News from our Members
Sent to all our members on a daily basis, below is a full collection of news stories from across the membership.
To submit a news story please Log In to your dashboard and go to "Submit News".
30 May 2014
Head into the clouds on the Kirstenbosch walkway
Kirstenbosch's much anticipated Boomslang walkway through the tree-tops is now open! We go on a meander through the trees to find out what makes this walkway special. Read about it here.
Read More28 May 2014
Zambezi Safari launches new e-magazine
We’re delighted to bring you the first complimentary edition of our e-magazine in association with Travel Africa magazine. You’ll find 33 pages of rich content and updates from Africa – easy to download and read at your leisure or to share with family and friends. View the Spring 2014 e-magazine here Articles in this (northern) Spring 2014 issue include: Sir David Attenborough talks about Africa including his 5 finest moments on safari. Paul Bloomfield follows Livingstone…
Read More28 May 2014
Robert Nolan Walley
Robert (Bob) Nolan Walley 1938 - 2014 Passed peacefully, 25 May 2014, lovingly remembered by family, friends, as well as the staff of African Outposts, its clients and associates. We celebrate the life of a husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague, who's entrepreneurial enthusiasm for the travel and hospitality industry in South Africa, and throughout Africa, was legendary. His, was a happy and productive career in an industry he truly loved. We will miss you boss. Godspeed on yo…
Read More26 May 2014
Migration Update Serengeti Western Corridor
Serengeti Balloon SafarisThe great wildebeest migration has arrived early in Serengeti Western Corridor this year. So have Serengeti Balloon Safaris. Our first flight of the season was Friday morning. Flight Report, Western Corridor 23rd May 2014 It was an excellent day for ballooning in this part of Serengeti. We had a clear sky, slow wind for launching and great steerage along Grumeti River. We took off few minutes before sunrise and had beautiful direction along the river. We had everything cooperating th…
Read More23 May 2014
A rhino lift
There aren’t many people who get to witness a rhino being air-lifted. Em Gatland joins the the game capture team at Imfolozi to document how it all happens in this blog: http://africageographic.com/blog/a-rhino-lift/
Read More23 May 2014
Sanctuary Retreats opens four new camps in East Africa
Sanctuary RetreatsNgorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti and Masai Mara We are very excited to announce the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio of luxury boutique safari camps and lodges will offer four additional properties in East Africa. In Tanzania, Sanctuary Escarpment Luxury Lodge overlooks the beautiful Lake Manyara and opens on 1 June 2014. Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is a new camp in Ngorongoro National Park on the crater rim; and a mobile camp following the migration in the Seren…
Read More23 May 2014
Linking Kruger to Vilanculos with Airlink
AirlinkAirlink commences scheduled air service between Nelspruit Kruger to Vilanculos, Mozambique - on 19 June 2014. Flight will operate twice weekly (Thursday and Sunday) the new Kruger to Vilanculos flights will serve to further enhance accessibility to this iconic beach destination and compliment Airlink’s current direct flights operating between Johannesburg and Vilanculos. The additional flights will create a convenient daily service between Vilanculos and Johannesburg offering the n…
Read More22 May 2014
Conde Nast introduces ‘Game Changer’
I am delighted to show you my latest work and to be featured in House & Garden (South Africa) this month in this rather intriguing way: For further information please see www.heinrichfilterart.co.za and for sneak preview of new work in the making please see www.facebook.com/HeinrichFilterArt
Read More21 May 2014
Spreading the conservation message to local children
Gamewatchers SafarisAs part of our ongoing work to improve the relationship between wildlife and communities, Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps recently invited 42 students from neighbouring schools to the Ol Kinyei Conservancy situated in the Maasai Mara to visit the Porini Mara Camp and to experience a game drive in the conservancy. The company is the pioneer of community-owned conservancies in Kenya, with land being leased from Maasai communities and set aside as wildlife habitat. Follo…
Read More21 May 2014
Elephants help calf cross the river in Ol Pejeta
Kicheche CampsA deep river is never easy for elephant adults, let alone a six month old calf, to cross and being washed away in the current is a very real possibility. This incredible footage by Kicheche Laikipia guest, Sandy Gelderman and husband Daniel E. Slaven, filmed while being led by guide, Onesmus Lesiata, in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, shows a mother elephant, and her emergency swat team, enacting a remarkable rescue for a tiny elephant calf who got swept away while crossing&nb…
Read More21 May 2014
Rapid Growth Expected for Online Tourism in Africa
