Mhondoro Safari Lodge introduces Winter special

Dutch-owned, the luxurious 5-star safari lodge is a fusion of African chic and edgy European influences. Unique features include a waterhole with underground hide that is connected with the main lodge by a tunnel; as well as a star deck, private gym and a heated swimming pool.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa

The malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve stretches across 35 000 hectares and is a mere 2h45-minute drive or a 50-minute flight from Johannesburg. Guests can expect varied terrain and a diverse natural habitat featuring the ‘Big 5’, including a large white rhino population. Guided walks with the endangered white rhino are very popular with guests, as is watching the ‘resident’ herd of elephants who visit the lodge waterhole almost daily.

Mhondoro is the ultimate big sky destination, with stunning unimpeded sunrises and sunsets over the Waterberg mountains and valleys. The wildlife experience is complemented by luxurious accommodation, indulgent spa treatments, passionate service and fine cuisine. Mhondoro distinguishes itself from other safari lodges with its style and quality of fresh and light, home-grown and beautifully plated food, presented in an exciting, modern African style.

Mhondoro is child-friendly and welcomes children of all ages. Family rooms accommodate two adults and two children. Little travellers may run free in the safe open-air play area, which is protected by an elephant fence. Indoors a play room is stocked with games where children can enjoy themselves without disturbing other guests, while special children’s activities and special child-friendly game drives can also be arranged.

Located in the beautiful Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo province), 

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has introduced a Pay 3 Stay 4 offer that offers a free night for every three nights booked at the award-winning lodge. Valid between May and July, the special offer is subject to availability. Discounted rates start at R5675 per person sharing per night in a Deluxe room, inclusive of twice daily safari activities, all meals and soft drinks, as well as local beers and select house wines.

Tel Reservations: +27 87 150 2314

res@mhondoro.com

Via www.fivestarpr.co.za

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Africa Travel & Safari Show Online

Don’t miss the online
Africa Travel and Safari Show
#AfricanLuxury #LuxuryDestinations #Afriluxe #LuxuryTravel #AddedLuxury

Using online conferencing systems the show will enable tourism suppliers in Africa to meet with you wherever you are in the world, without either of you leaving your workstation.

A great line-up of topics covered by our speakers in the auditorium;

Booking travel into Southern Africa with Confidence – David Frost, Southern Africa Tour & Safari Association.

African Travel attractions for the US Market - Ron Mracky, International Advisory Committee member, Africa Tourism Association

The Europe to Africa market - Chris Mears, African Travel and Tourism Association

The Livingstone Experience - shaping the future of travel – Madeleine Hetem, Tamrich Tours

Adding Authentic cultural experiences to itineraries – Eleanor Muller , Transfrontier Parks Destinations

Adventurers’ guide to island hopping – Sherin Francis, The Seychelles Tourism Board

The History of Safari Travel - Beks Ndlovu, African Bush Camps 

Exhibitors include
Legacy Hotels and Resorts
White Shark Projects
ATKV
The Seychelles Tourism Board
Unearth Experience
Mopane Bush Lodge
The Fine Collection
Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Tamrich Tours
Dream Hotels and Resorts
SATSA

To date over 250 delegates registered to attend, 50% of these are from North America.

Other regions registered include:

Europe (Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland)

United Kingdom

Ireland

India

Australia

New Zealand

Africa (Kenya, Eswateni, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa)

Click here to register

  Africa Travel and Safari Show

Thanda Island - Tanzania's Newest ECO-Luxe Jewel

Situated within southern Tanzania’s newly proclaimed Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, one of Thanda’s initiatives to further the restoration of the local marine life, Thanda Island is one of the few truly private tropical islands in the world.

Providing absolute exclusivity for families and friends to enjoy on a sole-use basis, it features just one expansive five-bedroom villa comprising an impressive glass rim-flow swimming pool, a boat house full of water activities equipment, a tennis court and an outdoor cocktail bar, a yoga sala and a fully equipped gym. It is surrounded by its own private coral reef which can be explored in total seclusion with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.

 

 

Off-grid and solar-powered, Thanda Island offers guests an environmentally sensitive, fun and restorative Indian Ocean, East African experience infused with the Arabian influence of passing Arab Dhows on the horizon and a spectacular “Arabian Night” experience. Deeply committed to the conservation of the region’s marine life, as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef, Thanda Island invites guests to learn about the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles as they nest and their eggs hatch on the island or catch sight of whale sharks that congregate nearby from October to March.

