#SouthAfrica #ChapmansPeak #HoutBay #CapeTown #drivingSA #WesternCape #CapePeninsula #paradiseOnEarth #Noordhoek #ЮАР #Кейптаун #ПикЧапмана #ХаутБэй #ЮжнаяАфрика #намашинепогорам Chapman's Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula in South Africa is one of the most spectacular marine drives in Africa and in the world. Chapman's Peak is named after John Chapman, an English ship's sailor. The ship anchored in today's Hout Bay in 1607. John Chapman was sent ashore to find provisions, and the name was recorded as Chapman's Chaunce.
Чепмен Пик Драйв находится на Атлантическом побережье между заливом Хаут Бэй и деревней Нордхук на полуострове Кейп в Южной Африке и является одной из самых впечатляющих горных трасс в Африке и в мире.
German agency commits N$220 million to Sperrgebiet The Namibian-German Development Cooperation will construct new staff houses, offices and park entry gates for the Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) National Park in //Karas Region of Namibia. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) officially launched the construction of this project at a groundbreaking ceremony that took place at Kolmanskop Ghost Town near Luderitz, where the first Namibian diamonds were discovered in 1908. The groundbreaking was undertaken by MET Minister Pohamba Shifeta and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Christian Schlaga and the Deputy Minister of Economic Planning in Presidency Pieter Van der Walt. The development will include the refurbishment of the historic old post office building at Luderitz as the Ministry of Environment and Tourism local office, the construction of new office at Aus which is an extension to the existing office at Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund. Furthermore, park entry gates will be constructed at Luderitz Peninsula, Kolmanskop, Rotkop Garub, Aus, Obib, Sendelingsdrift and Swartkop. The infrastructure has been funded through the Namibia National Parks Program (Nampark) Phase lV, at a cost of N$330 million, with the German Government through KfW committing a grant of N$220 million, for the implementation of activities and N$108 million by the Namibian government in support of the country’s development and conservation. The new park management infrastructure to be constructed in Tsau //Khaeb as well as the on-going construction of the Buffalo Park Management Station in Bwabwata national Park and Shuno in Mudumu National Park represent the latest phase of the NamParks, which has been running since 2006. Previously, new stations were built at Mahango, Susuwe in Bwabwata National Park; Ngenda in Mudumu National Park, Khaudum and Sikeretti in Khaudum National Park. All these stations in the northeastern parks are operational and provide ideal conditions for enhanced park management. During the groundbreaking event, Schlaga handed over park management equipment to enhance the management of the park. The equipment included a 4 x 4 truck co-financed by the Germany government and the MET through the Game Product Trust Fund, park tourist information signage, water point equipment, tool boxes for water maintenance, fencing materials, biodiversity monitoring equipment, GPS, cameras and office-based equipment. These high-quality new stations and equipment will improve the MET’s ability to manage Sperrgebiet, proclaimed as a National Park in 2008 after being closed to the public for over a century. Today, the park is part of what has become one of the longest protected coastlines in the world, stretching from south-western Angola, bordering the Skeleton Coast Park, through the Dorob National Park, the Namib-Naukluft Park to the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and the Ramsar Site at the Orange River. In addition to the terrestrial parks, the Tsau //Khaeb lies adjacent to Namibia’s only marine protected area proclaimed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. After a decade since its proclamation as a National Park, access is still strictly regulated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy through the Diamond Act (Act 13 of 1999). To improve access to one of the world biodiversity hotspots, the MET has been discussing with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Namdeb on access into the park for both tourism and for park management. The two institutions also intends to reduce the boundaries of the Diamond Area No. 1 by de-gazetting 70 percent of the park that falls outside Namdeb’s Mining License area to increase access to the park The ministries are working on amending the Diamond Act to allow for controlled tourism and restricted traversing rights for tourism concessions holders through Diamond Areas as well as to empower park officials to enter diamond areas. Both processes are expected to be completed by March 2019. Meanwhile, access negotiations are continuing with Namdeb on controlled tourism access to part of the park. In preparation for tourism development, the MET with support from the NamParks lV project, is revising the Park Tourism Development Plan to guide tourism development in park. Other investment includes the development of park specific regulations, tourism information signage, revision of the Park Management Plan, provision of park management equipment and staff capacity development. The German Development Bank (KfW) supports the development of Namibia’s Parks is part of the support for the focal area “Natural Resource Management” one of the three main German-Namibia Cooperation Areas. This support is also in line with the Namibia National Parks Program that was initiated in 1995 by the MET to foster both nature conservation and socio-economic development in the county. Within the framework of their bilateral development cooperation efforts, the Namibian and German governments have long realised the substantial contribution National Parks bring to economic development. The promotion of sustainable tourism, which is directly linked to National Parks is an effective strategy to enhance grow and employment and thereby reducing poverty. Germany has committed approximately N$400 million (€30 million) for its past and present support to MET’s development and management of Namibia’s national parks.
