Go Single Travel - Newsletter October 2005

WELCOME to the October issue of our Newsletter - packed with specials! This month we welcome the Three Cities group of hotels to our website. A few of their establishments have already been loaded with more to follow. While we are not able to offer ZERO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS we are able to offer largely reduced supplements - especially at some of their resorts & hotels.

We also introduce some additional super value fly-in packages - the first to Knysna in the spectacular Garden Route, the second to Franschhoek in the Cape winelands and the 3rd to African Sky Hotels in Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. For more detail, scroll down.

Should you at any stage wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter, simply reply to this e-mail with the word REMOVE in the subject header.

GO SINGLE TRAVEL KNYSNA FLY-IN PACKAGES

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS! Valid to 31 August 2006.

2-night fly-in/car rental & B&B option (Fri & Sat night)

Standard Apartment

From R1,900 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Superior Apartment

From R2,020 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

3-night fly-in/car-rental & B&B option (Thu, Fri & Sat night)

Standard Apartment

From R2,100 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Superior Apartment

From R2,280 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Above packages include flights from Johannesburg to George on kulula.com (http://www.singletravel.co.za/kulula.html), car rental as per requirement through Europcar (http://www.singletravel.co.za/europcar.html) as well as B&B accommodation in Standard or Superior apartments at Ashmead Resort (http://www.singletravel.co.za/ashmead.html) in Knysna. Rates are based on flights from Johannesburg - options from Cape Town are available on request. Rates are dependant on availability as well as choice of vehicle and accommodation type and are not valid during the Dec/Jan school holidays. Rates for groups or families as well as midweek packages and longer stays are available on request. ALL PAYMENTS ARE TO BE DONE VIA DIRECT BANK DEPOSIT, INTERNATIONAL BANK DEPOSIT OR INTERNET TRANSFER.

GO SINGLE TRAVEL FRANSCHHOEK FLY-IN PACKAGES

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS!

2-night fly-in/car rental & B&B option (Fri & Sat night)

From R2,140 per person sharing/single (Valid to April 2006)

From R1,740 per person sharing/single (Valid May to August 2006)

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

3-night fly-in/car-rental & B&B option (Thu, Fri & Sat night)

From R2,690 per person sharing/single (Valid to April 2006)

From R2,090 per person sharing/single (Valid May to August 2006)

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Above packages include flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town on kulula.com (http://www.singletravel.co.za/kulula.html), car rental as specified (including 1st tank of fuel) through Europcar (http://www.singletravel.co.za/europcar.html) as well as B&B accommodation at Whale Cottage Franschhoek (http://www.singletravel.co.za/whale_cottage_franschoek.html). Rates are based on flights from Johannesburg - options from Durban, Port Elizabeth & George are available on request. Rates are dependant on availability as well as choice of vehicle and accommodation type. Rates for groups or families as well as midweek packages and longer stays are available on request. ALL PAYMENTS ARE TO BE DONE VIA DIRECT BANK DEPOSIT, INTERNATIONAL BANK DEPOSIT OR INTERNET TRANSFER.

GO SINGLE TRAVEL AFRICAN SKY FLY-IN PACKAGES

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS! Valid from 1 to 20 December 2005 & 5 to 20 January 2006.

3-night fly-in plus accommodation and optional car-rental (Thu, Fri & Sat night)

Pine Lake Inn, White River (Mpumalanga) - Fly to Nelspruit

http://www.singletravel.co.za/pine_lake_inn.html

From R2,165 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

The Ritz, Cape Town (Western Cape) - Fly to Cape Town

http://www.singletravel.co.za/the_ritz.html

From R2,195 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

St Georges, Cape Town (Western Cape) - Fly to Cape Town

http://www.singletravel.co.za/st_georges.html

From R2,330 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Oudtshoorn Hotel & Spa, Oudtshoorn (Western Cape) - Fly to George

http://www.singletravel.co.za/oudtshoorn_inn.html

From R2,495 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Wilderness Beach Hotel & Hydro, Wilderness (Western Cape) - Fly to George

http://www.singletravel.co.za/wilderness_beach_hotel.html

From R2,560 per person sharing/single

Car Rental from R290 per day (unlimited kilometres and including 1st tank of fuel)

Above packages include flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, George or Nelspruit on kulula.com (http://www.singletravel.co.za/kulula.html), optional car rental as specified (including 1st tank of fuel) through Europcar (http://www.singletravel.co.za/europcar.html) as well as accommodation. Meals are excluded. Rates are based on flights from Johannesburg. For Cape Town, options from Durban, Port Elizabeth & George are available on request. Rates are dependant on availability as well as choice of vehicle. Rates for groups or families as well as midweek packages and longer stays are available on request. ALL PAYMENTS ARE TO BE DONE VIA DIRECT BANK DEPOSIT, INTERNATIONAL BANK DEPOSIT OR INTERNET TRANSFER.

