LIMPOPO: UPGRADES AT GARONGA
Garonga in the Makalali Conservancy has upgraded its relaxation facilities, revamping the existing bush bath with a new freestanding bath and adding a new star bath and yoga deck. The new star bath offers guests views of the bush and night sky, all in complete privacy. The new yoga deck is an enclosed tented structure and offers guests views of the valley and opportunities to spot wildlife passing by.

MPUMALANGA: ACCESS RESTRICTIONS AT BLYDE RIVER CANYON
Filming dates at the Swadini section of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve have been extended from 28 February to 20 March. There will be access restrictions to the Swadini section of the reserve, waterfall and the path leading to the waterfall. However, tourists will still have full access to Blyde River Canyon, boat trips and attractions like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and all the other viewpoints along the canyon.

MPUMALANGA: AFRICA’S MOST SUSTAINABLE HOTEL
Congratulations to Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge on being awarded ‘Africa’s Most Sustainable Hotel’ by the Boutique Hotel Awards.

MPUMALANGA: R536 BETWEEN HAZYVIEW AND MKHUHLU REOPENS
Following the recent floods near Hazyview, all the roads are now open and guests can access the Phabeni Gate at the Kruger National Park.

WESTERN CAPE: LE QUARTIER FRANÇAIS REOPENS
Le Quartier Français recently reopened following an 18-month long, R72m refurbishment and expansion. All the rooms and suites at the hotel have been upgraded, and an additional 5 rooms have been added, with 7 rooms in 2 new villas, bringing the new tally to 32. Each villa boasts a separate entrance and parking area, offering guests complete privacy. New dining options include the addition of Protégé, a new all-day restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an open kitchen and 2 outdoor areas.

WESTERN CAPE: LION’S HEAD REOPEN
SANParks has announced that the Table Mountain National Park Management has opened the Lion’s Head Trail to the public following weeks of maintenance. One section has remained closed and is clearly marked with the signage and guests are asked to use the existing ladder or spiral pathway to reach the summit. The footpath on the north facing slope from Kramat leading up to the spiral trail will remain closed for further rehabilitation as a result of February’s fire damage.

BOTSWANA: PROPERTY REFURBS AT DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS
Desert & Delta Safaris has announced that they are currently rebuilding and renovating Camp Xakanaxa and Savute Safari Lodge. The 11 luxury tents at Camp Xakanaxa will be refreshed and include a new canvas wrap, new furnishings and a decor update. A family tent which will include 2 bedrooms with an additional sleeper, 2 bathrooms, a lounge and a private deck area can cater for families with 3 children. Savuti Safari Lodge will receive extensive refurbishments to the main public areas, and new facilities will include multiple dining locations, new walkways and new deck areas. Both properties are scheduled to reopen on 1 March 2019.

KENYA: ROAD UPGRADES AT NATIONAL PARKS
Major roads in Mount Kenya National Park and Tsavo East National Park have been upgraded to improve access and enhance tourist visits to the parks. The Mount Kenya roads project has seen major improvements of access roads along Kalalu Farm to Sirmon Gate and Old Moses Camp, and Naromoru Gate to Met Station Road, a stretch of 27km. The upgrade of the road along Aberdare National Park is expected to be completed this year. The project aims to facilitate the development of eco-friendly sites to attract tourists and improve access and ease movement within the parks.

MOZAMBIQUE: HIDEAWAYS EXPANDS PORTFOLIO
Hideaways have expanded its portfolio with the addition of Rio Azul Lodge, set on the banks of the Govuro River in Mozambique. Hideaways aim to refurbish the existing lodge which consists of 6 chalets which can each accommodate 2 adults as well as 1 child sharing. The 2 family villas can sleep up to 6 adults and up to 4 children in the lofts.

NAMIBIA: NAMIB DESERT LUXURY CAMP EXPANDS
Agama River Camp in Namibia’s Namib Desert is expanding capacity with additional bungalows. The camp will be adding 20 new luxury bungalows to the existing 10 standard bungalows with construction currently underway and scheduled to be completed end of March. Construction noise will be kept to a minimum to avoid disruption to guests. As of 1 March, Agama River Camp will be under new management, having been purchased by the owners of Flamingo Villa Boutique Hotel, who implemented the upgrades to the property.

TANZANIA: TRANSFORMATION AT SANCTUARY NGORONGORO CRATER CAMP
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp in Tanzania recently underwent a complete transformation with its brand new safari tents. All 10 of the classic canvas tents have been beautifully decorated and furnished with a natural earthy palette, complementing the biodiversity of the terrain. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, hairdryers, plug points, gym bags and yoga mats. The new lounge area and dining room feature wraparound decking and have been raised up to ensure panoramic views over the flat-topped acacias. Each private abode features a designated attendant who brings tea and coffee first thing in the morning and ensures the camp shower is the perfect temperature.  The camp offers guests easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater floor, which produces great wildlife sightings.

ZIMBABWE: NEW TENTED LODGE OPENS IN VIC FALLS
Great Plains Conservation Zimbabwe has opened a new solar-powered tented camp, Mpala Jena, in a private concession within the Zambezi National Park in Victoria Falls. Accommodation at the lodge consists of 4 Moroccan-themed tents with a private plunge pool with views of the Zambezi River.

Click on the links for more information

Eastern Cape
Bathurst Agricultural Show from 5 to 7 April 2019
Grahamstown National Arts Festival from 27 June to 7 July 2019

Gauteng
Untapped Craft Beer Festival on 13 April 2019
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