"The Cape is the stateliest thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the World.” Sir Francis Drake, English sea captain and explorer, on seeing the Cape for the first time, 1580. Yet another year has passed here in Cape Town and what a year it has been! After the water problems, this past winter was back to normal as far as the weather was concerned and, we are happy to report that the reservoirs are close to full and water restrictions have been lifted somewhat. The World can learn from Cape Town that has become a city of water savers against all odds. The effects of global warming are manifesting all over the World telling humanity that it is time to conserve the gifts of nature. Fresh water amounts to less than 3% of the World’s total and should be used carefully. This is about more than just water – Cape Town is a world-renowned travel destination, so sustainability is always going to be a focus in our unique attractions. Our garden at Jambo did take some strain but we were nevertheless rewarded with our usual array of Spring flowers from the Clivias, the Wisteria growing over the front fence with its heavily scented flowers looking like bunches of grapes, the Port Wine Magnolia with its tantalizing scent and the Petrea over the front gable, all burst forth in bloom to tell us that Winter was over ! In our Waterfront, The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is fast becoming one of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions having opened on September 22 last year. “There are not just a hundred visitors a day, but thousands.” says Mark Coetzee, Director and Chief Curator. Tour operators have informed Coetzee that they have seen clients extending their stay, just for the museum, mentioning that Cape Town is rapidly becoming an international cultural destination. Audio tours are in English and Afrikaans now, with other languages to be introduced soon. The live tours are available in German, French and other European languages. Zeitz MOCAA offers a range of activities, such as lectures, temporary exhibitions, and children’s readings. If you are pressed for time, there is a highlights tour that visits two out of the museum’s nine floors. These floors are home to Zeitz MOCAA’s permanent collection, and best represent African art and culture. Furthermore, there is an architectural tour and an educational tour, averaging around 40 minutes. The gallery is housed in what was formerly grain storage silos and is an architectural masterpiece. Take a look at the progress in Cape Town! Building operations are taking place everywhere! Not surprising as everyone wants to come and to be here. There is so much to do and see. Jambo Guest House is truly centrally situated. Our guests can walk to the V & A Waterfront (1 km) Next to the Waterfront, on Saturday and Sunday they will find a superb food market - catering for all - vegetarians, vegans, and chocolate brownie lovers! Suddenly Cheryl Ozinsky, the market founder, announced that whales could be seen in the distance and we were lucky enough to spot them while sitting with our coffee and snacks. A rare treat for December! The Green Point Urban Park is directly across the road from Jambo where on weekends many celebrate their children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays in grand style. At the cafe in the park one can relax with coffee and a snack or even a slice of their excellent baked cheesecake! The children have a lovely and secure play area, can ride their bikes and scooters and watch the multitude of fish, coots, geese and ducks, hadeda ibis and of course seagulls. On the other side of the biggest lake one can watch the golfers and weather permitting, see the para-sailors flying from Signal Hill. The park is open daily from seven to seven and is patrolled by helpful guides. Halfway down the main path is the Virgin Active Fitness Centre and it continues to the beach front at Mouille Point Lighthouse. The Hop-on, Hop-off busses have increased their routes and are more flexible and we have thoroughly enjoyed a day touring the inner city and the blue, mini peninsula tour. This tour includes a visit to wineries some of which we have never visited before and being on the bus we could enjoy tasting wines. We are now official agents and can now organise your tickets for you at breakfast, before you start your day of sightseeing, we can check the weather and advise you on which is the most suitable for that day. This year South Africa has been voted as one of the top travel destinations by both luxury travel network, Virtuoso and Lonely Planet both luxury travel network, Virtuoso and Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world. In Virtuoso’s 2018 Luxe Report, South Africa shone in the categories of Top Global Destinations, Top Millennial Destinations and Top Adventure Destinations, based on insights