WELCOME to the August Newsletter! Spring is upon us and the bookings have been streaming in for the upcoming school holidays as well as for December. It seems the good weather has everyone in good spirits! We have added a number of new establishments over the last couple of weeks that are offering ZERO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS to our single travellers - please support them! More detail on these below. And for the adrenaline junkies amongst our subscribers, do not miss out on the 10-day Extreme Adventure Package by Spiral Horn Tours. Full detail available below. 

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 KEDAR COUNTRY HOTEL NEWS
This charming stone built complex (http://www.singletravel.co.za/kedar.html), on the historical farm of President Paul Kruger, "Boekenhoutfontein" and 25km from Sun City, gently blends rustic comfort with the natural beauty of the bushveld surroundings. This produces, for the discerning customer, an aura of tranquility and peace that just has to be experienced.  

Major overhaul and expansion programme!

• 33 de luxe rooms (to take the total number of rooms up to 60)
• a new kitchen, laundry and dining room
• a new reception area and conference rooms, linking with the existing conference facilities. Plans are for a new 100-seater conference room, a 60-seater conference room, a traditional “kgotla” (traditional African meeting room) and a breakaway room for 20 people, all of which will be fully air conditioned. There are already two small conference rooms that can accommodate 25 and 35 people respectively. The new reception area will have a small shop.
• work has already begun on an up-market health spa, which will be built amongst indigenous vegetation, overlooking the dam. Access to the therapy rooms will be via a suspended walkway through the wetland

  WILD COAST HORSE TRAILS & WORKING HOLIDAYS http://www.singletravel.co.za/wild_coast_trails_holidays.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS!
They have also agreed to drop their 50% supplement on private trails (one rider per trail) and will in future only charge a 10% supplement. 

Trails with availability:
- 24 October (6 nights beach trail)
- 6 November (7 night beach safari)
- 21 November (6 nights beach trail)
- 4 December (6 night beach safari)
- 12 December (3 night/4 day midweek break)
- 17 to 26 January (Wild Coast Adventure Trail)
- 27 March 2006 (10 night beach trail)   

MISTY HILLS CONFERENCE SPECIAL
Any conference groups booked for arrival with accommodation on a Sunday night starting conference on a Monday will qualify for a 50% discount on the Room rate ONLY for the Sunday night at Misty Hills (http://www.singletravel.co.za/misty_hills.html). This offer is valid up to 30 September 2005.    

SPIRAL HORN 10 DAY EXTREME ADVENTURE PACKAGE!
http://www.singletravel.co.za/spiral_horn_tours.html - ONLY R800 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
PER PERSON SHARING: R11,900
PER PERSON SINGLE: R12,800

SPECIAL FLOWER TOURS!!!
Join 'Overland in South Africa' on one of their special flower tours and see the real wonder of our floral splendour. The rain has been real good this year and the flowers are guaranteed to be exceptionally good. They already have about 180 species flowering in Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. Tours run from Cape Town Mondays to Fridays but you can ask for specific dates if the group is more than 4 people. Tours include the West Coast National Park and Cape Columbine Nature Reserve as well as selected private flower reserves. Routes change according to the areas where flowers are most spectacular.

Tour price: R2,450.00 per person (NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!) for 5 days and 4 nights Cape Town to Cape Town. This includes all meals and backpacker accommodation. Contact us for different itineraries.

A few NEW additions to our website are: 

Critchley Hackle (Dullstroom)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/critchley_hackle.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
Critchley Hackle is different. Built in pointed stone and set around a beautiful garden lake, the setting is unique and breathtaking. The interior of the lodge is decorated with some of the most beautiful and original antiques and paintings and will leave you with a sense of peace and dignity. The very private bedroom cottages, all with bathrooms en suite, have been individually and personally decorated for your comfort and luxury.
2005 Winter Special
Valid TO 30 September 2005
· Stay one night and receive a 10% discount
· Stay two nights and receive a 20% discount
· Stay three nights and receive a 30% discount  

Walkersons (Dullstroom)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/walkersons.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
Walkersons, with its stone and thatch buildings and 1500-acre Highland Estate offers a Royal experience if you are seeking something truly special. the main lodge exudes atmosphere and warmth. All bedrooms are very private with lake views and afford the guest every comfort – fireside armchairs, a well stocked private mini bar and television. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, television; telephone, tea/coffee facilities, mini-bar, wall safe and private patio, all rooms are individually decorated and have fireplaces.   