BUSHVELD TRAIN SAFARIS 2006

After many requests Bushveld Train Safari's (http://www.singletravel.co.za/bushveld_train_safaris.html) has released their provisional schedule for 2006. With the exception of the Vic Falls Safari there are NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS and no sharing of compartments are required. There is no easier way of travelling and certainly none more scenic!

Prices and schedule are subject to change and are to be used as a guideline only. Unfortunately Spoornet has decided that they will no longer allow contractors to run trains during December (except for the Two Oceans Safari) and they are also threatening to not accommodate day-trips in the future.

Bushveld Train Safaris is also offering a fabulous roundabout trip on the world renowned Blue Train (http://www.singletravel.co.za/the_blue_train.html) (23 to 24 Dec 2005) from Pretoria at the rate of R11,000 per suite, a saving of R8,0o0 to R10,000 per suite of the normal Blue Train overnight rate.

2006 PROVISIONAL SCHEDULE
Feb 1 - 8: Nine Provinces Safari (Pretoria) - R4,300
Feb 10 - 12: Komati Senior Safari (Pretoria) - R1,000
Feb 19 - 26: Cape Fruit Safari (Pretoria) - R5,000
Mar 1 - 6: Algoa Safari (Pretoria) - R3,300
Mar 9 - 13: Argus Safari (Pretoria) - R1,400
Mar 17 - 21: Cosmos Safari (Pretoria) - R1,900
Mar 30 - Apr 6: KKNK Safari (Pretoria) - R3,800
Apr 7 - 11: Natal Safari (Pretoria) - R2,200
Apr 13 - 17: Mpumalanga Safari (Pretoria) - R2,200
Apr 21 - 23: Limpopo Safari - R1,200
Apr 26 - May 1: Drakensberg Safari (Pretoria) - R2,500
May 4 - 14: Namibia Safari (Pretoria) - R8,300
May 17 - 24: Namibia Safari (Port Elizabeth) - R8,700
May 24 - 29: Eastern Cape Safari (Port Elizabeth) - R3,500
Jun 2 -4: Marico Carnival (Pretoria) - R1,300
June 7 - 13: Victoria Falls Safari (Pretoria) - R7,000
Jun 15 - 18: Kruger Safari (Pretoria) - R2,000
Jun 23 - 25: Prawn Festival (Pretoria) - R1,400
Jul 1 - 8: Quilters Safari (Pretoria) - R3,300
Jul 14 - 16: Bushveld Weekender (Pretoria) - R1,400
Jul 22 - Aug 2: Namibia Safari (Durban) - R8,700
Aug 2 - 9: Nine Provinces Safari (Durban) - R4,300
Aug 12 - 14: Limpopo Senior Safari (Pretoria) - R1,000
Aug 20 - 27: Flower Safari (Pretoria) - R5,000
Aug 30 - Sep 6: West Coast Safari (Pretoria) - R5,000
Sep 9 - 16: Agulhas Safari (Pretoria) - R5,000
Sep 23 - 29: Fochville Safari (CHARTER)
Oct 4 -14: Namibia Safari (Pretoria) - R8,300
Oct 18 - 25: Cape To Kruger Safari (Cape Town) - R5,000
Oct 26 - Nov 2: Nine Provinces Safari (Cape Town) - R4,300
Nov 10 -12: Kruger Safari (Pretoria) - R1,400
Nov 14 - 17: Cherry Festival Midweek Safari (Pretoria) - R1,400
Nov 17 - 19: Cherry Festival Weekend Safari (Pretoria) - R1,400
Nov 23 - 30: Nine Provinces Safari (Pretoria) - R4,300
Dec 27 - Jan 3: Two Oceans Safari (Pretoria) - R3,800

AFRICA TRAVEL COMPANY

http://www.singletravel.co.za/africa_travel_co.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS!