from travel agencies across the globe. Lonely Planet selected South Africa as one of the top ten countries to visit in its Best in Travel 2018 list, saying: “Beaches and mountains, wildlife and wine, and let’s not forget vibrant culture and cosmopolitan Cape Town – South Africa has long been one of the world’s most alluring countries…With more to see than ever, and favourable exchange rates offering great value, 2018/19 is a phenomenal time to visit South Africa.” While it may be one of this year’s hottest travel spots, a whole lot of celebrities have long had a love affair with South Africa. Here’s what some have had to say: Celebrity chef, Heston Blumenthal:- “The South African cuisine you see today is refined, balanced and quite modern in terms of its lightness, but showcasing South African produce. They have beautiful fish and seafood down there, from hake and yellowtail to the west-coast mussels and oysters from Knysna. The meat is also exceptional.” Tennis champion, Roger Federer is so enamoured with South Africa that he even owns a home in Knysna, his favourite childhood holiday spot. He says: “My heart is in South Africa, through my mum. My mum being from here and me spending a lot of time here as well, I feel most connected to this part of the world” Hollywood actor Leonardo di Caprio loves South Africa after experiencing amazing animal encounters here. “South Africa’s natural beauty is unmatched” It is now easier than ever to get here with Edelweiss Air having added an extra flight to its Zurich-Cape Town route, taking the number of weekly flights to four and Austrian Airlines now offering two weekly flights between Cape Town and Vienna. The Austrian Airlines service to Cape Town offers a Premium Economy Class, which until now has only been available on Lufthansa aircraft. The Western Cape is now becoming more well known for its countless craft beer and gin-making options. There are almost 100 artisanal gins now available in South Africa and the number is steadily growing. Craft beer is even bigger and covers all nine provinces. One of my favourite gins is Inverroche, produced on the Garden Route is Stilbaai, not too far from us. It has become one of the best-known South African gins. If you happen to be passing there, they offer a combination of a distillery tour, gin tasting and a fascinating gin school.” Whilst on the subject of drinks, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky (one of my personal favourites!) has clinched the title of World’s Best Grain Whisky and founder distiller, Andy Watts was awarded the title of global Icon of Whisky Master Distiller/Master Blender for 2018. These awards held annually by the UK’s Whisky Magazine attract a lot of competition from well-known Scottish, Irish, American, Japanese, Taiwanese and other whiskies from around the world. Watts attended a gala dinner held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London to receive the awards and says the win was overwhelming news for the brand and SA: “We have overcome the odds against the perceived perception that only traditional whisky producing countries can be taken seriously." He adds: "Our industry in SA is only 40 years old and although we’ve had many hurdles along the way, we have become innovative in our approach to manage our unique warmer climate, found creative ways to use home-grown raw material to our best advantage and constantly strive for crafting exceptional whiskies. Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, the only whisky in the world to be made from 100% South African maize (mielies), is incredibly smooth due to its rather unique double maturation over a five-year period in casks previously used for Bourbon. The warmer climate is also a contributing factor which accelerates the interaction between wood, spirit and air during maturation, resulting in a much smoother whisky at a younger age usually associated with more mature whiskies. It took Andy 10 years to develop Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky before it was released in 2009 and since then, this whisky has created a tidal wave of interest for its unique taste. The whisky was first named World’s Best Grain Whisky in 2013 and has received gold and double gold at all the major international whisky competitions. So, let us raise a glass to your next visit! In case you were thinking of a trip to the "Fairest Cape” keep in mind that there is still a very favourable exchange rate so your Pounds, Dollars and Euros will go very far. It is a great time to visit SA again. °A pound is worth approximately R17.98 today. °A Euro is worth approximately R16.00 today. °A US Dollar is worth approximately R14.11 today, °and that means a South African trip is better value for money than ever before. We hope you had a wonderful festive season and we wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2019.
