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

Asilia Africa Introducing Little Oliver's Camp

 

Aspiring to grow its footprint, its positive impact and to be a leader in improving and expanding natural habitats. Asilia is the first Sustainable Safari / Lodge Company in Africa to receive a 5 Star rating for Sustainability from GIIRS. Founded in 2004 with a strong presence in both Tanzania and Kenya.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of Tanzania’s most iconic camps in the Tarangire National Park, Asilia Africa will be opening Little Oliver’s on 1st July 2013. Deep in the south eastern corner of the park, surrounded by mystical baobab trees, is Oliver’s Camp, one of Tanzania’s original safari camps.

When Paul Oliver built the camp in 1992, he chose Tarangire because it offered an authentic, untamed African experience. 20 years on the camp still holds true to that philosophy and Asilia Africa celebrates this landmark anniversary with the opening.

Shower under the African stars

Little Oliver’s Camp will comprise of 5 luxury, en-suite tents overlooking a flood plain of the Minyonyo Pools, part of the Tarangire River, approximately 1km downstream from the original Oliver’s Camp. The spacious tents are beautifully appointed with furniture made from reclaimed dhow wood and the large decks maximize the views over the animal packed swamp ahead.

The tents have both indoor and outdoor showers, allowing guests to shower under the African stars. The communal dining area is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day and reflect on the day’s sightings. The intimate size of this camp makes it ideal for groups of friends or family who want to take it on an exclusive basis.

Walking in a National Park is a rare privilege

Activities at Oliver’s and Little Oliver’s are as diverse as the bird life in Tarangire! As well as traditional game drives, taking you off road for better game viewing, both camps offer walking safaris within the national park. To be able to walk in a national park is a rare privilege.

At both Oliver’s and Little Oliver’s walks can vary from a gentle morning game walk, where guests learn about tracks and spoor, to a 3 day wilderness adventure, sleeping out in a lightweight fly camp with nothing more than a tent and a small crew of staff. It is likely that you will get close to larger mammals with Oliver’s experienced walking guides but this is the chance to take a closer look at the little things and appreciate the African bush from the earth upwards.

Little Oliver’s will be built with the utmost respect for the environment in which it is situated. The original Oliver’s Camp was the first African accommodation to be certified through Sustainable Travel International‘s Sustainable Travel Eco-certification Program (STEP), the globally recognized gold standard in eco-certification, for its ongoing sustainability initiatives. Little Oliver’s will continue to uphold these high standards of sustainability.

Opening on the 1st July 2013 the rates start at US$ 580 per person per night on a full board basis, excluding national park fees. Tents can be booked on an individual basis or the entire camp can be booked for private groups.

Currently, Asilia’s portfolio of camps includes:

In Tanzania: Sayari Camp, Dunia Camp, Olakira Camp, Oliver’s Camp, Ubuntu Camp and Rubondo Island Camp.

On Zanzibar: Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat and Matemwe Beach House.

In Kenya: Rekero Camp and Naboisho Camp.

In Mozambique: Kubatana Camp. 

Asilia Africa. Believe in better.

www.asiliaafrica.com

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.

AndBeyond Launches Tailormade Yoga Safaris

With the rising trend of health and wellness travel, AndBeyond has added yoga safaris to its unique product offering of luxury experiential travel adventures in Africa.

Each yoga safari will be tailormade by AndBeyond’s travel expert and yoga teacher, Melissa Adey, to suit guests’ specific needs and interests. Melissa will also personally design each safari at the lodge of their choice – whether on the dunes of the Namib Desert, overlooking the Okavango Delta or on the plains of the Masai Mara.

“The African bushveld is the perfect place for people to recognise their place within the universe, and to reconnect with nature and wildlife, but most importantly with oneself. Yoga is a fast track to access this space no matter where you are and to combine it with a luxury safari offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect on a much deeper level”, says Melissa.

Led by renowned local and international yoga teachers, each safari will include a range of yoga and meditation classes per day in peaceful bushveld surroundings. Guests may enjoy fresh smoothies, raw vegetable and fruit juice or coffee before setting off on interpretive morning game drives. Days can then be spent leisurely relaxing at the lodge pool, enjoying a massage after breakfast or an afternoon siesta before a short yoga class, high tea and an exciting afternoon game drive.

In addition to reconnecting with nature, AndBeyond also offers guests the opportunity to give back to the local communities surrounding its reserves and lodges. Just by choosing to travel with &Beyond, guests can be assured that their travel money is being used to positively influence ongoing conservation development and community empowerment.

About Beyond

AndBeyond is one of the world’s leading experiential adventure travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 16 African countries, as well as India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness highspots. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.

