August 16th, 2010
The Great Karoo, in which the five star
Samara Game Lodge is situated, covers an area of over 400,000 square kilometers. For most of the past 250 million years, it has been a vast inland basin which has, at various times, been glaciated, accommodated inland deltas, seas, lakes or swamps and volcanic activity has also taken place. Despite all these changes, or perhaps because of them, reptiles and amphibians prospered and their remains provide rich pickings for modern day palaeontologists.
Before the advent of western settlers in the 1800s, vast herds of antelope, zebra and other large game roamed the grassy plains of this region with the only two legged predators being the Khoi and Bushmen, the last of the southern African Stone Age peoples who left a fantastic heritage of rock art some of which can be found on Samara. The region was drastically changed with the occupation by European settlers who mainly grazed sheep, thus changing the pattern of grazing, degenerating the grass cover.
Sheep farming became the economic backbone of the Karoo but many of these farms are being bought up by people who wish to see the karoo restored to it’s natural beauty by rehabilitating the land and re-introducing indigenous wildlife which has not been seen in the area for many generations. The Karoo holds very important historical value to South Africa and there are many secrets to still be discovered.
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 9050
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August 16th, 2010
Bush Special Amakhosi Game Lodge:
Enjoy the amazing winter special, Pay for two nights and stay for free on your third night!
Why not spoil your loved ones and bring them to the wonderful
Amakhosi Game Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for a winter break?
Rates are per person sharing per night, and fully inclusive of the following:
• Accommodation in a Luxurious Suite with a view on the River and a private viewing deck
• 3 Meals daily
• 2 game drives with qualified guides
Only for new bookings with a minimum stay of two nights and subject to availability.
Valid for stay up till the 30 September 2010. Conditions and limited block out periods apply.
For queries and reservations, please contact:
Tel 021 794 9050
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August 16th, 2010
The magnificent 5 star White Elephant Game Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is the ideal ‘base’ from which one can explore this diverse area: Kosi and Sodwana Bay, St Lucia Isimangaliso Wetland Park – ideal day trips for swimming, sun tanning, snorkelling & scuba diving; Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, Ithala, Mkuze and Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park – for superb game viewing; Jozini dam wall, Hlatikulu Forest Reserve, Dingaan’s grave, Border cave -for a scenic excursion on top and over the Lebombo mountains; Ghost Mountain Inn, the new Jozini Tiger Lodge and Mkuze Cricket Club for fabulous lunches; Ilala Basket Weavers in Hluhluwe for fantastic curio shopping; crocodile farms, Emdoneni Wild Cat project and Bayete Zulu Elephant for up-close and educational wildlife experiences; scenic flights for incredible aerial views of the ‘Joszenic’ dam, Lebombo mountains, Lake Sibaya, Kosi, St Lucia and the Elephant Coast.
For queries and reservation, please contact:
africa@golfing-safaris.com
Tel: +27(0)21 794 9050
www.south-african-lodges.com
www.south-african-hotels.com
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August 16th, 2010
Three Lodges at the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa get a brand new look
Three of the six beautiful safari lodges at the Phinda Game Reserve have recently undergone makeovers to make them even more irresistible to our guests.
Forest Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
• All suites repainted, woodwork replaced, new floors and windows installed
• Bathrooms retiled; bathtubs and hand basins replaced
• Decks in guests areas extended and an interactive kitchen installed
• Boma completely rebuilt using innovative gabions with gum poles
Vlei Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Woodwork in all suites sanded and sealed, soft furnishings refurbished
• Porcelain and chrome fixtures in bathrooms updated
• Private plunge pools enlarged
• All chairs and sofas in guests areas reupholstered
Mountain Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• All rooms and guest areas have been painted, varnished, sanded and oiled
• Bathtubs and basins have been replaced in the bathrooms
• Sofas and chairs in the guest areas have been reupholstered
For reservations and queries, please contact:
africa@golfing-safaris.com
Tel: +27(0)21 794 9050
www.south-african-lodges.com
www.south-african-hotels.com
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August 16th, 2010
Private Family Safaris Launched at the Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Families wishing to introduce their children to the marvels of the wild now have the option to book a tailormade family adventure at one of the exclusive Phinda Game Lodges. Both educational and fun-filled, this safari includes a private safari vehicle, as well as a dedicated ranger specialised in guiding trips with children. The ranger will spend time with the family on arrival, helping them to plan each thrilling day according to the children’s ages, their interests and the season. Just some of the exciting adventures on offer include:
• Animal tracking walks during which children make plaster casts of animal tracks
• Insect hunts with ultraviolet lights to learn about nocturnal insects
• Treasure hunts through the bush
• Specially planned game drives during which youngsters are given the opportunity to feel, smell, listen and see their environment
• Making animals out of clay, tree bark rubbings, painting with sand, palm frond weaving and traditional beading
• Basic astronomy
• Canoeing, boating and fishing
The cost for the family safari is R6 120 for a maximum of six guests, excluding accommodation. In addition to the dedicated family safaris, Phinda continues to run an exciting programme of children’s activities at our lodges.
