“Do I need a Visa if I am going to the World Cup in South Africa” is likely to be a frequently asked question from now on … well, hopefully Travel Butlers can answer this for you now.

Overseas visitors who have tickets for the World Cup will be able to obtain a free visitor visa when they enter South Africa. The visa can only be used for the World Cup and will only be valid for 90 days. A valid travel document/ passport, proof of return air ticket, a match ticket booking voucher and two identity photographs in colour will be required to obtain the visa.

Eligible countries are:

Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Botswana
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Paraguay
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Spain
St Vincent & the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
UK
Uruguay
Venezuela
USA

There will be dedicated lanes at airports to ensure fast processing.

The One&Only Cape Town offers an unprecedented level of luxury and style to one of the world’s most fascinating cities. With its spectacular location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and its stunning views of Table Mountain, the resort is a destination unto itself.

And until the end of September 2010 (excluding between 2nd and 6th July), visitors to Cape Town can enjoy 3 nights here and only pay for 2.

Clean lines, dark African woods and contemporary artwork by local artisans accentuate the 131 spacious rooms and suites. The generous interior spaces are adorned with fabrics and furnishings recalling the warm, muted tones of Africa’s savannahs, with bright splashes of colour paying tribute to the land’s vibrant personality.

Guests are welcome to dine on the celebrated cuisines of Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and Gordon Ramsay, revel in the high energy vibe of Vista Bar and sample rare and undiscovered vintages at the stunning Wine Loft.

If you book BEFORE 31st July, you can take advantage of 2 special offers currently being offered by Makanyane Safari Lodge, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, which boasts 76,000 hectares of Big 5 game viewing territory. As well as elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, the reserve is also home to wild dog, cheetah, plains game including gemsbok, springbok, zebra and giraffe, and over 340 species of birds.

Stay for 3, Pay for 2 – Valid for travel between 1st May 2010 and 30th September 2010.

AND

Stay for 4, Pay for 3 – Valid for travel between now and the 10th December 2010.

Unfortunately, neither offer is valid over the World Cup period (1st June 2010 until end July 2010).

Makanyane Safari Lodge offers you the ultimate luxury safari experience. Each of the 8 luxurious suites has an open fronted lounge and a private sundeck. Glass walled bedrooms and bathrooms offer uninterrupted views of the bush and the Marico River.

The spectacular bathrooms have a freestanding bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers, and the wide, folding doors can be opened to allow the sounds and scents of the surrounding bush to join you while relaxing in the bathtub.

For anyone travelling to Cape Town from now (volcanic ash issues aside for the moment !!) until the end of January 2011 can enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2 at either Cape Cadogan or More Quarters, both located in the heart of Cape Town, just off the fashionable Kloof Street. Some of Cape Towns’ finest restaurants are just a leisurely stroll away, and you are also just a short drive from the beaches at Camps Bay, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.

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 12 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 situated just a few minutes walk from the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel reception. Guests can choose from luxury one or 2 bedroomed apartments.

This wonderful offer is not valid over the World Cup period or over Xmas / New Year.

Click here to read more about these offers and to ask us to check availability for you :

Cape Cadogan – Stay for 3 / Pay for 2
More Quarters – Stay for 3 / Pay for 2

Travel Butlers are delighted to offer our customers a simply wonderful deal for a 3 night safari in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park.

Book a 2 night stay at either Lion Sands River Lodge OR Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, and the 3rd night will be free of charge ! This fabulous offer is valid for travel between now and the end of January 2011 (excluding the World Cup period and over Xmas / New Year).

The Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in the southern portion of the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve, an area well known for its spectacular game viewing. The reserve has exclusive access to the Sabie River, which is central to why Lion Sands delivers an incomparable safari experience.

Call us now on 0845 838 2450 to check availability, or by email to tracey.campbell@travelbutlers.com, or follow these links to enquire about the offers via our website :

Lion Sands River Lodge – Stay for 3 / Pay for 2
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – Stay for 3 / Pay for 2

Travel Butlers are delighted to announce that Chief’s Camp, in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana, will re-open next week on Wednesday 21st April. The lodge has been closed for a period while extensive upgrades were made to the camp, including extending the camp’s main lounge and dining area.

Also, for anyone thinking of travelling here during May and June, the camp is offering a Stay for 4, Pay for 3 night deal ! Contact us now to make an enquiry !

The Boathouse in Ballito is offering a Stay for 4, Pay for 3 deal for the month of May only.

This 4* beach front retreat invites you to relax in splendour in Ballito, at the heart of the Dolphin Coast near Durban. Known as the pearl of the Dolphin Coast, Ballito is flanked by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and is a popular destination for spotting the bottle-nose dolphin off the coast line.

Guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking Salmon Bay, while watching dolphins playing in the waves, before setting out for an activity-filled day or just soaking up the sun next to the swimming pool.

The guest house has direct access to the beach, offering the opportunity for lengthy strolls along the Dolphin Coast line.

Each room is individually decorated in its own colour scheme of fabric and style, and most have sea views.

Anyone thinking of travelling to Cape Town between 1st August 2010 and the end of September 2010 can take advantage of the Stay for 3 Nights, Only Pay for 2 which is being offered by the V&A Hotel.

Set in the heart of the beautifully restored Waterfront, and framed by the ocean and Table Mountain, the elegance and luxury of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel is rivalled only by its relaxed atmosphere and warm personal service. The hotel is renowned for the highest international standards. All the 68 bedrooms of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel enjoy unrivalled views of Table Mountain and the working harbour or the vibrant V&A Waterfront. The luxurious interiors of all spacious bedrooms are complemented by elegant decor, along with all the modern essentials to make guests feel comfortably at home.

Stay 3 nights at Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, and receive 3 complimentary nights in Cape Town’s trendy de Waterkant area. Valid for travel between now and 20th December 2010 (excluding travel over the World Cup period).

Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge 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.

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

Your 3 complimentary nights can be taken at Vos House, situated in the trendy de Waterkant area of Cape Town.

The house has 3 en-suite bedrooms, plus a separate family bathroom, and is filled with state-of-the art technology, including climate control, entertainment systems and wireless Internet.

Sliding glass walls and ceilings open to generous terraces on 3 levels, complete with 2 swimming pools.

Call us NOW to check on availability and rates !

Guests travelling to Sun City over the next couple of months need to be aware that the Valley of Waves, Dungeon, Amphitheatre and Royal Observatory pool at Sun City will be closed for annual maintenance from 06 May – 05 June 2010 inclusive.

The Palace Pool will then be closed for its annual maintenance from the 06 June – 30 June 2010 inclusive, but all Palace residents are welcome to use the Cascades swimming pool.