Providing the further insight into the local way of life, they also introduce guests to the Swahili sea-faring culture on nearby Mafia Island and offer the opportunity to explore its ruins, coconut plantations, lakes as well as the underwater sights of Chole Bay in the Mafia Island Marine Park.

Officially opened on Friday 28 October 2016 with marine life and its ecology of upmost importance, working with Sea Sense, the local Tanzanian marine conservation NGO which Thanda Island closely supports.

 

Managing Director, Pierre Delvaux chronicled Thanda Island’s story that began in early 2006 cumulating in its environmental authorization in late 2013, the signing of the lease agreement in March 2014 and the beginning of the villa’s construction in early 2015. He went on to explain the vision and objectives for the development to provide a world-class, 5-star, exclusive private island and villa experience for discerning vacationers, whilst also aligning with the objectives of Marine Parks.

Delvaux went on to say: “Our mission is also to become involved in the education of neighbouring rural communities on Mafia in terms of biodiversity protection and particularly sustainable natural resource utilization. Our vision to create a unique and authentic guest experience within a protected marine reserve, whilst observing and directly participating in the protection and preservation of its natural resources in harmony with the Marine Parks Authority and neighbouring Mafia Island communities, has been very important to us right from the start.” 

Acknowledging this, Dr M.E Machunu, Manager of Marine Parks said: “The luxury villa and island development falls squarely within the Tanzanian agenda of attracting foreign investors to the country. This opening is both momentous and historical, as it is the first time that such an exclusive villa development has been permitted within the boundaries of a Marine Protected Reserve in Tanzania, and possibly within East Africa.”

He thanked Thanda sincerely for their commitment and initiative of investing in such a worthwhile development, explaining that the Government’s agenda to promote tourism was in harmony with conservation through sustainable development that not only assisted them to manage their natural resources, but also created employment and other benefits for neighbouring communities. He went on to explain that the Government was supporting tourism more than ever before, that Marine Parks and the Government were committed to supporting Thanda Tanzania Limited with this venture as it had followed all investment procedures and guidelines, including environmental authorization, and that they saw Thanda as an agent for growth in the region.

Pierre Delvaux wrapped up the day by thanking Dan and Christin Olofsson, who unfortunately were unable to attend the function, for their vision, enthusiasm, investment and commitment to developing such a world-class luxury villa hotel that had the opportunity to make such an enormous difference in the region in so many ways.

 

 

Visit
thandaisland.com

Source: Theprteam.com

Experience the Milky Way star bed at Samara Private Game Reserve

Samara Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet will be launching the Milky Way Star Bed Experience at the end of February 2017, providing guests with a romantic wilderness experience that will take their breath away.

Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop in a secluded location, the platform comprises a bespoke four-poster bed with draped mosquito net. A seating area looks out over the river where wildlife descends to drink. A canvas roof provides shelter in case of inclement weather. Creature comforts are taken care of with luxurious sheets, mohair blankets, dressing gowns and bathroom facilities. A truly ‘Karoo’ luxury sleep-out experience – lit by the twinkling stars overhead.

The award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve Award is located on 70,000 acres of wilderness in the Great Karoo, offering breathtaking views over the Plains of Camdeboo. It boasts over 60 mammal species, including aardvark, cheetah, Cape mountain zebra, giraffe, black and white rhino, buffalo, eland and gemsbok to name but a few.

Visit  www.samara.co.za   or email reservations@samara.co.za
Follow on Twitter @samarakaroo

Source: littleblackbookpr.co.za

Serena Hotels Commemorate Rwanda's Genocide

CSR is a way of life at Serena Hotels

Serena Hotels has a large footprint in Africa. The hotel group is committed to nurturing both people and the planet and has dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to uplift and empower the lives of local communities.

Rwanda’s Genocide: 100 Days of Remembrance

Since April 2013 staff and management at Serena’s hotels in Rwanda have been taking action to honour the victims of the Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Serena Hotel and the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Rwanda’s genocide took place in 1994 - a mass slaughter of Tutsis by Hutus in which more than 500,000 people lost their lives. The United Nations (UN) has named April 7 as the Day of Remembrance of the Rwanda Genocide and Serena Hotels has set up various initiatives to pay tribute to this turbulent time in the country’s history.