LAST CHANCE!!!!! Africa Travel Co is offering a fabulous special up to the end of October. Travellers receive 22% discount off the TOUR PRICE when booking any trip 10 days or longer before 31 October!!! Clients do not have to travel during this time but a fully paid up and confirmed booking must be made in order to receive the discount.

Discount does not include local payments/optional excursions and can not be taken in conjunction with any other discounts offered by them.

CLASSICAL CRUISING IN TURKEY - AUGUST 2006

http://www.singletravel.co.za/classical_cruising_turkey.html

One Departure only: 18 August 2006 - BOOK NOW! Maximum number of passengers per boat is 12. Maximum number of boats on any one cruise is 4.

R14,900 per person sharing
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: ONLY R500!

Day 1 - FRIDAY 18 AUGUST
Check in at Johannesburg International for Olympic Airways flight to Athens.

Day 2 - SATURDAY 19 AUGUST
Early arrival in Athens for check in for flight from Athens to the island of Kos. Transfer to Kos Harbour for afternoon ferry to Bodrum. On arrival in Bodrum embark your private yacht. There will be time to explore Bodrum, the ancient city of Halicarnassos in the evening. The pretty harbour is overlooked by the Crusader Castle of St Peter. Behind the harbour are the remains of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the almost complete classical theatre. Dinner and overnight BODRUM.

Day 3 - SUNDAY 20 AUGUST
A morning sail through the Kos Channel to Knidos, mooring in the ancient harbour in the lee of the ancient theatre. There will be an opportunity to visit this important classical site with its famous Temple of Aphrodite and ruined Byzantine churches. There will be plenty of time to swim too. In the evening after dinner a quiet drink ashore. Overnight KNIDOS.

Day 4 - MONDAY 21 AUGUST
After breakfast, a fascinating cruise between the Greek islands of Symi and Nemos and sailing on through magnificent scenery between tiny inlets and islands into the inlet of Dirsek Buku for lunch, swimming etc. Afternoon short cruise to the beautiful bay of Selimiyeh, surrounded by pine-clad mountains. The village is very traditional, with small bars and carpet makers. Overnight at SELIMIYEH.

Day 5 - TUESDAY 22 AUGUST
Morning cruise to the Bozburun Peninsula. Lots of time in the inlets and islands around Bozburun for swimming etc.. Late afternoon cruise into the harbour of BOZBURUN.

Day 6 - WEDNESDAY 23 AUGUST
Cruise around the peninsula to to Loryma, a deep inlet overlooked by the remains of a magnificent Rhodian fortress. There will be time to explore the fortress, and for swimming and relaxing. Overnight LORYMA.

Day 7 - THURSDAY 24 AUGUST
Cruise along the mountainous shores of the Bozburun Peninsula, stopping for a last swim at Monastir, a beautiful rocky inlet overlooked by the remains of a Byzantine Monastery. After lunch, continue to Marmaris. There will be time to explore the town of Marmaris, a busy resort and shopping centre. Overnight MARMARIS.

Day 8 - FRIDAY 25 AUGUST
After breakfast, disembark the yacht and take the hydrofoil to Rhodes. Time to explore this ancient city before flying direct from Rhodes to Athens to connect to evening flight to Johannesburg.

Day 9 - SATURDAY 26 AUGUST

Morning arrival in Johannesburg

MOPANE BUSH LODGE SPECIALS

http://www.singletravel.co.za/mopane_bush_lodge.html

Getaway 2005 - Valid to 15 December 2005

2-night Mapungubwe Weekend @ R1,355 per person, fully inclusive - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!

3-night Full Mapungubwe @ R2,085 per person, fully inclusive - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!

5-night Mapungubwe Safari @ R3,535 per person, fully inclusive - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Birding Safari - Valid to 31 March 2006

3-night/4-day birding safari (potential 400 species recorded in the area) @ R2,055 per person - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!

This includes accommodation, all meals, all entrance fees, refreshments morning and afternoon, and picnic lunch while out birding. It does not include drinks, laundry, and telephone calls or staff gratuities.

