For people wanting to combine Vic Falls with a Kruger safari, there is a service run by SAA that operates directly from Kruger Mpumalanga / Nelspruit (airport code MQP) to Livingstone, which currently operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It has just been announced, however, that a new flight is being planned for Saturdays (commencing March 10 2012) and eventually on Tuesdays (from August 7 2012).

These direct flights avoid any need for safari goers to stay overnight or connect in Johannesburg prior to flying to Livingstone. The opportunity is then for travellers to enjoy a game drive and breakfast at their bush lodge before travelling to Livingstone and enjoying, on the same day, an evening sunset cruise on the Zambezi. For people travelling from Livingstone to Kruger, they can enjoy a walk to the Falls in the morning, then breakfast and mid-morning activities before travelling to Kruger to enjoy dinner and the first night in the bush.

The SAA flights depart Nelspruit Kruger at just before midday, and takes just over 2 hours to arrive at Livingstone. The return flight will depart Livingstone at early afternoon, arriving in Nelspruit Kruger just before 5 pm. Please note these times are subject to change.

STAY 4 NIGHTS AND ONLY PAY FOR 3

• Valid from 1 October 2011 – 30 April 2013.
• Valid for all room categories at the following properties :

Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Tinga Legends and Tinga Narina lodges, in Big 5 Kruger Park

Madikwe Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve

and Cape Cadogan and More Quarters, in the buzzy and beautiful city of Cape Town.

Restrictions of Offer: May NOT be booked over the peak periods of 23 December 2011 – 3 January 2012 and 23 December 2012 – 3 January 2013.

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.

Awesome phictures, courtesy of Savanna Private Game Reserve, situated in the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Wouldn’t you love to experience this for yourself …. it’s easy, just contact us and we can book a safari here for you ! See, nothing in life is difficult really !!

Savanna is actually the first safari lodge we stayed at, about 10 years ago when I was a humble but hard working successful Account Director working in the heady world of advertising and Sales Promotion in Central London.

As a result of what turned out to be a 7 night stay here (we started off with just 4 nights, extended it to 5 … left and came back again for another 2 nights) we decided to end our turbulent love affair with the rat-race of the corporate world and start up Travel Butlers.

Because we want to help other people to get the same enjoyment out of a safari as we did that first magical time. And trust me, it is still magical, 10 years on !

Savanna has 4 luxury tented suites and 3 spacious executive tented suites. Rustic reed blinds, coir carpets, a draped canvas ceiling and built in lounge area all combine to create some of the most luxurious tents in Africa. Each suite has a fully-stocked mini bar, a spacious en-suite bathroom with outdoor and indoor showers, and a private veranda which is ideal for relaxing and absorbing the sounds of the African bush. The executive suites have their own lounge area and a private plunge pool.

There is also the exclusive 2 bedroomed Savanna Suite, ideal for families or friends travelling together, which also includes a private Land Rover and private dining options.

Tsavo National Park, which covers nearly 22,000 km2, is the largest National Park in Kenya, in fact, it is one of the largest in the world. As Tsavo is so close to Mombasa (less than 100 km), it is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to combine the thrill of a safari with some relaxing beach time.

For travel in October, we can offer a 2 night safari here plus 5 nights at a hotel in Mombasa, excluding international flights, for less than £780 per person.

7 Night Holiday Package

Contact one of our consultants today to ask us to send you a quote !

We are absolutely delighted to announce that we are now able to help holiday-makers, honeymooners and safari goers plan an exclusive trip to Kenya or Tanzania. These 2 new countries sit extremely well alongside the fabulous destinations which we have been helping people experience for the past 8 years – South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, Mozambique and Vic Falls.

We can take care of everything – from when you arrive in the country, to when you unwillingly have to leave. We can also help you book your international flights too if you would like.

The Masai Mara (also spelled Maasai Mara) is probably the most well-known safari destination in Kenya. It conjures up romantic images of vast open golden savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife, and of course, it is also where the greatest natural wildlife event occurs – the famous Great Migration.

Ditto with the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania, which is one of the largest National Parks in Tanzania, and the most visited.

Other safari destinations include Amboseli, Laikipia, Samburu and the Meru National Parks in Kenya, and the Ngorongoro Crater and Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.

But its not just about the wildlife. The island of Zanzibar is a tiny piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean, situated just 25 miles from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Only 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, visitors here will delight in the fascinating history of Stone Town, with its ancient maze of narrow cobbled streets, beautiful mosques, and bazaars.

The Kenyan coast is a wonderful place to relax for a few days either at the start or end of your trip – imagine lying on one of the white, sandy beaches, getting up only to stretch your legs as far as the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to cool off from the hot African sun.

For anyone thinking of finalising their safari plans this weekend, why not consider a 3 nights stay at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge - because if you book before the 15th August for a safari here between now and the end of September, the 3rd night will be completely free !

Boasting 12,000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem. This diversity includes savanna, mountains and wetlands which makes it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.

Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives lead you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom.

For those who prefer to relax at camp, there is a library, swimming pool, game viewing deck and an outdoor lounge overlooking the flowing Mkuze River. Each suite boasts a separate air-conditioned bedroom and lounge with fully stocked mini bar and tea / coffee making facilities.

Contact us now to check availability and book this wonderful safari !

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.

For anyone planning their South African holiday in advance, it is so refreshing to have just heard that the Amakhala Game Reserve have announced that they are HOLDING their current 2010 rates throughout 2011.

They are also going to continue to offer the excellent Special Offer deal of Stay for 4 Nights, Pay for 3 during January, February, March and April 2011, and during the low season months of May, June, July, August and September 2011 they are offering a Stay for 3 nights, Only Pay for 2 deal.

All in all – a winner all round for anyone wanting to experience exciting game drives in search of the Big 5 in a malaria-free environment !

Call us now to make your booking …. why wait any longer !!

Johannesburg is becoming more and more accessible !

A new daily direct service is soon to be launched by Jet Airways between Mumbai and Johannesburg, starting on April 15, subject to regulatory approval.

Jet Airways will be running an A330-200 aircraft, and will offer 30 seats in Business Class / Première and 190 seats in Economy class.

Première passengers will enjoy a 180-degree flat bed with lumbar support and massage systems, oversized table, laptop power, telephone, SMS, email and live text news and on-demand in-flight entertainment.

Flights will depart Mumbai at 02h05, arriving in Johannesburg at 07h35 – so absolutely ideal for then connecting with an onwards flight over to the Kruger for a safari, or getting down to Cape Town in time for a spot of lunch !

The return service will depart Johannesburg at 11h00, arriving in Mumbai at 23h30.