During the commemoration period, which runs for 100 days from April 7, the staff and management of Serena Hotels in Rwanda invest their personal time and energy to help change the lives of those affected by the civil war.

Films are shown at the Kigali Serena Hotel as an innovative way to raise funds. Denise Benzinge-Omany, Serena’s Country Sales and Marketing Manager for Rwanda, says: “Every year in April, we screen movies related to the genocide. We charge an entrance fee and the proceeds are used to buy food and fulfill other needs for victims.”

During the 100-day period, Serena Hotels is also focused on women’s groups and donating clothing and linen to various charities. Staff members also take time out to visit genocide memorial sites. Activities of commemoration are carried out within the local communities in Kigali, the district of Rubavu, and its capital, Gisenyi (where Lake Kivu is located).

Investing in Rwanda’s Future

Benzinge-Omany says commemorating the genocide is very important and stresses that Serena Hotels is invested in the future of those affected by this tragic chapter in Rwanda’s history.

She says: “We at Kigali Serena have been working with an association for genocide survivors which is made up of families headed by children who were orphaned in the genocide. Nineteen years after the genocide, these children have grown into young adults looking for jobs and skills, and also to further their education”.



Benzinge-Omany points out that Serena Hotels offers training opportunities, with a chance of employment where possible. Other CSR activities hosted by Lake Kivu Serena Hotel include supporting the local orphanages, women co-operatives and visiting Gisenyi Hospital. While Kigali Serena Hotel is also involved in supporting a local orphanage among other activities.

The Kigali Serena Hotel is ideally situated in a charming boulevard in the heart of Kigali. This five-star hotel is close to all the business amenities and attractions in the city. The Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is located on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Visitors can go gorilla tracking to the Volcanoes National Park from the hotel.

Read more about these hotels at www.serenahotels.com

 

About Serena Hotels

The Serena selection spans some of the most evocative, exotic and enchanting destinations in the world. The Serena Group comprises a collection of 32 safari lodges, camps, hotels and resorts located in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Uganda and Mozambique) and Southern Asia (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan).

The Serena service profile guarantees unprecedented luxury, extensive amenities and unrivalled warmth of personal attention. TPS Serena Hotels is an affiliate company of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). AKFED promotes tourism by building, rehabilitating and managing hotels and lodges that contribute to economic growth in an environmentally and culturally sensitive manner.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Launching Africa Travel Week in 2014

Global leader Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) set to launch ‘Africa Travel Week’ at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 28th to May 3rd 2014.

Following the successful launch of ILTMAfrica in April earlier this year, the decision to create an all-encompassing travel week will ensure Africa Travel Week is the leading global event for Africa’s travel industry.

Comprising three co-located shows in one venue encompassing Africa’s inbound and outbound markets for general leisure travel, luxury tourism, and the MICE/business travel sector under RTE’s established portfolios of WTM (World Travel Market), ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) and IBTM (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings).

Richard Mortimore, Managing Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented:
“Reed has been exploring opportunities in Africa for sometime and the success of our first launch event, ILTM Africa, has given us the platform to now introduce two more of our global industry brands to create ‘Africa Travel Week’ and make it the leading global event for the continent’s travel industry.

“Because of the sheer size of the continent and diversity of its travel offering, all three brands will help bring the world to Africa and promote Africa to the world’s leading source markets. RTE is committed to the African continent and its future as a global player in the leisure, business and luxury tourism sectors.”

WTM Africa will attract exhibitors from all categories of the leisure travel industry within sub-Sahara Africa as well as North African destinations, aligning itself with sister events, WTM, WTM Latin America, Arabian Travel Market and International French Travel Market – TopResa.

All shows will have a table-top format IBTM Africa will be in the West Ballroom, adjacent to the exhibition hall in the CTICC. Targetting the inbound and outbound meetings, events, incentives and business travel sectors of sub-Sahara Africa.

With suppliers from the MICE sector including hotels, venues, convention bureaus, DMCs, technology providers and suppliers of services. Reflecting the brand values of its sister events CIBTM (China), EIBTM (Europe), GIBTM (Middle East), AIME (Australia), AIBTM (US), IBTM India.