Wild Dog Weekend - Valid to mid 2006

2-night weekend @ R1,700 per person sharing & R2,000 per person single. R300 single supplement will only apply if less than 3 people are booked on the trip.

Includes two nights accommodation at Mopane Bush Lodge, all meals including a four course dinner in the boma around a fire under the stars, refreshments on all outings, tracking trip to see the wild dogs & tour of the Mapungubwe National Park – view the awe-inspiring confluence of the Shashe & Limpopo Rivers.

WILD COAST HORSE TRAILS

http://www.singletravel.co.za/wild_coast_trails_holidays.html

Wild Coast Horse Trails has the following confirmed departures with availability:

- Sunday 6 November: 7-night Beach Safari - only 1 place left - 1 single lady willing to share @ R11,900, all inclusive

- Tuesday 17 January to Thursday 26 January: Wild Coast Adventure Trail - 6 places left R2,075 per person per night, all inclusive (riders can do a 6-night trail as well)

- Monday 27 March: 10-night Beach Trail (riders can join this trail for the first 6 nights as well)

NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS!

NEW ADDITIONS

A few NEW additions to our website are:

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge (Hluhluwe area)

http://www.singletravel.co.za/leopard_mountain_game_lodge.html - NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge is the ideal getaway where everybody from the old to the young will enjoy a fascinating experience in the wild. Relax in our unique rock pool with fantastic views of the unspoiled beauty around you. We are nestled in the cliff-tops, overlooking a meandering river across an African plain that has not changed since before the birth of man. Join us in our warm, inviting lounge, bar and dining-room where we will care for your every need in a relaxed atmosphere

Nambiti Lodges (Ladysmith area)

http://www.singletravel.co.za/nambiti_lodges.html

Nambiti is a +- 20 000 Acre “BIG FIVE” Conservation initiative in the Elandslaagte area outside Ladysmith in the Northern Kwazulu Natal Midlands. Nambiti is Malaria free and uniquely positioned, an easy drive 3 ½ hours from Johannesburg, only 25 minutes off the N3 highway.

Nyala River Lodge (Umhlametsi Private Nature Reserve, bordering Klaserie Game Reserve)

http://www.singletravel.co.za/nyala_lodge.html - ONLY R200 (17%) single supplement!

Nyala River Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mohlabetsi River (meaning "sweet waters"), situated on 6,000 hectare where lion, cheetah, buffalo, leopard, rhino and plains game roam. The 7 large thatched rondavels and thatched family cottage accommodating single groups from 2 to 14 guests in total at Nyala River Lodge are graciously decorated, each comprising an en-suite bathroom. There is a modern central kitchen - that is fully equipped - and an indoor dining area for the self-catering enthusiasts.

Fairview (Plettenberg Bay area)

http://www.singletravel.co.za/fairview.html

Fairview was named for its extraordinary outlook over the Keurbooms indigenous forest into several mountain ranges. It is a 10 minute drive from whale watching at Keurbooms beach, 10 minutes from Plettenberg Bay with its gorgeous Robberg Peninsular and spectacular golf courses, and 15 minutes from Natures Valley with its beautiful beach and forest walks. Kurland and Bitou Polo fields are also close by. It is an ideal springboard for all the attractions of this famous coastline, but far enough away from the bustle. It is easy to find (the property adjoins the N2). It is spacious, extremely comfortable and affordable.

NEW FROM THE THREE CITIES HOTEL GROUP

Cape Milner Hotel, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town (http://www.singletravel.co.za/cape_milner.html) - SAVE R85 - R245 on the normal single rate.

Chobe Marina Lodge, Kasane, Botswana (http://www.singletravel.co.za/chobe_marina_lodge.html) - SAVE R260 - R290 on the normal single rate.

eMakhosini Boutique Hotel, Durban (http://www.singletravel.co.za/emakhosini_boutique_hotel.html) - SAVE R60 on the normal single rate.

Golden Horse Casino Hotel, Pietermaritzburg (http://www.singletravel.co.za/golden_horse_casino_hotel%20.html) - SAVE R140 on the normal single rate.

Greenway Woods Resort, White River (http://www.singletravel.co.za/greenway_woods_resort.html) - SAVE R140 on the normal single rate.

Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge, Kruger National Park (http://www.singletravel.co.za/hoyo_hoyo_tsonga_lodge.html) - SAVE R340 - R450 on the normal single rate.