E Tourism FrontiersNairobi. The fourth E-Tourism East Africa Conference was launched today. The two-day conference, which will take place on the 9th and 10th of June at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, the conference will bring together some of the world’s leading experts on online tourism including Trip Advisor, Expedia and for the first time in Kenya, Facebook will be presenting. The Kenya Tourist Board and the Intercontinental Hotel Nairobi are the lead sponsors for the conference. The conference …
Read More20 May 2014
Camp Jabulani opens new retail outlet, gallery and wine cellar
JabulaniCamp Jabulani in the Kapama Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, has opened a luxury retail outlet, an art gallery and an intimate private wine cellar. The Gallery features local South African art, including works by Jean Abrie, Johan Koch, and Gert van der Merwe. Products from the ‘Out of Alex Embroidery Project’ and other communities will also be showcased. Private wine tastings and intimate dinners are also offered in The Gallery. Only South African wines will be feat…
Read More20 May 2014
UK tour operators on Ethiopia FAM trip
Ten top UK tour operators travelled to Ethiopia for the first time in March hosted by Kibran Tours. On the 9-day itinerary the operators explored the northern highlands, Addis Ababa, Lake Tana, the castles of Gondar, the monuments of the Axumite Empire and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, then flew on a private charter over the Rift Valley lakes south of Addis to the Bale Mountains. At a reception back in Addis the operators networked with tourism promotional staff, including representative…
Read More19 May 2014
Technology driving Cape Town’s recent self-catering boom
Cape Town has seen a recent boom in self-catering accommodation bookings, and technology could be the way of the future for small establishments reveals booking data. Read more here: Technology driving Cape Town’s recent self-catering boom
Read More19 May 2014
Kenyans win Whitley Awards in the Annual Oscars for Conservationists
Gamewatchers SafarisGamewatchers Safaris would like to congratulate 2 Kenyans for being amongst the winners of the Whitley Awards in the Annual Oscars for Conservationists. Dr. Paula Kahumbu and Shivani Bhalla. (Paula Kahumbu will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Atta event in Nairobi on June 3rd.) The 2014 Whitley Awards Ceremony was held on the 8th of May at the Royal Geographical Society in London with the Whitley Awards being presented to the winners by WFN Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. Winner o…
Read More19 May 2014
Painted Wolf Wines at Indaba and beyond
Painted Wolf WinesPainted Wolf Wines is delighted by the response to the wines poured at the Atta dinner and on the stand over the three days of Indaba. We are looking forward to a wider distribution of the wines throughout Africa, and have recognised there is demand for the wines in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Mozambique, Rwanda to name but a few. We are working on finding importers to these countries and any information or contacts who can help expedite this and any feedback on the wines would be gratefully r…
Read More16 May 2014
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and the Three Cities Hotel Group terminate contract
After a mutually beneficial 20 year relationship, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL), the flag ship of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) in Zimbabwe will not be renewing its marketing and technical services agreement with Three Cities, as the contract expires in June 2014. Ross Kennedy, CEO of AAT said, "We have grown as a group, with new properties in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Chobe, Botswana in the last three years and have now created our own team of key skills and personnel, along with s…
Read More16 May 2014
‘Savannah, Quads & Camels’ with Cheli & Peacock
Cheli & Peacock Safaris (DMC)Cheli & Peacock is this year offering a unique safari experience. ‘Savannah, Quads & Camels’ takes in some of the most unusual and unexplored corners of Kenya, aboard quad bike and camel back! This new 14-day adventure takes in some of Kenya’s top boutique properties, spanning the Maasai Mara, Northern Frontier District and Mathews Mountain Range. Stefano and Liz Cheli, Owners of Cheli & Peacock commented:“Savannah, Quads & Camels is set to be one of our…
Read More16 May 2014
Update to African Horizons safari dates
African HorizonsKindly note that our East Africa and Zanzibar Safari dates for the AHK1832 departure are 06th – 20th Sept and not as previously indicated in our earlier sales updates as 09th – 23rd Sept. We apologise for any confusion or inconveniences we may have caused. For more information, visit www.african-horizons.com.
Read More15 May 2014
Saruni's new private villa in the Mara
SaruniSaruni has recently opened Nyati House, Saruni Mara's private villa, for exclusive bookings. Nyati House is one of the very few private villas in the Maasai Mara, and is perfect for groups or families looking for privacy and wanting to experience the Masai Mara on their own schedule and in the comfort of their own wilderness home. Visit www.sarunimara.com for more on Nyati House, and click here to view the Nyati House brochure.
