A unique opportunity to join African Vet Safaris for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, whilst also helping to conserve Africa’s wildlife through your participation.

Set in the northern area of KwaZulu Natal, this safari takes you ‘behind the scenes’, giving you the opportunity to interact with vets and guides while they go about their daily task of researching elephant herds and the endangered black rhino.

A key part of this research work is the capture and safe immobilisation of a chosen animal, in order to carry out various monitoring procedures – ear notching a rhino for positive identification and management reasons, and to help combat poaching, and also micro-chipping and blood sampling for research purposes; or placing a tracking collar on an elephant.

Although the focus of this safari will obviusly be on elephant and rhino, many other species will be viewed and enjoyed along the way.

The starting date is Sunday 4th September, and including one night in a Johannesburg hotel so that you can relax after your international flight, followed by 4 nights on safari, the cost of this adventure would be R31,290 per person sharing (single supplements will apply). The cost is based on a minimum of 6 guests participating in the safari, and is subject to a maximum of 8 guests.

The cost excludes international flights, but we can help arrange these too.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tracey Campbell at Travel Butlers by emailing tracey.campbell@travelbutlers.com.

A natural phenomenon is now taking place in KwaZulu-Natal’s St Lucia region – the critically endangered Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles are returning to the remote sandy beaches as they lay their eggs. Tours are now available to make sure visitors can witness, without disturbing, the turtles in their natural habitat – a must see experience!

It may sound like somewhere from a Scooby Doo movie, but Ghost Mountain Inn is definately somewhere to be considered if you have time to explore KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland.

The family run hotel has completed a R10 million refurbishment that included a new hotel entrance and paved parking, and the upgrading of 8 family rooms to substantially more spacious rooms, complete with a sofa and lounge area, and flat screen TVs with satellite channels. These rooms also have beautiful new bathrooms, and also boast patios overlooking the indigenous garden or the pool.

The main terrace and Roy’s bar has also undergone a facelift, and now is again more spacious, with elegant African décor and furnishings. The terrace is air-conditioned and has a large fireplace for the cooler months.

The hotel is certainly centrally located for exploring the numerous game and coastal reserves of the area, and in its own right also offers a wealth of activities including amazing boat trips on Lake Jozini.

For anyone considering a family holiday AFTER the World Cup this summer, we have some great news for you.

AmaKhosi Lodge not only welcomes children of any age, BUT from the 14th July 2010 until the end of August, children STAY FOR FREE !

The lodge has 2 family suites, which both have a separate lounge area with fold out beds for the children. They are also introducing a Childrens Programme, starting 1st April 2010, which will include activities such as fabric painting, movie watching (with popcorn!), and an exciting Goody Bag.

The 12,000 hectare reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.