Luxe Property - Wild Rivers

Luxury on Safari

Wild Rivers · Hoedspruit · Limpopo · South Africa

• Bedrooms 4 
• Bathrooms 4 
• Garages None
• House Size Approx 500 m²
• Stand Size Approx 10000 m²

• Rates & Taxes ZAR 650 pm
• Property ID ENV26FR
• Levy ZAR 2000 pm
• Purchase Price ZAR 8,2 million

Contact person: Cristelle Stoop · Mobile 083 377 6622 · cristelle.stoop@engelvoelkers.co.za

Link to property  

 

 

 

Overnight Walking Safari Experience at Tanda Tula Safari Camp

  Tanda Tula is proud to be the first in the Timbavati to offer a remarkable once-in-a-lifetime experience: the overnight walking safari.

 

An opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the beautiful African wildlife on foot and up close, and to sleep under the stars, exactly as the early explorers did. This experience is ideal for guests who love to hike, enjoy bird watching, flora and fauna and game tracking on foot. Tanda Tula Safari Camp is situated in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Consisting of 12 luxurious tents, Tanda Tula Safari Camp exudes elegance and combines comfort and style with African roots. The open plan lodge, which is completely unfenced, merges luxury with the natural environment.

Each Walking Safari itinerary is individually tailored to suit guests' requirements.

 

Every safari expedition is led by one of our highly qualified ranger and tracker teams. Guests will kick-start the day with an early-morning outdoor shower, steaming hot coffee and homemade rusks, before venturing out on a game walk. The group walks for between ten and twelve kilometers per day, tracking wildlife and bird watching and stopping to take in the magnificent scenery and biodiversity of the reserve.

After a day spent exploring the great outdoors, guests return to the secluded Machaton Hide located high up on a platform on the banks of the Machaton River and overlooking a popular watering hole. Here, they are treated to a hearty dinner cooked over a fire in the traditional 'bush kitchen' style. The Hide is rustic yet fully equipped with all the necessary creature comforts of camp beds, linen, mosquito nets, oil lanterns, bush showers and a loo. Memories are made and stories are shared around the campfire before guests retire with nothing but a mosquito net between them, the wilderness and the big night sky.

An intimate group of a maximum of four people per walking safari can be accommodated, making the experience ideal for families, friends and couples travelling together. This is an exclusive experience and guests are guaranteed that their group will be the only group on each walking safari experience.

Singita's Take on Multi-Generational Safaris

21st Century baby boomer grandparents are active and love to travel, and want to share the experience with their children and grandchildren. Labelled ‘multi-generational travel’, it is one of the biggest emerging trends in travel across the globe, says Virtuoso, the leading international luxury travel network.   Across the world there is a new thirst for family adventure, to unplug and spend time together, creating memories, sharing life-changing experiences, and educating children about different ways of life.

In Southern and East Africa, Singita Game Reserves is offering truly personalised, multi-generational family safaris that are custom-designed to provide rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Go on safari to celebrate a special occasion or family reunion, but many simply go to enjoy precious family time together.

Lindy Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer of the Singita Group says: ‘Singita has no set itinerary, activities or ‘kids club’. For us it is all about focusing on individuals, and anticipating the needs of each unique family group - whether it is organizing activities to engage the children, or offering expert cultural experiences for the sophisticated, older guests in the family.  It is much more than facilitating rest and relaxation – it is about creating rare experiences for our guests. 

From the humbling experience of visiting  a makeshift classroom in the local township, to the miracle of a zebra foal being born out on the open plains, and being witness to that unguarded moment when it first stands on its own teetering legs. Unexpected moments like these are enough to capture the hearts of an entire family, and turn them into the fiercest of conservation gatekeepers, providing the kind of shared personal enrichment that no money can buy.’

Some safari lodges lend themselves perfectly to hosting a multi-generational family. One of Singita’s ten iconic lodges in four destinations in Africa, Singita Sweni in the Kruger National Park embraces this signature, ‘made-to-order’ guest experience that has earned it the reputation as a world leader.  Every visit is different, and with no restrictions or set schedules, it offers the ‘new luxury’ of slowing down in nature, and having time to rekindle family bonds.

At Singita Sweni Lodge families can enjoy the run of the lodge on an exclusive-use basis to accommodate up to 12 guests in six luxurious suites. Spectacularly elevated above the Sweni River, in the largest private concession within the Kruger National Park, it operates within a ground-breaking private/public partnership with SA National Parks (SANP), which has become the blueprint for successful eco-tourism business in protected areas. Located in the game rich far eastern reaches of the reserve, this unique solitary sanctuary within what is arguably ‘the world’s most famous wildlife destination’, makes it a favourite among multi-generational travellers.