Love, Barry and Mina
Jambo Guest House 1 Grove Road, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa °TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence °Tourism Grading Council of SA - 4 Star Guest House, Graded AA Superior Accommodation °AA Travel Guides Hall of Fame 2003,2004,2005,2006,2007 & 2008 °Winner AA & SAA Guest House of the Year - 2000,2001 & 2002 °AA Travel Guides "Steady Star" 2005 for outstanding services to the tourism industry
NKWICHI LODGE Nkwichi is situated in a remote corner of Mozambique and set on the shores of Lake Malawi or Lake Niassa, depending on which shore you're standing. Nkwichi Lodge is hidden beneath the trees around an unspoilt stretch of sandy white beach that would leave you questioning the fact that you're on a fresh water lake. Nkwichi Lodge only has 5 chalets and 1 private house that are spaced apart for complete privacy. The spacious and superbly crafted Niassa chalet, a stone-and-thatch chalet with its huge bed hewn out of old tree trunks and upside-down canoes for tables, blends seamlessly into the Niassa bush. Choose your own private piece of paradise - our two premier chalets (Kakoa & Nkwazi) boast a private cave, a heart shaped outdoor bath, a magical private beach and the utmost privacy. Nkwichi Lodge maintains its eco-friendly approach °Running off renewable energy, with its solar power, wind turbine and own composting system. °Fresh fish sourced from the local fishermen and organic fruit and vegetables come from their own demonstration farm, with all of the kitchen waste used as compost. °Nothing goes to waste at Nkwichi; villagers still use old tin cans as graters and drink fresh lake water out of recycled wine bottles. Nkwichi Lodge A unique luxury beach and bush experience
Happening around the Lake this September and October is the Lake of Stars Music and Arts Festival, Likoma Summer Cultural Festival & Likoma Island Tourism Expo 2018. We hope you join us to unwind after all the festivities.
LAKE OF STARS FESTIVAL September Malawi’s biggest international music & arts festival, the Lake of Stars, is set to return this year along the shores of Salima. The three day spectacular is being held in a new locality in Leopards Bay, situated at the foot of Senga Hills in Salima, around 125 KM from Lilongwe, Malawi. LIKOMA SUMMER CULTURAL FESTIVAL & LIKOMA ISLAND TOURISM EXPO Likoma Summer Cultural Festival to be held at Likoma Island. The festival is unique as it is the only Island Festival in Malawi and involves crossing Lake Malawi. The festival this year will be a whole week’s event due to the combination with the inaugural Likoma Island Tourism Expo 2018. “The Tourism Expo seeks to expose Likoma Island as a growing investment destination in tourism related investments to different companies, individuals as well as Government. Due to adequate time allocated, people will have the liberty to use any transport means of their choice to the Island to attend the festival. Travel and tour companies are invited to organise tours of travellers to the Island as a business opportunity. “ The festival will incorporate other activities like sight-seeing, historical tours, hiking, games, a parade and a local food festival. The festival will showcase all traditional dances at the Island. There will be music from different artists that will be announced as we go towards the festival dates. It is expected to attract investors, revellers from Malawi and Mozambique as well as other countries within the region and beyond.
Rivendell Guest House: Renovations & Upgrades All en-suite rooms at the Rivendell Guest House have been renovated and are now fitted with Air conditioning/heating, safes and have their own coffee/tea station. Within walking distance of Windhoek city center, Rivendell is located in a leafy suburb. It offers guests fully equipped self-catering facilities in a large open-plan kitchen as well as the option of bed & breakfast.
Bushlife Safaris - renowned for their extraordinary wildlife experiences - wild dog, elephant, lion. I am thrilled to introduce my prestigious new representation client Bushlife Safaris where Sir David Attenborough's BBC Earth Dynasties series ‘Painted Wolf’ episode was filmed. Nick and Des Murray, hands-on owner-guides of Bushlife Safaris, have followed the wild dogs of Mana Pools for decades and are honoured to share their story and extensive knowledge for the Painted Wolves episode. Filmed for the past 4 years at Vundu Camp under the guidance of Nick and his outstanding guide team, Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Earth team have been able to follow the life and dramatic dynasty of the wild dogs of Mana Pools for the Painted Wolf episode of the new series Dynasties. Hosted and guided by the experienced team of Nick and Des, it has been an epic adventure capturing the drama and stories of the magnificent painted dogs of Mana Pools. First opened in 1997, Bushlife Safaris is owned and run by husband and wife team – Nick and Des Murray who have created an award-winning portfolio of safari experiences for you. Located in Zimbabwe's game-rich Mana Pools National Park, one of Africa's most beautiful parks and proclaimed a World Heritage site for its wildness and outstanding natural beauty, it includes Vundu Camp, built on the banks of the Zambezi River, Little Vundu – an intimate bush camp, the Ruwesi Canoe Trail which is ideal for adventurous travellers and a tented camp set in the wild Chitake springs area. Situated in their own private concession within the park's high density game area with the added advantage of being able to offer night drives, both Vundu Camp and Little Vundu are very animal-active-camps with elephants visiting daily to drink and feed on the nutritious ana tree pods, resident leopards, wildlife regularly frequenting the camp's nearby waterhole and wild dog and lion also passing through. Vundu Camp and Little Vundu have an exquisite riverside setting looking out over the Zambezi River with specatular mountain vistas of Africa's Great Rift Valley across the river in Zambia and some of the picturesque and wildlife-packed oxbow lakes and pools located nearby. Bushlife Safaris is well-known for their excellent guiding, world-class walking and canoeing safaris that not only provide unique and up-close wildife encounters but also exceptional photographic opportunities for those highly prized wildlife photographs. Both Des and Nick are qualified professional Zimbabwe guides (walking and canoe safaris) and between them, they have nearly 60 years of experience in the bush and are widely known as an exceptional guiding team and their long-standing commitment to conservation, community and wild dog research efforts (Bushlife Painted Wolf Conservancy).