Irene Country Lodge, Irene, Pretoria (http://www.singletravel.co.za/hoyo_hoyo_tsonga_lodge.html) - SAVE R120 - R130 on the normal single rate.

Lagoon Beach Hotel, Cape Town (http://www.singletravel.co.za/lagoon_beach_hotel.html) - SAVE R120 - R170 on the normal single rate.

Mabula Game Lodge, Waterberg (http://www.singletravel.co.za/mabula_game_lodge.html) - SAVE R290 - R630 on the normal single rate.

The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, Cape Town (http://www.singletravel.co.za/the_peninsula_all_suite.html) - SAVE R70 - R110 on the normal 1-bedroom suite rate.

Quarters Boutique Hotel, Durban (http://www.singletravel.co.za/quarters_boutique_hotel.html) - SAVE R105 on the normal single rate.

The Riverside Hotel, Durban (http://www.singletravel.co.za/the_riverside_hotel.html) - SAVE R280 - R290 on the normal single rate.

TRAVEL COMPANIONS REQUIRED?

We all know how difficult it can be at times to find a travel companion to try and avoid that dreaded single supplement! Go Single Travel offers a service whereby we will advertise your search for a travel companion in our monthly newsletter at no cost. For any such request that our readers might have, just e-mail the detail to us and we will spread the word. Since our newsletter is only distributed once a month, such requests must be for planned holidays at least a month in the future - longer if possible. E-mails can be addressed to info@singletravel.co.za with the topic TRAVEL COMPANION.

INTERESTING PLACES, TOWNS & AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA

We have not had many responses regarding our question last month on the popularity of this feature. For the time being it will therefore be discontinued - but it might return in the future!

TRAVEL NEWS

New-look Airlink will launch Dec 31
DECEMBER 31 is the day on which the new-look Airlink will unveil its brand and its new lively, colourful livery to South Africa. At an agents' award function Rodger Foster, ceo of SA Airlink, said the new-look airline will be the pioneer of a new airline business model, when a new relationship with SAA will replace its present franchise status. It will, he said, still participate in the Voyager loyalty programme and check-in facilities will be shared with SAA. A more aggressive pricing strategy will be pursued and internet distribution will see Avis and Protea (and possibly other hotel groups) offering add-on car rental and hospitality services respectively. While the Cape Town-Sun City route will be discontinued at the end of this month, the airline will add five Johannesburg - Antananarivo (Madagascar) flights per week in March next year as well as Johannesburg - Lusaka and Johannesburg - Beira services in April.

No more visas between Zim and SA
PARLIAMENTARY committees of South Africa and Zimbabwe have decided to scrap visas between the two countries during a meeting in Harare on Wednesday, October 13. Zimbabwean newspapers quoted committee chairperson Claudious Makova as saying: “There is no security threat that could be posed by the scrapping of visas. In fact it would even be better than the present situation where people are crossing through the bush and other illegal exit and entry points to South Africa.” South African Home Affairs acknowledged that the information was true, but could not comment any further on the matter.

Celebrate summer with safari packages
WHITE Elephant Safari Lodge and Bush Camp in KwaZulu Natal is organising summer safari packages. Packages start from R4 000pps for a three nights’ stay at the Safari Lodge and from R1 900pps for a three nights’ stay at the Bush Camp. The Safari Lodge package includes all meals and two eco-activities per day. The Bush Camp package includes all meals and one eco-activity. See http://www.singletravel.co.za/white_elephant_safari_lodge.html and http://www.singletravel.co.za/white_elephant_bush_camp.html

Tokara now open on Sundays
TOKARA winery, located outside Stellenbosch, has extended its opening hours. The winery is now open for tasting between 09h00 and 17h00 on weekdays, from 09h00 to 15h00 on Saturdays and from 10h00 to 15h00 on Sundays. Karin Alant of Tokara said: “Tokara decided to extend its opening hours on Saturdays and to open on Sundays to accommodate the needs of local and international visitors. Weekends are when most people have leisure time available to visit Tokara to sample our wines and savour our olive oils in the winery.”