For reservations and queries, please contact:
africa@golfing-safaris.com
Tel: +27(0)21 794 9050
www.south-african-lodges.com
www.south-african-hotels.com
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August 16th, 2010
FedAir air shuttles amends routes
Due to sporadic demand, Federal Air has decided to stop their direct shuttle service between Johannesburg and the
Phinda Private Game Reserve. We suggest the ongoing use of national carriers for the popular Johannesburg – Richard’s Bay route, with guests travelling to one of the Phinda Game Lodges, and then transferred to another short flight or road transfer.
Due to differences in the aircraft used, the new routing involves the same travel time as the old flight directly between Johannesburg and Phinda. Guests still have the opportunity to select direct flights via private charters.
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August 16th, 2010
Rovos Rail in South Africa Acquires the St James Guest House in St James, Cape Town
The most luxurious train in the World, Rovos Rail, has acquired the 6-bedroom St James Guest House in St James, Cape Town. This exclusive 5-star graded property, previously owned and managed by the Last Word Retreats, offers all-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with an additional dinner service provided by prior arrangement.
The guest house is well-located on the main road in the charming, trendy, seaside area adjoining Kalk Bay, 30 mins drive from the Cape Town City Centre and the international airport. The house has magnificent views of the Indian Ocean being across the road from the beach, and is within walking distance of a selection of interesting restaurants, pubs and antique shops.
For reservations and further information please contact Reservations
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July 31st, 2010
The Botlierskop Private Game Reserve which is located on South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route has added a luxurious spa facility to its service offering, and now provides the perfect option for a business or leisure getaway.
Situated on a 3000ha game reserve between Mossel Bay and George, the Botlierskop Game Lodge provides spectacular backdrops and lavish, tented accommodation in private suites along a river. With a wide diversity of wildlife and activities on offer, it is an immaculate setting for any type of getaway – an idyllic paradise away from the rigours of city life.
The addition of a health and beauty spa serves to establish the game lodge as a full service facility, catering both for business and leisure clients in equal capacity. The health and beauty spa at the Botlierskop Game Lodge provides many different spa treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments and waxing. This, in addition to a conference centre which seats up to 40 delegates at a time, positions the lodge as a perfect executive retreat , with visiting spouses now being able to be entertained and pampered in their partners’ absence.
For queries and booking, please contact:
africa@golfing-safaris.com
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 9050
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July 30th, 2010
Kariega Private Game Reserve has been added to our portfolio of fine South African game lodges / Eastern Cape Province
The malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve nestles in 9000 hectares of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers, just 10 minutes from Kenton-on-sea and 80 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
Kariega offers a combination of “Big-5″ game viewing and an expansive variety of fauna, flora and birdlife in a landscape, which spans across 5 different eco systems offering the most dramatic views and vistas. Morning and evening game drives with experienced game rangers provide guests with the unique opportunity of game viewing from open vehicles.
- A combination of 4 and 5 Star Lodges
- Malaria-free
- Communal pools in all Lodges, some Kariega Lodge chalets with private pools and all suites in Ukhozi Lodge with private plunge pools
- Curio Shop
- Private laundry facilities
- Conference facilities
- Prolific game viewing, including the “Big-5″
- Dramatic landscape incorporating 5 different eco-systems and 2 major rivers
- Close proximity to the sea and beaches
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July 30th, 2010
South African Tourist Venues Rate in prestigious Top 20 Service award worldwide
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park (South Africa)
The latest Best Service Awards voted by discerning readers of Travel & Leisure magazine in the USA awards the exclusive Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.
For a third consecutive year, the Sabi Sabi Game Lodge in South Africa has ranked high in this category being voted 4th worldwide and 2nd in Africa and the Middle East. Other South African hotels which feature in the top 20 include Bushman’s Kloof, Royal Malewane, The Saxon Hotel and the 5 star Singita Game Lodge which is a neighbouring game lodge of Sabi Sabi in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin.
At the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, the staff strives to offer a luxury ‘home in the bush’ to guests from all over the world. The genuinely warm service offered by the lodge’s dedicated staff has undoubtedly been a major factor in consistently earning Sabi Sabi this leading position. Their innate connection to the reserve and surrounding environment enables them to share unique local knowledge and wisdom with guests, while extending a warm African welcome to everyone who visits.
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