Activities Activities are conducted in Bushlife Safaris' private concession areas - Vundu Camp, Little Vundu, Chitake Springs °Private guiding on request for all activities °Walking safaris: half and full day game walks, combined with game drives/night drives °Game drives: morning and afternoon game drives that extend into the evening °Canoe trips: half and full day at the camps, with or without paddler °Ruwesi Canoe Trail: 2 - 3 night canoe trails, combination of Little Vundu and mobile tented camps °Fishing: from the riverbank, islands or canoe, catch-and-release °Photographic safaris: game drives and walks for photographers with excellent up-close photo opportunities °Special interest safaris - i.e. wild dog safaris, birding safaris, big cat safaris Vundu Camp - overlooking the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park 7 tented chalets, 1 family chalet - walking safaris with game drives/night drives, canoeing, fishing, birding, photographic Open 1 May - 30 November °BBC Dynasties 'Painted Wolf' episode filmed in the private Vundu concession °Mana Pools in National Geographic top 10 'Cool List for 2019' °Outstanding track record for guiding excellence - winner of 2018 Safari Awards for best safari guiding team °Safari Awards runner up for Best Walking Safari °Tripadvisor - Vundu Camp ranked #1 in Mana Pools °Superb camp location: high game density area, birders paradise, varied and stunning Mana scenery °Exceptional walking safaris with unique up-close wildlife encounters °Private concession in Mana Pools on the Zambezi River, central Lower Zambezi Valley °Animal-active-camp: variety of wildlife passing through °Recently refurbished chalets °7 large tented chalets under thatch with indoor and open-air en-suite bathrooms, flush toilet, hot & cold shower, fans °1 family chalet / quad: 2 en-suite bedrooms (1 double & 1 twin, 1 shared lounge, indoor & outdoor bathroom °All chalets have a lounge area and are river facing °Main building is raised and under thatch with dinning room, bar, lounge and balcony °Outdoor lapa with river views and campfire °Animal-active pan with viewing platform °Closest airstrip: Mana West - approx. 25 mins to camp; Mana Main approx. 1hr30, complimentary transfer to camp °Access: charters from Harare, Victoria Falls and other Zim camps, road transfer (Harare, Lusaka - approx 6 to 7 hrs) Little Vundu - 3 kms from Vundu Camp, overlooking the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park 5 safari tents - walking safaris with game drives/night drives, canoeing, fishing, birding, photographic Open 1 May - 30 November °Pure safari experience - for guests seeking an authentic, intimate and exclusive safari - traditional tented bush camp °Located in a more remote and untouched area of the Vundu concession °Explorer-style and semi-permanent safari camp - meru tents, dining under the stars, parafin lamps, bucket showers °Same activities and standard of wildlife & guiding experience as Vundu Camp °Refurbished in 2016 with new tents - large Meru tents 6m x 5m °New 5th tent to be added for 2019 season °Each tent has own private lounge area and ensuite open-air bathroom, bucket showers & flush toilets °Combines well with Vundu Camp and the contrasting area of Chitake Mobile Tented Camp °Starting point of Ruwesi Canoe Trail; °Closest airstrip: Mana West - approx 15 min to camp Ruwesi Canoe Trail - Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park 2 - 4 night tailor-made canoe safaris Open 1 May - 30 November °No previous canoe experience required - max. of 2 guests per canoe °All canoeing done down stream - with river current - paddlers are available on request °Private departures - no set days, min. 2 guests - tailor-made experience °1st night Little Vundu then in mobile tented camps °Ensuite walk-in Mini-Merus, proper steel-frame beds with comfy mattresses on wooden base, bucket shower & flush toilet °Each night in a different campsite where the mobile tented camp has been set up in advance °Game drive vehicle follows with luggage °Activities: primarily canoeing with morning and/or afternoon walks, game drives, night drives and optional fishing °Sundowners