Straight off the press – purely for information only.

SANParks announces immediate changes to its Wild Card Programme

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the change in the management of the Wild Card from infinity with immediate effect.

The current infinity Wild Card will be replaced with the distinctive New Wild Card, as the ‘old’ card will no longer be accepted at Wild Card partner parks and nature reserves, after 31 December 2010.

All Wild Card holders are called to please update their membership details timeously, in order for them to receive the New Wild Card as well as continued access.

Updates must be completed at any of the Wild Card partner websites, at www.wildcard.co.za

Applications for renewal of expired cards and new purchases may also be processed on-line, and the issuing of Infinity Cashback rewards will also cease with immediate effect. Wild Cardholders, who still have Cashback rewards, will be able to redeem their Cashback rewards, using the old Infinity Wild Card, at any of the current Infinity redemption partners.

I have always had a soft spot for Savanna Private Game Reserve, in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve – it was THE very first place that I ever went on safari before Travel Butlers was even a twinkle in our eyes. We went for 3 nights initially … and extended our stay to 7 nights, we loved it that much.

And now, you can also enjoy it as much as I did, I hope, with these 2 new special offers :

Stay for 4 nights, Pay for 3

Stay for 5 nights, Pay for 4

Stay 2 nights at either the Shamwari Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, or Jock Safari Lodge in the world-famous Kruger National Park OR at the wonderful Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, between 1st May 2011 and 30th September 2011 – and take advantage of our special offer, which is an additional 3 nights at the One&Only Cape Town for just R3,150 ON TOP OF THE COST OF YOUR 2 NIGHT SAFARI. Not to be missed!

Click on the links below to read more and enquire with us now:

Shamwari / One&Only Special Offer
Jock / One&Only Special Offer
Sanbona / One&Only Special Offer

Chitwa Chitwa is a special place, so there really is no place better to stay if you are looking for a Safari Honeymoon – and if you wanted more encouragement or convincing … well, the bride also receives a 50% discount!

Imagine a seamless blend of authentic African design with eclectic European elegance, and you will conjure up the unique style and character of Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge, located in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve which adjoins the Kruger National Park.

Hidden among the lush gardens, the 8 individually, artistically styled suites each have a private plunge pool, and exude an air of bygone romance combined with unfaltering luxury.

Indulging in the clever design which brings the outside in, the magnificent bar and lounge area melt into the surrounding trees, rendering you invisible to the game gathering on the open plain in the cool of the evening.

Chitwa Chitwa is a secluded portal to viewing some of the continent’s richest and most diverse wildlife. The lodge stands sentry over one of the reserve’s largest lakes, which bids a silent summons at dawn and dusk to the ever-present wildlife, including the Big 5.

This offer is valid for travel only between 1 October 2010 and 31 December 2010.

Book 3 nights at either Tinga Narnia Lodge or Tinga Legends Lodge, both in the Kruger National Park, and receive 3 nights FREE in Cape Town!

The Tinga Private Game Reserve is an exclusive 5,000 hectare concession within the Kruger National Park, where guests can view the wildlife on safaris or bush walks, whilst accompanied by accredited guides.

Tinga vehicles also have access to the entire Kruger road network, thus allowing guests to view the areas of historical significance and aesthetic beauty that the southern Kruger has to offer.

Both Narnia and Legend Lodges offer an exceptional high standard of accommodation.

FREE NIGHTS in Cape Town !
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers an appealing mix of cosmopolitan restaurants, good shopping, historic monuments, mountain hikes, sandy beaches and rich history. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit, it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa, and most people want to return again and again.

The Cape Cadogan is a stately double-storeyed Georgian and Victorian building that dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, and was declared a national monument in 1984. The luxuriously appointed en-suite bedrooms are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furniture using dramatic fabrics to maximum effect.

The More Quarters Apartments are conveniently located just off fashionable Kloof Street, with some of Cape Towns’ finest restaurants just a leisurely stroll away.

Valid for stays from now until 30th September 2011 AND then again from 1st December 2011 until the end of January 2012 (except over Xmas and New Year).