The East Ballroom will host ILTM Africa in its second edition after its successful launch focussing on Africa’s inbound luxury travel market. ILTM Africa is part of a global portfolio of luxury travel events that include ILTM (Cannes), ILTM Americas, ILTM Asia, ILTM Japan and ILTM Spa.

Both ILTM Africa and IBTM Africa will operate with a pre-qualified Hosted Buyer programme and a pre-scheduled appointment system. WTM Africa will combine a Hosted Buyer and appointment system with a trade visitor programme.



Africa Travel Week will be supported by Thebe Exhibitions Group, based out of Johannesburg. "We will be working with Thebe as our local management services contractor to provide logistics, operations and local sales and marketing services," added Mortimore.

Arthur Gillis, CEO of the Protea Hospitality Group, the largest hotel group on the African continent with some 130 hotels in 10 countries said:

“Africa Travel Week is the sort of event that exposes the best of the continent to a global audience that covers the entire travel spectrum from leisure to luxury, business to conferencing. Cape Town, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, will be the perfect backdrop to a travel showcase of this magnitude.

The Protea Hospitality Group firmly supports collaborative efforts of this nature in which tourism players work together for the greater good of growing travel and investment in Africa by creating infrastructure and permanent jobs in a market sector that I believe will continue to show steady growth in the long term.”

Dates for the events are:

ILTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

IBTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

WTM Africa: May 2nd – 3rd

www.africatravelweek.com

IBTM Africa will be the second major African meetings industry trade show. Meetings Africa, which attracted 350 buyers this year, will be held between 24-26 February next year in Gauteng.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

The world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, meetings, incentives and business travel, as well as golf, ski and spa travel. 

In 2012 Reed brought together seven million active event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business with over 500 events in 39 countries.Today events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organized by 33 fully staffed offices. Serving 44 industry sectors with trade and consumer events and is part of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider and a FTSE 100 company. www.reedexpo.com

Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives

Not only has Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa been voted best beach hotel, it has also become a landmark for celebrities looking for privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. The April issue of Conde Nast Traveller UK features Gemma Arterton’s impression of her stay in the resort.

“I swam with the dolphins here, dived, went on boat trips and spent hours in the water – the corals’ incredible, I stayed in a wooden house over the sea. It all felt really relaxed: somewhere you could chill out, and do yoga, read, cycle around the island – and, of course eat delicious fresh fish,” Arterton said.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has 132 villas, including two spacious presidential villas that measure up to 957 square metres and offer the choicest amenities and accessories. Each presidential villa has two large bedrooms, an extensive garden with a spa pavilion, a private pool, an outdoor designer shower with body jets, a sauna and a personal gym with a private courtyard and garden.

Round-the-clock in-villa dining can be enjoyed in the living room on timber-decked verandas or in the air-conditioned or al-fresco dining pavilions. A variety of dining options are also available at the resort’s five restaurants and bars.

Shangri-La’s all-villa Villingili Resort and Spa is the first luxury resort located south of the equator in the Maldives. It is also the first in the country to introduce its own nine-hole recreational golf course plus cultural tours on neighbouring islands. Surrounded by a striking coral reef, the luxurious hideaway resort is a lush, picturesque paradise with six kilometres of coastline and two kilometres of white sand beaches.

Serving as the guiding principle of the British glossy Conde Nast Traveller, the slogan “Truth in Travel” certified the authenticity of the recognition of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives as Best Beach Hotel 2013 in the Gold Standards list issued for 2013. Conde Nast Traveller United Kingdom ratings, based on readers’ surveys and journalists’ reviews and coming out every winter, has become a popular feature and powerful encomium in the travel industry.

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

The Hong Kong-based group currently owns and/or manages 78 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 32,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.

Located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Visit http://www.shangri-la.com/male/villingiliresort

Bushmans Kloof Expands Family Fun with a Deluxe Room

Located just 270km from Cape Town, at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains amidst staggering rock formations and endless open plains, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers a fun and enriching experience for the whole family.

With the introduction of the Niven Family Deluxe Room, the lodge has expanded its family offer even further to accommodate parents with children aged eight and older in the main lodge. Throughout the year, families with children of all ages are also welcome in the private villa, Koro Lodge, whilst special Family Fun packages at the main lodge during school holidays, offer a special children’s programme for little ones, sharing rooms with their parents.