Highgrove House (Kiepersol)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/highgrove_house.html - ONLY R250 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
Highgrove Guest House (repeatedly voted Best Small Luxury Hotel in Mpumalanga and South Africa) combines distinctive accommodation in Mpumalanga along with gourmet cuisine and a hideaway pastoral setting offering sweeping views over the Mpumalanga Lowveld valley. As the guest list for accommodation is limited to just sixteen people, personal service is assured. 

Jaci's Lodges (Madikwe)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/jacis_lodges.html
These two exceptional, privately owned lodges - run by Jan and Jaci, together with an outstanding team - will exceed all your safari expectations. Situated in the MALARIA FREE Madikwe Game Reserve boasting 75,000 hectares of BIG FIVE 'territory'. You can also expect to see Wild Dog, both Black and White Rhino, extensive plains game, including Sable, Gemsbok, Springbok and Giraffe, as well as over 340 species of birds.

Rissington Inn (Hazyview)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/rissington_inn.html
Tucked away just outside Hazyview lies Rissington Inn, a thatched homestead with long views over the Sabie River Valley. Rissington Inn – the freedom to do as much or as little as you please. We pride ourselves on our outstanding hospitality. Sundowners in the bar, a delicious dinner in the restaurant, coffee and a nightcap, before retiring to your comfortable room with the night sounds of Africa to lull you into a peaceful sleep. 

Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate (Scottburgh area)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/selborne_hotel.html
Selborne Hotel is known for its discreet and personalised service, with an elegant lounge, friendly pub and two superb dining rooms. The 49 rooms comprise of 1 Presidential suite overlooking the 18th green, 3 Luxury Manor Rooms in the main house, 32 Luxury Garden Rooms of which 8 rooms can be converted into 4 Family Suites, 9 private Garden Suites and 4 Superior Luxury Rooms. The Estate Houses are also available if needed. Selborne is particularly proud of its reputation for providing creative cuisine, including authentic curries and the finest of seafood. 

Ingwe Game Lodge (Edeni Private Nature Reserve)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/ingwe_game_lodge.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS OVER SELECTED DATES!
Nestled in the heart of the 9,000ha Edeni Private Game Reserve - an ideal weekend getaway. Ingwe Game Lodge is a comfortable 4 hour drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Relax in one of our charming suites, all en suite with private veranda or simply allow the myriad of waterfalls at the poolside to lull the senses. Ingwe Lodge sleeps 42 guests, allowing maximum privacy and attention at all times. Central facilities include an open air dining room, luxurious lounge and two bars.  

Akeru Safari Lodge (Timbavati)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/akeru.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
At Akeru Safari Lodge, situated in the pristine wilderness of the Timbavati Nature Reserve, which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, you will find a refuge – a place of exquisite beauty and peace. You will return restored and rejuvenated - having absorbed the magical energy and spiritual presence inherent to the bush - a natural "tonic" that everyone should experience on a regular basis. Akeru is situated in the Timbavati Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. For millions of years, the Timbavati has remained untouched, retaining its wild rugged character and is home to all of Africa's big game. It is also the spiritual home of the White Lion, that has been called…...Akeru. 

