoting the tourism sector in Tanzania, including 4 new 100%-Air Tanzania-owned aircraft. The new flights are expected to commence before the end of the year.

ZIMBABWE: REFURBISHMENT AT MONTCLAIR HOTEL
Montclair Hotel and Casino in Nyanga is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and is expected to be completed by mid-year. The refurbishments will be done in phases and the hotel will remain open during this period. Upgrades will include work on the bedrooms, kitchen, front office and entertainment areas.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Click on the links for more information

Eastern Cape
Addo Elephant Trail Run from 1 to 3 March 2019

Gauteng
The Rand Show from 19 – 28 April 2019

KwaZulu-Natal
Decorex Durban from 21 – 24 March 2019
Splashy Fen Music Festival from 18 – 22 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
Two Oceans Marathon on 20 April 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