on the riverbank, bush dinners - dining under the stars °Closest airstrip: Mana West, depart from Chikwenya Chitake Mobile Tented Camp - Chitake Springs, foot of the Southern Zambezi Escarpment Walking safari in the exclusive Chitake Springs area with the Bushlife Safaris team, Zimbabwe's best walking guides Open 1 May - 30 November °Spectacular walking safari in the wild and contrasting exclusive-use Chitake area °Amazing close-up wildlife experiences with highly experienced walking guides °Diverse & high game densities - the spring is the only water source during dry season °Mobile Tented Camp right at Chitake Springs - constant flow of animals drinking °Elephants, buffalo, lion, wild dog, leopard, hyena, plains game °En-suite walk-in Mini Merus - same standard and tents as on Ruwesi Canoe Trail °Closest airstrip: Mana Main
SANCTUARY BAINES' CAMP - A small Botswana camp with a bold personality - Perched above the Boro River in a private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp and its stilted, standalone suites have been transformed with larger spaces, extended decking, welcoming in the surrounding wilderness, and bold artistic interiors. This papyrus-framed luxury camp doesn’t simply overlook the world-famous Okavango Delta, it ensures guests feel fully part of this extraordinary wildlife-rich ecosystem where desert meets wetland. SUPREME SECLUSION IN THE WILDERNESS The six raised abodes at this very boutique camp have light and airy bedrooms opening out onto curved terraces overlooking the river. As intimate as this light-footed camp feels, there’s still an impressive sense of scale with high windows letting in the bright African sun and framing those endless Delta horizons. Connecting so deeply with nature couldn't be more effortless or relaxing, and couples will relish the feeling of sharing this only with one another. STAR BATHS AND SKY BEDS After an exhilarating game drive, returning at dusk, nothing is more tranquil than an indulgent soak in the Star Bath, a unique freestanding bathtub on each private terrace, now a permanent feature. The suites’ four-poster beds roll out for guests to sleep under the clear, starry Delta night skies and hear the murmur of the river and hum of the nocturnal creatures, another unique feature of the camp.
OPEN-AIR LIVING Discover a world entirely interconnected by wooden walkways – greet the hippos and step straight from the camp’s jetty into a boat. Follow the raised boardwalks and find communal spaces encircling a sculptural earth formation and rising acacia thorn tree. A colourful lounge with cool hanging chairs and intimate seating areas tugs you in one direction, while alfresco dining awaits in the other. Come evening, guests head to the boma to sip on freshly-made cocktails from the bar and unwind by the glow of the fire before sitting down to an expertly prepared meal abundant with African spices and flavours. ARTFUL AFRICAN INTERIORS Hand-woven rugs, batik-dyed fabrics, characterful ceramics and basket-weave lights inspired by indigenous handicrafts channel the energy and colours of Botswanan culture. This destination’s history and geography is documented through the work of artist, cartographer and explorer, Thomas Baines. Contemporary black-and-white photographs capture and convey some of the native flora and fauna that enliven this awe-inspiring region, along with Pop Art-style African crafts enhancing the storytelling and all-sensory experience. BIO DIVERSE BUSHWALKS AND BOATING EXPEDITIONS Safaris in this biodiverse region allow guests to learn about the ecosystem and conservation practices. During the Okavango flood season, traditional mokoro rides can be arranged - keep eyes peeled for the swamp-adapted rare red lechwe antelope, painted reed frogs and slaty egrets. Walk with orphaned elephants, Jabu and Morula, through the bush, guided by renowned specialists Doug and Sandi Groves, watching the animals forage, wallow and amble - together with the Living with Elephants Foundation, Sanctuary Baines' Camp works to secure the long-term future of these majestic giants.
The Zambezi Queen Collection has some exciting developments underway.