Samara Private Game Reserve (Graaff-Reinet area)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/samara.html
Samara is one of the largest private reserves (28,000 hectares/70,00 acres) in South Africa. It is located 55km from Graaff-Reinet, the forth oldest town in South Africa, full of charming shops, museums, restaurants and warm friendly people. Samara is just 258km from Port Elizabeth, a city with has access to a wide range of transport (air, rail, road). There is a wonderful sense of space at Samara, a reminder of the insignificance of humans in comparison to the vast splendid beauty of the Karoo. The reserve encompasses the southern flank of the Sneeuberg mountain range and the Karoo Valley Lodge is nestled below the escarpment. The reserve extends at the lower elevations and comprises part of the famous Plains of Camdeboo Three dry rivers (the Apies, Melk & Plat Rivers) traverse the property. At the higher elevations (500 metres higher) the property has two magical plateaus extending to thousands of hectares. These plateaus are a truly serene world. 

Witwater Lodge & Spa (Waterberg)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/witwater_lodge.html
Long after you have left, you will still recall the warm welcome and hospitality extended to you during your stay. An aura of elegance and sophistication pervades the comfortable lounge and other facilities at the main lodge. Witwater is a five-star lodge in the magnificent malaria-free Waterberg. Set on the banks of the lush Phalala River with its white waters, from where Witwater gets its name. 

Umlani Bushcamp (Timbavati)
http://www.singletravel.co.za/umlani_bushcamp.html
Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This authentic camp is the ultimate experience of true wilderness and seclusion, accommodating only 16 guests in traditional African reed and thatch huts. Umlani's philosophy of simplistic luxury and 'getting back to nature' is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps as well as open-air bush showers fuelled by wood fires. The accommodation offers you all the privacy and superior comfort you need for uninterrupted relaxation. Umlani's award winning cuisine will take you on a gastronomic tour of African styled food.
3-NIGHT SPECIAL
Inclusive of accommodation, 3 meals and 2 game drives per day, optional bush walk daily, all local brand drinks and VAT. Excludes Timbavati Nature Reserve entrance and conservation fees.
Per Person Per Night Sharing: R5,230
Per Person Per Night Single: R6,880
Children under 12 sharing with parents: R2,615
Children under 12 in own room (subject to availability): R3,950  

A few RECENT additions to our website (all offering ZERO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS) are: 

Bundu Safari Company - http://www.singletravel.co.za/bundu_safari_company.html
Nkonka Bush Lodge (Waterberg) - http://www.singletravel.co.za/nkonka_bush_lodge.html
Whalesong Coastal Lodge (Plettenberg Bay) - http://www.singletravel.co.za/whalesong_coastal_lodge.html
Whale Cottage Franschhoek (Franschhoek) - http://www.singletravel.co.za/whale_cottage_franschoek.html  

Watch out for Basse Provence Country House (Franschhoek), Riverside Cottages (Hazyview), Induna Adventure Activities (Hazyview) and Zuma Zuma Safari Lodge (Timbavati) coming soon! Another exciting upcoming addition is Passport To Pleasure, catering for all your reservation needs for the Indian Ocean Islands (including the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles).      

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INTERESTING PLACES, TOWNS & AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Musina, Limpopo

 

TRAVEL NEWS 

Thai Airways postpones SA service
THAI Airways has announced that it has postponed its Bangkok-Johannesburg service. The service was due to commence on December 3, 2005. The decision “forms part of Thai Airways’ new marketing plan aimed at reducing costs and maximising revenue,” said the airline in a statement. All TG flights on the route have been closed for sale in the GDS systems. Agents holding confirmed reservations would be receiving an ‘HX’ on their PNR and they are urged to secure alternative reservations for their clients. The airline has not indicated when it intends to commence the service.   

Greater access in Wetland Park
A NEW R7,5m bridge and entrance for uMkhuze Game Reserve will provide direct access for tourists and local residents to the newly completed Lubombo road. The entrance now means that the uMkhuze and Sodwana Bay sections of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park are now just 60km apart on tar, bringing the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative’s dream of “three countries in one day” for tourists a step closer. The new bridge and entrance, expected to be open in time for the December holidays, also makes Kosi Bay, Ponta do Ouro and Tembe Elephant Park more accessible to tourists seeking a bush and beach experience. Other strategic investments have been made by the Wetland Authority to improve park infrastructure, such as upgrading roads, building hides and scout camps, erecting a 150km fence and improving camping facilities, among other developments. At least 75% of the capital expenditure has gone to SMMEs and local labour, says the Wetland Park Authority ceo, Andrew Zaloumis.  