Singita family safaris are defined by sharing experiences. The thrill of swopping safari stories under a blanket of stars ending off a perfect bush dinner, or the strong sense of community when a family joins the lodge staff choir with a traditional dance around a campfire - it’s about a new perspective, and taking home memories that have captured everyone’s hearts.

For children the fun and adventure never stops and with expert guiding on tap there is ample opportunity for all generations to gain deeper insight into the precious wildlife heritage safeguarded here. Life plays out differently in the bush and the thrill of a lion chase from the seat of an open-sided Land Rover is just one of the soul-stirring chance occurrences that may surprise guests in this theatre of nature.

The chance to give back through one of Singita’s inspiring conservation and community projects, offers an opportunity for many to become part of a profound and life-changing venture. A visit to the nearby Singita School of Cooking is an example of a wondrous voyage of cultural discovery where guests and their children can meet these young, aspirant cooks in the staff village, taste their favourite local dishes, and get a glimpse of their everyday life in the bush. Each family member will return from their safari adventure, having learned so much more through mutual experiences that have not only enriched and inspired, but may very well change the course of their lives.

SINGITA SWENI EXCLUSIVE 

Singita Sweni Lodge may be booked for exclusive use, at an all-inclusive rate of ZAR82 000 per night (valid for 2012) for a maximum of 12 people. Book 3 nights and enjoy the 4th night free.

Luxury Travel Africa is on the Up

Luxury holiday operator, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Africa brochure for 2012, featuring escorted group tours, private journeys and many new suggestions for tailor-made itineraries throughout Africa.

2011 has seen Cox & Kings’ passenger numbers to Africa increase by 25% compared to 2010 and tailor-made holidays Africa now account for 55% of all Africa bookings, which has risen from 30% in 2007. Cox & Kings’ Africa product manager, Louise Stanion, explains: “People are feeling more confident about devising their own itineraries in Africa with input from our experts, and tend to have a greater knowledge of the destinations they want to visit. Clients still want our recommendations and value our feedback and input but are increasingly venturing away from the traditional tourist trails to see lesser-known sights.”

South Africa: Both Cox & Kings’ group tours have increases on 2010 passenger numbers, showing that demand for tours to South Africa is returning to pre-World Cup levels. For 2012, Cox & Kings has introduced luxury departures on both Taste of South Africa and Splendours of South Africa, which upgrades accommodation to some of the country’s finest hotels.

Taste of South Africa is a 10-day / 7-night escorted tour with a luxury option, which includes flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily. Clients can also choose to take the tour with private guides and transfers, or as a self-drive.

As more clients are booking itineraries off-the-beaten track, Cox & Kings has introduced two new private itineraries in the 2012 brochure. The Three Kingdoms is a 14-day / 11-night private journey that combines the highlights of the mountain kingdoms of Lesotho, Swaziland and Zululand with their fascinating history and beautiful mountain scenery. South African Safari is a 15-day / 12-night itinerary showcasing the great diversity of South African wildlife on a safari to three of the country’s best wildlife parks while staying in small owner-run lodges.

Ethiopia has established itself as the bestselling group tour in the Africa brochure with a 50% increase in passenger numbers since 2010. Stanion says, “Clients want to experience authentic destinations with culture and history. As the only African country never to have been colonised, Ethiopia has a rich heritage with fascinating rock churches, endemic wildlife and stunning scenery” The brochure includes two new private tours. Ethiopia’s Tribal Kingdom visits the fascinating and colourful tribes in the Omo Valley a 13-day tour. The Road to Lalibela uses the newly tarmacked roads in the north of the country to explore some of Ethiopia’s most spectacular scenery with a private driver / guide for 14 days.

New for the group tour is a visit to the lesser known rock-churches of Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha near Mekelle in the north of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Odyssey a 14-day tour and includes flights from London with Ethiopian Airlines, transfers, excursions and full board accommodation. Several of the departures have been adapted to coincide with the most celebrated of Ethiopia’s festivals: Timkat, Meskal and Tsion Mariam.

Madagascar: The Madagascar Adventure group tour has seen a 30% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2010 and due to high demand, the tour is now four days longer but at a similar price. Madagascar Adventure is now a 14-day / 11-night tour including flights, transfers, excursions and full board accommodation. There are also two new suggested itineraries: Marvels of Madagascar explores national parks known for superb lemur sightings and Island Hopping explores some of Madagascar’s tropical islands.

The group tour to Namibia, The Untouched Wilderness, has seen a steady increase in passenger numbers compared to 2010 and the 13-day / 10-night tour. A new private tour for 2012, Namibia’s Natural Wonders, travels overland with a private driver/guide throughout, which allows clients to travel at their own pace and explore Namibia’s magnificent dune fields, lunar landscapes, salt pans and wildlife.

Please see our website for the full programme to Africa, which also includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Mauritius and the Seychelles.