Travel Butlers African Safari Blog.

We are delighted to be able to offer 3 nights for the price of 2 for people booking a safari in the malaria-free Lalibela Reserve between 1 November and 31 January (excluding 15 December to 10 January inclusive.).

Lalibela is a 7,500 hectare Big 5 reserve near Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route, and this offer is valid for all new bookings at Lentaba, Tree Tops Lodge and Mark’s Camp.   All meals, drinks (excluding premium wines) and 2 daily game drives are included.

THE Riverdene Lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve has been newly renovated to accommodate adults and children, and now has a children’s programme for families. 

The newly renovated accommodation at Riverdene Lodge features 2 supervised playrooms for children’s activities and supervised lawns with a jungle gym; a sports and social programme which incorporates soccer, cricket, treasure hunts and swimming. A special children’s menu is available, and child minders are available at all times.

Upon arrival, each child will automatically receive a Born Free Foundation certificate and a fluffy toy. Daily game drives for children and their parents will be organised with trips to the Born Free Centres and the Shamwari Film Studio. 

Children will be introduced to the Shamwari Game Reserve and Born Free Foundation’s challenge to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitats whilst maintaining a compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.     

At the Shamwari Film Studio, children will be shown where the popular international Unearthed 2 series was filmed, produced and edited. Children will also be exposed to the filming of the new wildlife series entitled Shamwari: A Wild Life, which will be launched in September 2008.

Lastly, children staying at the Riverdene Lodge will be invited to take part in the special education programme at the Shamwari Animal Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre.

We are delighted to confirm that we will be offering 3 nights for the price of 2 at safari lodges in the Kariega Reserve for people travelling between 1 May and 30 September.

The Kariega reserve is ideal for families who are enjoying a holiday in Cape Town or the Eastern Cape who are also looking to include a safari in their trip.

The reserve is malaria free, and the main lodge has a number of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom chalets where it is possible for larger families and groups requiring a single room to stay very cost effectively.

Also as the reserve has an area without more dangerous game in it (i.e. no lions or elephants) guests are also welcome to walk, cycle, or canoe through parts of the reserve which gives a great opportunity to see giraffes, zebra, antelope and other species without being stuck in a vehicle.

The reserve is also only one of two in the area which can offer river cruises, and is also only a short drive from the coast and beaches at Kenton-on-Sea.

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 5 are not allowed on normal game drives. Babysitting services are available.

For the 10th consecutive year, Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape has been awarded the World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve and the World’s Leading Conservation Company at the prestigious World Travel Awards gala ceremony.

On receiving the 2 awards the CEO, Adrian Gardiner said: “We are very proud to have been recognized as the best by our industry partners worldwide for 10 straight years. When we began, conservation was a small part of tourism. Today, we are very encouraged that more tourists are aware that we must sustain and preserve our environment for the generations to come. It is our firm commitment that tourism should benefit all people, not just the few.”