The beautifully appointed Niven Family Room is centrally located and features two spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. The master bedroom is king-size, while the second bedroom can be converted into a twin or a double, making it a convenient choice for families travelling together. In addition Niven also has a comfortable lounge area and a tranquil private terrace, perfect for a drink underneath a starlit sky.

Rates at Niven during low season (1 April – 31 August 2013) are from R2 100 per person sharing per night for adults (16 years and older); and from R1 130 per person sharing per night for children (8 - 15 years). The rate includes all meals, rock art excursions, nature drives and lodge activities.

For guests with younger children, or those wishing total privacy, Bushmans Kloof’s secluded, private villa Koro Lodge offers splendid luxury and exceptional comfort. Situated in the heart of the reserve, about 2km from the main lodge, the converted farmhouse provides an independently catered for experience and includes the services of a private chef, hostess and a guide with game viewing vehicle.

Accepting children of all ages, Koro sleeps up to four adults and four children and offers flexible accommodation options with two lavish suites and a fun loft bedroom. A spacious games and entertainment room comes equipped with two single beds and a bathroom for additional accommodation.

Winter rates at Koro Lodge are from R12 475 per night, fully inclusive for up to four adults and four children sharing - complete with all meals, drinks and activities. Bushmans Kloof’s special package, Koro Lodge Escape, allows guests to stay at the private lodge for four nights - for the price of three. (1 April – 31 August 2013 at a special rate of R37 425 for 4 nights - saving of R12 475)

BUSHMANS KLOOF WILDERNESS RESERVE and WELLNESS RETREAT
Tel: +27 (0)21 437 9278
Email: info@bushmanskloof.co.za
Become a fan of Bushmans Kloof on Facebook
Follow Bushmans Kloof on Twitter
Visit the www.bushmanskloof.co.za website

About Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat

Bushmans Kloof is a luxurious ecological oasis of 18 533 acres (7500 hectare), situated at the foothills of the breathtaking Cederberg mountains. Here majestic views, staggering rock formations, open plains, invigorating outdoor activities, 16 luxurious rooms and suites, award-winning Cape cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in Nature, all combine to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure. Koro Lodge, the private villa, provides a fully independently catered for experience for families and friends travelling together, which includes the services of a guide with game viewing vehicle, and a dedicated chef and hostess.

Less than three hours’ drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is unequivocally recognised as a conservation success story, and was awarded the Relais & Châteaux Environment Trophy (2007), in recognition of its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. In 2012, Virtuoso presented Bushmans Kloof with its coveted Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award, for outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism principles.

Malaria and predator free, Bushmans Kloof is a sanctuary for many indigenous plants, animals and birds, including the endangered Cape mountain zebra. It is also home to over 130 Bushman rock art sites, is recognized as one of South Africa’s Natural Heritage Sites, and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. It bases its entire business ethos on preserving the precious natural environment, while providing guests with the ultimate African wilderness experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Cederberg Wilderness Area, which forms part of the Cape Floral Region – a recognized World Heritage site.

A mere 270km from Cape Town, the 5-star Relais & Châteaux lodge, voted Best Hotel in the World 2009 (Travel + Leisure), is renowned for its warm, caring service and exceptional hospitality. In 2010 it was listed on the coveted Condé Nast Traveler USA, as one of the Top 50 Resorts in Africa in the World’s Best Awards, and for the past three years (2010 – 2012), was included in the Condé Nast Traveller UK Gold List for Best Hotels for Food in Africa, Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

About The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection of five- and four-star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Florida and South Africa. Each property has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities central to the Red Carnation’s ethos that win them so many prestigious awards – splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests.

Emirates - Hello Tomorrow

One of the fastest growing airlines in the world, now has even more affordable economy fares from South Africa creating the perfect excuse for that well deserved holiday to that dream destination. The fares will apply from all Emirates gateways in the country i.e. Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

The attractive fares see return economy class tickets to Mumbai starting from R5720, to Amsterdam from R6,857, from R6,971 to London and Paris from R7,226. The fares apply to all 132 destinations across the Emirates network, making your dream destination a lot more affordable with value for money fares all year round.

