Catchy title, eh ?

Benguerra Lodge is running 2 great deals for the whole of 2011.

You can stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3 if time is short, or if you want longer relaxing on the white beaches, why not stay 8 nights and only pay for 6.

Benguerra Lodge is small and intimate and has a rich East African / Arabic feel – both in the decor, and the unique and delectable food, comprised largely of freshly caught seafood. The lodge is situated on Benguerra Island, in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

The Bazaruto Archipelago is one of the most beautiful places on the African continent, complete with azure waters, sandy beaches, palm trees, and pristine coral reefs with tropical fish. Declared a National Park in 1971, the archipelago boasts among its wildlife 180 species of birds, endemic butterflies, Suni antelope and freshwater crocodile. The protected reefs and beaches support dolphin, dugong, game fish, giant lobster and several species of marine turtle.

It is not just termites that live in termite mounds.

Hyenas will often take over a disused termite mound for their den, and inside, the pups will make additional tunnels for themselves, to give them extra protection from predators.

The moral of this story … keep away from termite mounds !

The wonderful Wolwedans Dune Camp, in Namibia’s Sossusvleu, has just announced that they have upgraded 6 of their tents (and I say tents with my tongue in my cheek – I should rather say palatial suites – they are stunning!).

The new tents are larger, with private bathrooms and a bigger deck area outside.

Wolwedans provides the perfect base from which to explore vast stretches of undisturbed nature. The personal and informative scenic drives in open Land Rovers reveal the wonders of the wilderness.

Scenic flights are another popular activity at Wolwedans. Commencing during the late afternoon, these flights give you a birds-eye view of the Diamond Coast and Sossusvlei and is a truly exhilarating and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another special attraction is hot-air ballooning. Soaring silently over the dune belts and never-ending plains provides unforgettable and breathtaking 360 degree vistas. From the best viewpoint imaginable, you admire the stark beauty of the Namib for about an hour, before celebrating this once in a lifetime experience with a champagne breakfast at the landing spot.

There is a minimum stay of 2 nights at the camp.

In the heart of the Eastern Cape’s malaria-free game viewing region, set against the backdrop of the beautiful landscape, you will find Pumba Private Game Reserve, situated a mere 105 km from Port Elizabeth.

The Reserve stretches over an area of 6,500 hectares. Home to the Big 5, the Reserve offers visitors the chance to experience the wonders of Africa – from the graceful giraffe to the seldom seen leopard.

There are also 22 species of antelope and other small game.

Pumba is also home to the near extinct white lion and for bird lovers the 200+ species will delight.

There are some superb special offers running here from now right until the end of 2011 (apart from over Xmas and New Year) – including Stay for 3, Pay for 2; Stay for 4, Pay for 3; and Stay 3 nights and receive complimentary nights in Cape Town.

Ask one of our consultants for more details, or take a peek yourself:

Pumba Water Lodge
Pumba Bush Lodge

Kenyan visas will go up in price as from 1st January 2011. The new fees will be $50 per adult and $25 per child.

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.

Giraffes are herbivores – everyone knows that – so when you are out in the bush and you come across a giraffe standing chewing what looks like a bone … you are certainly within your right to think your eyes are completely deceiving you and you should have gone to SpecSavers.

But don’t panic … because the giraffe is indeed chewing on a bone. They will pick up discarded bones from the remains of skeletons that the hyenas don’t want anymore, and will chew on the bone to get the calcium to supplement their diet.

The Franschhoek, in … well, Franschhoek, of course, has just said goodbye to decorators and designers.

The new look is chic, but the relaxed atmosphere remains.

Take a look at the new bar – stunning.

The exclusive 5* Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, has just been crowned overall category winner in the Luxury Game Lodge Category in the prestigious 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

It really is no surprise that this game lodge won this award, as it is truly outstanding.

Royal Madikwe can accommodate up to 10 guests on an exclusive use basis only. The stunning main lodge is an open-sided, thatched area with a stylish lounge, magnificent dining room, well appointed library and broad elevated decks from which to view the mighty savannah beyond. Accommodation is in 6 rooms: 4 luxury doubles with divine four-poster beds, one luxury twin and a spacious family suite consisting of a twin and double room. All of the rooms have fabulous en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, elevated sun decks and private plunge pools.

Given the exclusive use nature of the property, daily activities are entirely driven by guest preferences and schedules. Experienced rangers guide safari activities in open 4×4 vehicles, and recommend an early morning and evening excursions for the optimum opportunity to spot the resident game.

In addition, bush walks, photographic trips, archeological or celestial safaris and ranger skills courses can be arranged.

One of the nicest properties in Bantry Bay, Les Cascades De Bantry Bay, run by the ever-efficient Luc and his team, will be closing for about a year while the property undergoes a major ravamp (it was lovely already, so when it reopens in November 2011 it will be AMAZING I am sure!).

Don’t worry though, their sister property, The Cascades on 52, will still be open for business as usual.

We will blog immediately when Les Cascades De Bantry Bay reopens again!