New developments at Monkeyland
MONKEYLAND has announced it will be introducing 14 Ringtail Lemurs this summer, and two Black Lemurs. The company has also invested in a 24-hour wireless Internet connection for the Monkeyland’s hotspot at the restaurant deck. Next door to the primate sanctuary, Monkeyland will also be opening its eco-project Birds of Eden in December this year. Birds of Eden is 100% wheelchair friendly and boasts two fully licensed restaurants, Mistake by the Lake and Touraco Non-existica. The sanctuary will provide a better life for over 5 000 previously caged birds. At first a large variety of both indigenous and exotic birds will be introduced into the sanctuary, but eventually Birds of Eden will be home to the largest collection of free-flight African birds in the world.

Fly to George for R230
SOUTH African Express Airways has introduced three flights a day between Johannesburg and George, starting from R230 return, excluding tax. SAX used to fly to George only once a week. The new return flights operate three times a day from Monday to Friday and Sunday. On Saturday there will be one return flight. SAX plans to offer services between Cape Town and Maun, Botswana, in the near future.

Crocs OK, says wetlands authority
GREATER St Lucia Wetland Park authorities are working to change perceptions about crocodiles from a threat to a tourism and conservation asset.
This, in response to declining numbers of these due to gillnetting and fish traps. According to the park authority, Lake St Lucia in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park has the highest number of endangered Nile crocodiles in a single body of water in South Africa. Every year crocodiles are recovered from fish traps and relocated, but despite that, reports the authority, since the late 1980s, this species has been declining.

The Blue Train goes wild
THE Blue Train has joined forces with MalaMala Game Reserve and Bukubung Bush Lodge to offer guests packages combining train travel and luxury game reserves. The first package takes guests to the MalaMala Game Reserve. The package is valid from December 7 to 9 and costs R15 200pps. It includes one night’s accommodation on The Blue Train with all meals and two nights’ accommodation at MalaMala with all meals, snacks, teas and coffees. Spotlight game drives at night and daytime game walks are also included. The second package is an ‘Old year / New year’ special, from December 30 until January 2. The cost is R6 445pps, including one overnight forward trip and one day return trip on The Blue Train, all meals and drinks, gift give-away and secure parking in Pretoria. It also includes two nights’ accommodation at Bakubung, a game drive and dinner and breakfast. Also see http://www.singletravel.co.za/the_blue_train.html

Rissington Inn awarded four stars
THE Rissington Inn in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, has recently been awarded four stars in the ‘Country House’ category by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). To obtain this grading, the Inn completed a number of upgrades to facilities, changed the menu and put a stronger emphasis on service and hospitality. Not only has the Hazyview lodge received a four-star grading, it has also won Gold in the 2005 Diners Club Wine List of the Year Awards. Furthermore, Rissington was chosen as a Michelin South Africa Coup de Coeur Preferred Establishment and received the Portfolio’s Chef’s Hat award.
Rates at Rissington vary from R295 to R500pppns on a bed and breakfast basis. See http://www.singletravel.co.za/rissington_inn.html

Robertson Wine Festival in Oct
ROBERTSON Wine Valley Food and Wine Festival will take place on October 21 and 22. Over 250 wines will be showcased at the festival by more than 35 local producers who will be on hand to discuss their wines with patrons and offer their exhibited selection of wines for sale at farm prices. All profits of the festival will be donated to the charity group Lions International, as well as the local Childrens’ Home, Hospice and Old Age Home. Selected wineries will on October 23 host a range of activities including boat trips, quad biking and game drives. The festival will be held at the Robertson Show Grounds at R60 per person including a wine tasting glass, tutored food and wine pairings and trips to local gardens

Montecasino gets R335m boost
TSOGO Sun’s md Jabu Mabuza has announced a R335m expansion development plan for Montecasino. The project, known as the Montecasino Lifestyle Expansion, will be in keeping with the casino’s Tuscan village theme and will include an outdoor Italian-style piazza, the Montecasino Piazza; a 1 900-seat lyric theatre; a 180-room hotel; a function facility; five new restaurants and additional parking. This new development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2006. According to Mabuza, the new development will place Johannesburg firmly on the local and international tourist’s ‘must see, must do’ list. Ron Stringfellow, Tsogo Sun’s ceo, added: “While Johannesburg has established itself quite firmly as a business tourism destination, leisure tourism is now becoming a reality in our city environs with many exciting new developments that show the province to be a vibrant and modern cultural centre.”