Major upgrades at JIA underway
CONSTRUCTION has begun on extensions and infrastructural upgrades at Johannesburg International Airport’s international terminal. Three major projects have been identified: the Echo Apron, the International Pier and the Central Terminal Building. The Echo Apron, which will cost R220m and be completed by mid 2007, is being developed to provide more airside capacity in terms of aircraft stands. The International Pier, which will be complemented by the Echo Apron, will expand the departure and arrivals areas of the international terminal. The Pier will also see a doubling in the size of the existing Duty Free mall. The Pier will cost R512m and is due to be completed at the same time as the Echo Apron. The Central Terminal Building is a R1,7bn project which will effectively link the domestic and international terminals. It will also improve passenger holding capacity and serve the needs of new generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A380. Apart from these three developments, an additional parkade of 3 000 parking bays is also planned, due to be completed in the second half of 2007. The new developments will have a similar look and feel to the already upgraded domestic terminal that opened in 2003. Acsa predicts that the upgrades will boost the airport’s capacity to 25 million passengers per year, up from the current 13 million.  

Buffalo return to uMkhuze Game Reserve
THE Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is now one step closer to becoming a Big Five national park and major global tourism destination. Last week saw the release of 103 buffalo into the uMkhuze Game Reserve, part of the Greater St Lucia World Heritage Site, as part of a major game relocation programme.
The reintroduction of these animals, last seen in this part of KwaZulu Natal over 75 years ago, was made possible through an agreement from SANParks and Paul van Vlissingen, a Dutch conservationist active in the Marakele National Park. Other rare and valuable game brought back into the Wetland Park include elephant, black and white rhino, tsessebe, oribi and wild dog. For further details on the relocation and developments in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, see the October and November editions of Travel News Now's sister publication, Tourism Update.  

Kenya to spend millions upgrading parks
THE Kenya Wildlife Service, which runs the country’s national parks, plans to spend R3,4m to make the country’s parks world-class. A report in The Nation newspaper states that eight of the country’s parks will each receive about R430 000 to improve services, security and conservation of plants and animals. The parks have also been given new names: Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mt Kenya, Mt Elgon, Aberdare and Nairobi National. Lake Nakuru is the first on the list, followed by Amboseli in September. The whole project is expected to take three years. Julius Kipng’etich, KWS director, said the park upgrades will make the country more appealing to international tourists. KWS expects with the upgrades and proper marketing, the country’s parks could increase its visitor numbers to 1,6m a year.  

12-year old conquers Kili’s Marangu route
A YOUNG American boy has set a world record after conquering the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro through the tough Machame route. The boy took seven days to reach the summit, which is 5 895m above sea level. A local tourist guide has praised the achievement saying many adults have failed to conquer the route.  

Another property gets Fair Trade stamp
UMLANI Bushcamp (http://www.singletravel.co.za/umlani_bushcamp.html), in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, is the newest property to be certified by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa. Jennifer Seif, executive director of FTTSA, said the reasons for the camp’s certification include the success of its HIV/Aids programme. “The programme, which was designed by local expert Grace Mashaba features awareness workshops and one-on-one staff counselling during her monthly visits. Staff have access to multi-vitamins and a high nutrition diet,” said Seif. Umlani has also developed a Youth Leadership programme at Welverdiend Village, where the majority of staff are based. This programme, which is linked to the Wildlife College, entices historically disadvantaged learners to visit Umlani, where they out about eco-tourism career opportunities. Umlani Bushcamp accommodates up to 16 guests in traditional African reed and thatch huts. Activities include game drives, guided bush walks, and tracking game on foot with experienced Shangaan rangers and trackers.
The property is the 14th property to be certified by the FTTSA.  