Read More15 May 2014
The Reserve at Taj Cape Town now open
The international attention on Cape Town as one of the world’s must-visit destinations has highlighted a desperate shortage of first-class Meeting and Function venues in the City. Large trade shows and conferences with thousands of delegates are already well catered for, but Michael Pownall, General Manager for Taj Cape Town recognised the City’s urgent need for a grand venue that is equipped to host up to 400 of the most discerning clientele – be it for business or private p…
Read More15 May 2014
New Rooms for The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls
Wild Horizons and The Elephant Camp are pleased to announce plans for four new tented suites to be constructed to the West of the current 12 room facility. The new suites will serve as an extension of the current camp as well as a stand-alone facility offering an exclusive experience for up to 12 people. The extension will have its own central lounge, bar and dining area with a main deck and pool, as well as its own curio shop and kitchen. The four new tented suites will be…
Read More12 May 2014
Samara lends her voice to the Role of Private Protected Areas in Conservation.
Samara Private Game ReserveA new PhD Study and research project is looking at the role of privately protected areas in the Cape Region, and Samara, a 27 000 hectare privately-owned reserve, nestled just outside Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, is actively participating in the study. “Despite private conservation areas contributing significantly to land under protection in South Africa, as well as contributing significantly to the economy, these contributions remain largely undocumented and p…
Read More09 May 2014
Mana Pools: Africa’s forgotten paradise
Nestled within the Zambezi Valley lies a creation of nature still pure and splendid, untouched and wild. With the mighty Zambezi flowing to the north, the adjacent floodplain plays host to one of the most astonishing wildlife experiences in Africa. Mana Pools allows one the rare privilege to travel back in time to an Africa we all wish we knew, an Africa free of human encroachment, an Africa of our dreams. Visit it with Africa Geographic here.
Read More09 May 2014
Azura Retreats expands their luxurious portfolio of boutique hotels
AzuraAzura Retreats, the Company which owns and manages luxury boutique hotels in Mozambique, has announced that it will be expanding into Tanzania from 1 June this year. The first to open of a potential 3 new projects in the country will be Azura Selous Game Reserve. Azura will be taking over and refurbishing an existing top end property, Amara Selous, which is located on the banks of the Ruaha River. The 12 luxury tented suites, each with private pool and river views, will be upgraded to reflect …
Read More09 May 2014
Azanzi Beach hotel, Zanzibar undergoes a mini refurb
Lemala Camps and LodgesWe are delighted to announce that Azanzi Beach Hotel has recently undergone a refurbishment during the closed season. The following works have either been completed or are due for completion by the end of June: A new borehole has been outfitted guaranteeing a good quality consistent water supply. All of the public areas have been repainted and the bathrooms have been refitted. For those that want to be pampered, our new raised spa is being built on the beach overlooking the ocean. …
Read More06 May 2014
Update from Gamewatchers Camps
Gamewatchers SafarisIt is that time of the year again - when camps are closed to allow the earth to recuperate and when the staff go home to recover, rest and get ready for the exciting high season. Our Porini Camps are resting and gearing up to welcome you when we reopen again on June 1st; however, if you are going to be around sooner than that, the Nairobi Tented Camp in Nairobi National Park will still be open. Email info@gamewatchers.co.ke for more information.
Read More06 May 2014
Kenya Airways to fly Dreamliner to Paris
Kenya Airways begins flying its recently acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Paris from June 3 this year as it boosts capacity to meet growing demandon the route. The airline will fly the state-of-the-art aircraft between its hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, France. At the moment, the route is served by a Boeing 767 aircraft. Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Titus Naikuni, said that the …
Read More05 May 2014
Gorilla Permits will be going online in Uganda
Gorilla Permits will finally go online for access to availability and tentative reservation of the permits, tentative bookings will be valid for a restricted period and only confirmed with payment at the Uganda Wildlife Authority reservations office. It was agreed that the visibility of permits will be restricted to locally registered Tour Operators. No paper permits will be issued to visitors, their details will be loaded on to electronic cards which they will present at the tracking stations…
Read More05 May 2014
Mozambique Tourism launches new web site
Mozambique Tourism has proudly launched a new web site which is very user friendly and pleasant to the eye, clients can either click on the map to take them to an area in Mozambique , or click on the various buttons to go to either a region, resort or to the specials page. There is also a credit card payment option which is a secure 3D paygate for clients peace of mind. Clients and agents are welcome to send us quote requests at any time for personalized quotes. Please visit www.mozambiquetour…
Read More01 May 2014
Meet the newest member of the Marketing Worldwide family
The Z Hotel in Zanzibar has joined the Marketing Worldwide portfolio as their marketing efforts go from strength to strength. This chic boutique hotel is at the northern tip of the island, on the idyllic sandy beach of Nungwi. The hotel combines contemporary design with traditional Zanzibari features and April, May and June will see an exciting and complete refurbishment so watch this space.
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