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

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.