Enjoy Premium Travel with Emirates Boeing 777-300ER 
 

Emirates’ new global brand platform called “Hello Tomorrow” offers a new brand promise – connecting people and cultures to create meaningful experiences. Emirates’ extensive network offers travellers connectivity to some of the world’s best cities through the main travel hub of Dubai. “Hello” is a universal greeting and Emirates is extending an invitation to all travellers, business or leisure, to a new place where Tomorrow holds the promise of a new experience, memories and destination.

Through making travel more affordable with these value for money fares, Emirates hopes to quench the South African thirst for travel, taking South Africans to exciting destinations in Europe, the Far East, Americas and Australia, that will create new conversations and memories.

Explore more with Emirates Holidays - A World of Choice

Airline travel lost much of its allure in recent years as recessionary pressures dictated the direction airlines took in terms of in-flight services, fares and the overall experience. Fouad Caunhye, Emirates' Regional Manager, Southern Africa says, “Our year-round low fares are about freedom, about giving our customers an opportunity to choose their holiday destinations at a time convenient to them.”
Mr Caunhye adds, “Travellers on Emirates are already used to our award-winning service and passenger comforts, offering up to 1,400 channels of movies, television programmes, music and games, the ability to send and receive emails and text messages, meals prepared by gourmet chefs and superior service from the airline’s international cabin crew recruited from over 130 countries.” Emirates also takes the worry out of doing a little shopping by offering Economy Class passengers a generous luggage allowance of 30kg.

“The value of flying Emirates is obvious; with our affordable fares we are bringing back the excitement of holidays and air travel.” The airline currently has a fleet of 198 aircraft, including the world’s largest Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleet, and flies to 132 destinations.

Please visit www.emirates.com/za for details.

About Emirates

Emirates is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines. With a fleet of nearly 200 fuel efficient aircraft, the multi-award winning carrier flies to 132 destinations. In 2012, Emirates launched a host of exciting new destinations; Dublin, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle, Lusaka, Harare, Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, Lisbon, Erbil, Washington DC, Adelaide, Lyon and Phuket. Warsaw and Algiers also recently joined the Emirates’ network. In February this year, Emirates’ ambitious expansion plans are being supported by the opening of the world’s first purpose-built A380 concourse at Dubai International Airport.

The First Ever International Luxury Travel Market Africa

The launch of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa, Cape Town, the first event of its kind on the African continent kicks off with the ILTM Africa Opening Forum – a live debate led by some of Africa’s leading industry figures who will discuss the rise of luxury travel, the issues that this has brought to the continent, and how safari tourism has moved upmarket.

With overwhelming support from luxury travel experiences across the African continent and fully booked with 70 participants, all of whom represent the most authentic and diverse range of elite travel products and services. Many of these participants will be exhibiting at a trade show for the first time and will join Hosted Buyers who also have not attended an event of this kind in Africa before – 37% of these will attend an ILTM event for the first time.

Visit Africa Travel Week in 2014

The Forum, facilitated by international African Travel Writer, Graham Boynton will take place before the show opens on Monday 8th April at the Mount Nelson Hotel, the venue for the ILTM Africa showcase. The first day of ILTM Africa 2013 culminates in a Gala Dinner hosted by the Cellars Hohenort.

The forum will be in two parts and starts with Minister Alan Winde, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism for the Western Cape Government, who will give an insight into the infrastructure and tourism assets of his region and beyond. Followed by South African author Clem Sunter, focusing on Africa’s economic and political health.

Boynton will then facilitate a lively debate on “The Issues Facing The Luxury Travel Market” looking at perception vs reality – how the outside world sees Africa - and the impact of recent changes that have taken place in the market, plus how the luxury African product has evolved and the key issue of intra-country air connections. Taking part will be Tony Romer Lee – CEO, The Collection by Liz McGrath; Adrian Gardiner – Founder & CEO, Mantis Group and Beks Ndlovu – CEO, African Bush Camps.

ILTM’s Exhibition Director, Alison Gilmore commented: “The point of the ILTM forum concept is to kick off an event with some content and debate that gives all our participants – exhibitors and hosted buyers – real insights into trends, issues and successes of the host country as well as some thought provoking take-aways to begin their two days of business.

We are delighted to welcome Minister Alan Winde and of course such an influential line up of speakers for what is bound to be a lively and enlightening debate that will also give the audience the opportunity to ask their own questions from those that are directly involved in the industry luxury tourism”.