The Zambezi Queen Collection is offering guests an all-inclusive group deal where they pay for 3 rooms and get the 4th room free! Perfect for family celebrations, special occasions and corporate retreats, this offer includes accommodation, drinks, meals and a range of fantastic land-and water-based activities. Travel valid between 1 March and 30 June 2019 only. Three Chobe Princesses are getting a makeover
We’re pleased to announce that our three Chobe Princesses are currently undergoing numerous interior and exterior improvements to enhance the guest experience. Refurbishments are due to be completed by the end of April 2019.
Chobe Princess Refurbishments
Floating along the mighty Chobe River between the borders of Botswana and Namibia, the Zambezi Queen Collection comprises four houseboats, including the luxurious Zambezi Queen and her three Chobe Princesses, as well as the secluded tented Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. At the Zambezi Queen Collection, we take great pride in providing guests with unique safari experiences. It’s therefore with much excitement that we announce our three Chobe Princesses are getting a makeover! All three houseboats are currently undergoing a number of stylish improvements to maintain the excellent standards guests have come to expect from the award-winning Zambezi Queen Collection. The new look will reflect a relaxed river safari theme complemented by a nautical palette of blue, grey, navy and white. Cabins will be furnished with new beds, flooring, storage spaces, furniture and accessories. Bathrooms will also receive upgrades with modern fittings and flooring. New chairs and tables will rejuvenate dining areas to create a more sophisticated and comfortable dining experience. In addition, pool decks will be restored to allow for leisurely days of suntanning and refreshing dips in the pool. The houseboat exteriors will be re-panelled and painted to ensure that guests are greeted in style from the moment they step aboard. While all soft furnishings will also be updated to provide consummate comfort throughout the houseboat interiors. The refurbishment is well underway and is due to be completed by the end of April 2019.
#AgamaRiverCamp #Namibia #Africa #Sossusvlei #SolitaireNamibia #FlamingoVillaBoutiqueHotel #SweetThornRetreat #OtjiwaLodge #redsanddunesNamibia We are delighted to advise that the owners of Flamingo Villa Boutique Hotel have recently purchased Agama River Camp and they have awesome plans to expand the existing Agama River Camp capacity. An additional 20 luxury bungalows will be added to the existing 10 standard bungalows. The additional information will be supplied in due course. The existing managing couple Sven and Marli, bid their farewell to the Agama River Camp and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours at Sweet Thorn Retreat Airport Lodge. Piet and Maureen Laubscher previous managers at Mountain Lodge at Otjiwa Lodge will be starting on the 1st of March and look forward to hosting your guests with care at Agama River Camp. With this said, we wish to inform you that construction will commence by the end of January 2019. We know that this is a very sensitive matter to all in the tourism industry and we kindly ask you to inform your guests that we will have an intense two months of building. During this time we are taking no new bookings. Although construction noise will be kept to a minimum while we have guests, if any guest(s) prefer to cancel their reservation we will be happy to offer a refund and avoid any bad reviews before we have even started with the new and improved Agama Camp. The construction crew will be staying in two of the large campsites with own private ablution facilities. Guests booked at campsite who prefer not to have construction workers in plain view at night are offered (where available) an upgrade to the lodge rooms (at no additional charge), however we will not be able to offer self-catering options for these upgrades and ask that these guests confirm meal bookings at the lodge - to be settled directly. Jon & Monique Leach wish to extend their thanks for your support over the years at Agama River Camp and wish to concentrate their efforts in the future, at Sweet Thorn Retreat Airport Lodge close to Windhoek.
Namibia: renovations at Nkasa Lupala Lodge & Jackalberry Tented Camp Renovations are in progress at Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge and Jackalberry Tented Camp. With the 2019 already kicked on, the owners of Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge and Jackalberry Tented Camp are making fresh touches on these two properties. The renovation started January 2019 and is expected to be completed by 31 March 2019. New solar system: New lithium-ion system - 20kva! New Lightning in the tents: Change from 12v to 220V Fan and USB plugs in the rooms added Main area expansion New covered lounge space extension facing East built Jackalberry Tented Camp will remain closed for the duration of renovation period, where as Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge will be operational with NO any effect to the guests. New solar system New lithium-ion system - more capacity New swimming pool New boat Brand new aluminium double deck boat Complete tents renovation All the tent structure will be replaced. New door and windows also added