BA chooses India over SA
BRITISH Airways’ spokesperson for South Africa, Stephen Forbes, has told TNN that after aggressively campaigning for more South Africa routes during the last few years, the carrier was now turning to India. He said: “We feel we have missed a great opportunity. We had the aircraft, the opportunities were booming and South Africa refused to allow us more frequencies.” Forbes said now that India had opened up its skies, the British carrier was placing the additional capacity onto the Indian routes instead of the African routes.
 
Knysna to host September food event
KNYSNA is to host a major food event in September to promote itself as a culinary centre. Dubbed Gastronomica, the event will be held from September 23 to October 1 and will include a range of dedicated events at Knysna’s Thesen Harbour Town. Says Pat Mulder, chairperson of the organising committee: “The purpose of the event is to showcase Knysna and the Garden Route from a different perspective as a major tourist destination for both South Africans and overseas visitors.” Mulder highlighted the range of produce that has emerged in the town, from exotic fruits and nuts, to wine and cheese making.
The event will include a chocolate patisserie-making competition, cooking demonstrations by award-winning local and international chefs, and participation in a restaurant route through the town. Farmers’ markets, wine tastings, exhibitions of the latest in culinary equipment, and master classes for culinary professionals will also be held.  

Limpopo to build own ICC
PLANS are underway for the development of Limpopo’s own International Convention Centre in Polokwane. The new centre is estimated to cost R500m and is scheduled to open in March 2009. A 250-room hotel will also be built near the centre to accommodate delegates. Leo Gama, media spokesperson at the Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise, which is co-ordinating the development of the centre, said the Polokwane ICC will be benchmarked against the ICC in Durban. Gama added that the two centres will work closely together with the idea that if the ICC Durban is full, conferences and events would be referred to the ICC in Polokwane.  

New products at Voortrekker Monument
THE Voortrekker Monument in Tshwane has added new products to its tours. The monument will now offer evening tours for guests who have dinner at their hotels. The tour includes sherry and wine and a guided floodlit tour through the monument. The ox-wagon rides now also offer moonlight rides through the monument’s nature reserve. An audio guide has been added. These can be hired by self drive visitors who don’t have a tourist guide. The guide is currently available in English and Afrikaans. Lastly, the monument has added outdoor interpretation panels which describe the various outdoor exhibits such as the sculptures, authentic Zulu hut, and symbolic stone pile. This will allow visitors to explore the various items of interest outside the monument and have an understanding as to their origin and place within South Africa’s history. For information on times, tariffs and bookings, e-mail tourism@voortrekkermon.org.za.
 
SA, Australia to grow wine relations
SOUTH Africa’s wine and wine tourism industries could benefit from greater co-operation with Australia’s wine industry. Both the South African Wine and Brandy Company (SAWB) and the Winemakers Federation of Australia (WFA) have called for closer ties between the two countries’ industries, saying that south-south co-operation makes more sense in the face of growing competition from Northern hemisphere wine producing countries. Paul Chambers, president of the WFA, has also praised South Africa’s wine tourism industry, saying significant inroads have been made. He says wine tourism is an area where both countries should seek further collaboration. “Both countries are after the tourist dollar, but we each offer our own unique selling points. Australia and South Africa are both long-haul, warm climate destinations and it could only be of benefit to both countries to meet regularly to monitor and analyse progress in the wine tourism industries in our respective parts of the world,” concluded Chambers.  

LAM increases flights between Maputo, Beira and Nampula
LINHAS Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) has added another flight between the country’s main cities of Maputo, Beira and Nampula. Servicing the route with a Boeing 737, LAM now flies twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, on the Maputo-Beira-Nampula route.   

Revamp for Bush Lodge complete
THE final phase of Sabi Sabi’s total rebuilding of the 25-suite Bush Lodge is complete. The main lodge building has been redecorated and the outdoor viewing areas expanded. The guest lounge and bar areas have been decorated in a mid-1900s theme, while the outdoor areas now have two large wooden viewing decks overlooking a waterhole. A new pool has also been added to the existing pool. Bush Lodge’s reception and welcome areas have also had a facelift, with an extended indigenous garden and lawn.