Maputo race scheduled for Nov 10
THE third annual Maputo ‘Raid’ is to take place on November 10 to celebrate the 118th anniversary of Mozambique’s capital city. Local tour operator, Mozambique Adviser, is overseeing the even which will see 4x4s and motorbikes trek 30km from Maputo, via Costa do Sol, to Marracuene Lodge. Interested parties should register and pay 850 000 meticais (about R229) for vehicles or motorbikes or 1 300 000 meticais (about R350) in a luxury 4x4 bus at Mozambique Adviser’s offices in Maputo.

Tourists can bottle own wine
BLUE Gum Country Estate in Stanford in the Western Cape has launched a new concept for wine tourists which will allow them to bottle their own wine as part of their visit. Guests can select a vine from the nursery vineyard and Blue Gum will manage it until reaches the wine-making stage. “Guests have shown such an interest in the wine-making process that morning walks through the vineyards have become a part of most stays,” says Juliet Agg-Manning of Classic Retreats, of which Blue Gum is a member. It was for this reason, said Agg-Manning, that they decided to introduce the concept.

Leopard released into Zululand reserve
A YOUNG male leopard was released into the Mavela section of the Zululand Rhino Reserve in KwaZulu Natal on October 7. The release forms part of the ZRR's Leopard Conservancy Programme, which aims to capture ‘problem’ leopards and introduce them into the reserve, rather than having them destroyed.
According to the ZRR, this particular leopard was a true success story. It was facing death because it was raiding a local community’s goat population outside of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi complex. KZN Wildlife staff captured the leopard before it was destroyed. Introduced leopards are micro-chipped and collared so that their progress can be monitored. This gives rangers information on the leopards’ movements, whether they are venturing into community land and how the resident and newly introduced leopards interact.

SAA, Cathay end codeshare
SAA WILL end its codeshare agreement with Cathay Pacific in March 2006 when it joins the Star Alliance, SAA announced yesterday. Cathay is a member of the oneworld alliance. SAA will make use of Star Alliance partnerships with other Far East airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, to services its routes in that region as well as to new destinations such as New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea and Japan, the airline said. SAA says these new agreements will expand its network, increase market presence and optimise revenue. SAA is also in the process of finalising a codeshare with Asiana Airlines to be fully implemented in April next year, allowing passengers to fly between Seoul in South Korea and South Africa, on the SAA code via Hong Kong.

CT summer flights - no surprises
INTERNATIONAL airlines are increasing their summer schedules to the Mother City with seasonal frequencies the same as last year. Virgin Atlantic Airways is increasing its current twice-weekly services between London and Cape Town to five flights per week for most of the summer season. Peter Barry, country manager for Virgin South Africa, said: “Since we launched our Cape Town route in December 1999, there has been a high demand for this destination from both leisure and business travellers.” Lufthansa is also increasing its flights to Cape Town to accommodate the increasing number of summer tourists. The airline is adding three frequencies a week from October 15 and is launching daily seasonal flights from the end of October. KLM said the South African summer has always been a high season for travel. Every year, the airline increases its seasonal summer flights from five flights a week to daily.
British Airways currently flies daily from London to Cape Town. The airline is increasing its frequency to Cape Town to 12 flights a week during the summer, adding five weekly daylight flights. SAA is not adding additional flights since the launch of its daily flights to Frankfurt on September 12 but the airline is trading its night-time flights to Frankfurt for daylight flights.

SA, Russia open doors
SOUTH Africa could see more Russian tourists in the coming years following an agreement signed between the two countries earlier this week. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the Trade and Industry Chamber of South Africa (Chamsa) and the Russian Chamber of Commerce, will see collaboration in various sectors, including trade and tourism. However, geographic distance has been cited as a barrier to growing arrivals from Russia.
“South Africa regards Russia as being far away, one thing that could be done is to remove the visa restrictions so that we open more doors and visit each other regularly,” said Gerrit Olivier, former SA ambassador to Russia and Chamsa’s International Committee chairperson. He also suggested that direct flights between the two countries need to be looked into as this would eliminate the long connecting times Russians experience when flying via Europe or Dubai. SA Tourism data shows that Russia is a very small market for South Africa. Total arrivals for 2002 were 8 549; 7 698 in 2003; and 7 473 in 2004.