The inaugural ILTM Africa 2013 the first invitation only event in Africa to showcase 70 exclusively African travel experiences who will meet with 70 international Hosted Buyers, dedicated to creating and planning luxury travel inbound to Africa.

Business appointments are pre-scheduled, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio. Following the traditional ILTM format, both buyers and exhibitors must follow a strict accreditation process in order to participate.

For further information, please visit www.iltm.net/africa

 

ILTM Africa will host international VIP buyers from major markets including the USA, Europe and Brazil, each with a specialism in Africa, personally invited and verified to ensure their luxury travel credentials are of the highest standard. The event matches mutual requests from both buyers and exhibitors to meet on a one-to-one basis to build business opportunities and communities.

Muriel Minnell Falck, CEO & Executive Director of Argentina’s Sundance Tours, a specialist in Africa’s exotic destinations commented: “There are Africa luxury specialists all over the world who have long needed a dedicated forum at which to meet solely high end African product, from the established to the smaller, lesser-known brands. ILTM Africa is extremely promising and we are very much looking forward to being part of its launch in April and meet with exhibitors who would mutually benefit from forging new relationships.”

Like all other ILTM events, ILTM Africa will feature a detailed programme of social networking opportunities. In addition, the ILTM Africa Opening Forum will reflect both regional and global key luxury travel trends and issues, in a series of live interviews and debates.

Alison Gilmore, ILTM Exhibition Director said: “Our pre-event research was clearly extremely accurate - the overwhelming interest in ILTM Africa since we launched such a short time ago, shows just how much demand there is for an event that focuses exclusively on the high-end market.The global portfolio of ILTM events are about addressing the needs of both the buyers and suppliers and the response we have received will help ILTM Africa to grow in 2014.”

About ILTM

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and ILTM Asia are the leading annual business to business events for the global luxury travel community, bringing together the world’s most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation and unique travel experiences showcased for the most discerning luxury travel buyer via an unrivalled pre-scheduled appointment system and effective networking and information opportunities.

ILTM – which invites only the most discerning buyers from across the world – takes place in Cannes, 2 - 5 December 2013; ILTM Asia – which selects buyers from across the Asia Pacific – takes place in Shanghai, 3 - 6 June 2013 and ILTM Americas – a one-to-one summit for travel agents from North, Central and South America – takes place at Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico, 30 September - 3 October 2013. A similar niche event ILTM Japan – inviting both Japanese and international buyers - launched 11 – 13 March 2013 in Kyoto; ILTM Africa will launch 8-9 April 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa profiling African product and inviting international buyers and ILTM Spa will take place in London from 30th September – 2nd October 2013.

De Hoop Collection - The Nature of Luxury

Tucked away behind the Potberg Mountains you’ll hardly believe this vast expanse of land with its captivating fauna and flora exists. Down in the valley De Hoop Nature Reserve beckons, experience the tranquillity of nature. 

Only three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near the southernmost tip of Africa along the world renowned Garden and Whale Routes. It’s a destination favoured by hikers, cyclists and bird watchers the early winter and summer ideal for whale watching. Few other reserves offer as complete an outdoor experience as this. Sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants, diverse antelope and the Potberg Mountains. Nothing less than a three night stay will do.

Experience it best in the lap of luxury at the Melkkamer Manor house. Fully-catered 5-star service in a beautifully restored “Ostrich Palace” built from indigenous limestone. The perfect destination for discerning guests who seek the privacy of sole-use villa accommodation, comprising four magnificently appointed en-suite bedrooms. All meals are included and prepared in the manors kitchen by a private chef with butler service the ideal base for a tailor-made De Hoop experience complete with a private guide and transportation. Update (According to their website this feature is no longer available.)

With a very rich history, favoured by government officials as a well kept secret it only opened to the public many decades later. The Potberg Mountains are home to the only remaining breeding colony of the rare cape vulture. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, cape mountain zebra, eland, baboons and ostrich. The many terrestrial habitats support 86 mammal species, most notably the grey rhebuck, yellow mongoose, caracal and the occasional leopard. Famous for its variety of resident and migratory bird species more than 260 species have been recorded.

The Wetland Area 

Catch the morning sun while enjoying a delicious breakfast on the spacious veranda overlooking the cottages and wetland area called, the vlei, a Ramsar site and birders paradise. Observe wading birds on its shores while setting off on the vlei trail, workup and appetite and have lunch on the banks. 