Just in !

Stay 3 nights at Etali Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, and receive 2 x 60 minute complimentary treatments in their Wellness Centre. Valid for travel between 11 October 2010 and 15 December 2010.

OR

Stay 2 nights anytime before 15th December 2010 and your rate will include a one-way flight to Etali from Johannesburg (ORT International Airport) to the airstrip in the Madikwe Game Reserve, where you will be met and transferred to the lodge by your ranger.

Built of rugged indigenous stone, thatch and wood, and laced together by winding pathways, Etali is an exclusive, intimate haven. The 8 luxurious air-conditioned suites are each set apart for total privacy in its own bushveld domain.

Guests can enjoy the exciting unpredictability of early morning and afternoon game drives – a leopard sitting on a rock licking his paws – the black rhino with attitude – the watchful matriarch elephant, bigger than you ever imagined – a pride of lions relaxing in the shade …

In-between game drives, relax and be pampered in the tranquillity of the Wellness Centre or enjoy the sheer pleasure of a massage on your own sundeck.

The privately owned Lion Sands Private Game Reserve has been in the More family for 4 generations. The land is 4,000 hectares in size, and guests who have stayed at Lion Sands River Lodge, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Lion Sands 1933 have been able to enjoy uninterrupted game drives on this land, as only guests staying at these 3 lodges were allowed to drive on the land.

The exciting news is that from 1st October, guests can now also drive on the neighbouring Kirkman’s Kamp Reserve. This will allow game drives to cover a massive 7,000 hectares, and most importantly, will allow guests the ability to experience both the Sabie and Sand River ecosystems on one game drive.

Bot the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve and Kirkman’s Kam Reserve form part of the southern portion of the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an area well known for its spectacular game viewing.

Question : Why is lion and hyena dung white when it dries out ?

Answer : Because of the calcium from the bones of the animals both predators will have just eaten.

Oddly enough … we decided NOT to put a picture alongside this fact … !!

Hot off the press :

Stay for 3 nights at the 5* Radisson Blu, at Cape Town’s Waterfront, and only pay for 2 nights.

Valid for bookings from 9th October until the end of April 2011. The only dates that this offer is not available is over the Xmas / New Year period (so from 24th December until 2nd January inclusive) and the 7th, 8th and 9th February too.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront enjoys one of the best positions of any hotel in Cape Town – a prime waterfront position literally on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with spectacular sea views across to the famous Robben Island. The hotel is situated just a short stroll from the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront shopping and entertainment centre.

During the day, guests can relax on the pool terrace with a refreshing drink or take a dip in the sparkling rim-flow swimming pool. The Wellness spa and fitness centre offers a full range of luxury treatments including a vitality pool and a fully equipped gym.

The 177 rooms are all air-conditioned, and offer either mountain views or views over the ocean and the hotel’s private marina.

All the rooms are elegantly decorated, and are fully equipped with direct dial phones, satellite TV, coffee making facilities, internet access, mini bar and hair-dryer.

Situated in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve of the Limpopo (Northern) Province, Shibula Lodge hugs the banks of a scenic river and has magnificent views of the overhanging cliffs where guests are entertained by the daily activities of the resident baboon troops. The lodge accommodates a total of 16 guests in ultimate luxury.

The 34,000 hectare Welgevonden Private Game Reserve is situated about a 3 hour drive north from Johannesburg, in the Waterberg Plateau, and is completely malaria-free. Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.

There are rare and unusual species too, such as brown hyena, aardwolf and aardvark – all best seen at night. The grassy plains abound with antelope from the largest eland to the diminutive duiker.

The Reserve is also home to well as over 300 bird species, including rare blue cranes.

During the week, we are delighted to offer guests who are interested in going on safari here the opportunity to stay for 3 nights for just the price of 2 at Shibula Lodge. All meals, snacks and morning / afternoon game drives will be included.

This offer is valid for stays on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night only, between 11th October 2010 and 30th April 2011.

Contact us now to check availability and make a booking !