If you skipped the cruise a chose the hike instead the perfect unwind awaits at the De Hoop Spa or take in an Art workshop for those artistically inclined. The Guided Eco Boat Trips provides a sunset cruise, paired with champagne, 

canapés, great company, and guides to both inform and test your wildlife knowledge.

The Coast 

The adjacent De Hoop Marine Protected Area extends three nautical miles (5 km) out to sea, one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. Providing a sanctuary for a vast and fascinating array of marine life mammals such as dolphins and seals occur in the waters off the coast and southern right whales calve and mate in the sheltered bays of De Hoop each year between May and December. 

At least 250 species of fish occur in the marine protected area. When to go Summer time preferably at the new or full moon when the tides are high enough to expose the magnificent rock pools at the coast line. Explore it with a Guided Interpretive Marine Walk. World-renowned as one of the best land based whale-watching spots this coastline is transformed into one of the world's most important nursery areas for southern right whales. Whale watchers regularly stand in awe at the sight of more than 50 of these sea giants lying a mere kilometre from the coast. 

World-renowned as one of the best land based whale-watching spots this coastline is transformed into one of the world's most important nursery areas for southern right whales. Whale watchers regularly stand in awe at the sight of more than 50 of these sea giants lying a mere kilometre from the coast.

My Favourite Activity by far 

The perfect after dinner experience, stargazing, merely a few metres from the lights of the manor house enveloped in total darkness with nothing but the night sky glittering above. The stars loom so close and luminous it seems you can reach out and touch. With our guide pointing his laser beaming up into the night sky we start our informative star gazing activity. 

What to expect 

Some of the greatest celestial sights, the nearest stars to our solar system, two close dwarf galaxies, and some drop-dead gorgeous clusters. South Africa is right above the Antarctic a mere 15 degrees from the prime meridian the galactic centre of the milky way providing a view of billions of stars. The Southern Hemisphere has 11 circumpolar constellations including six first-order magnitude stars. The Northern Hemisphere has only five none of which are very bright. 

Showcasing our closest star system the Centaurus constellation with the third brightest star in the night sky, Alpha Centauri comprises more than one star — Alpha Centauri A, a Sun-like star, and its companion, the slightly less massive Alpha Centauri B, actually form a triple with Proxima Centauri (technically the nearest). All three stars appear as a single point to the naked eye, but a 3-inch telescope with 100× magnification can split Alpha Centauri A and B. 

Circumpolar constellations appear closer to the North and South Poles and are only visible in its corresponding hemisphere staying above the horizon all night orbiting the poles. The Southern Cross is the brightest and most iconic constellation in its Hemisphere. Within it the jaw-dropping Jewel Box Cluster showcases colourful stars that look like precious stones twinkling in the night sky. The colours come from a red supergiant amongst very bright blue supergiants and other brilliantly coloured stars, some of which have luminosities 80,000 times that of the sun. 

Milky Way’s Largest Satellites 

The large and small Magellanic clouds tare the largest dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way arguably the most amazing objects in the night sky anywhere in the world. Easily mistaken for ordinary clouds they are big, white, and puffy, until you realise they are in the same spot night after night two entirely different galaxies visible with the naked eye. So close they appear much bigger than anything else visible from Earth. The larger cloud is a gigantic view of the fourth largest galaxy in the universe. 

Because it’s brighter in the Southern Hemisphere the dark nebulae within it are more pronounced. Situated between the two brightest stars of the Southern Cross is the most prominent nebula the Coalsack best viewed with the naked eye or binoculars.  A brighter nebula Eta Carinae is home to the most massive star in the galaxy which is one of the most exciting stars because it is unstable and thought to be the next star to die in a supernova. 

Other constellations include Vela harbouring a neutron star, the Vela Pulsar, rotating 11 times per second its intense magnetic field emits audible pulsating radio signals. Centaurus boasts the greatest number of visible stars. Next to the Jewel Box is Omega Centauri, the second brightest globular cluster in either hemisphere with the most massive concentration of stars orbiting the centre of the Milky Way. 

The reserve provides nature lovers and the outdoorsy with unique comfortable overnight accommodation situated at spectacular locations. East of Bredasdorp the reserve can also be accessed via Swellendam and is an ideal stop over enroute from the Cape Winelands to Plettenberg Bay.