situated in the tranquil valley, under the Klein Drakenstein mountains, Paarl, South Africa.
Brookdale Manor House is positioned as a world-class, Paarl winelands retreat and is suitable for families, small groups or individual travellers.
It can accommodate 12 adults (and two children under the age of 12 sharing with parents), in five en-suite bedrooms in the Manor House, and a sixth en-suite bedroom in the adjacent building.
Built-in a modern Cape Dutch style, Brookdale Manor House is elegantly furnished, featuring ample living spaces that include a lavish living room and sunny breakfast area. The outside terraces showcase panoramic views of the dramatic mountains and Paarl wine valley. The gardens and pool house are set around a magnificent lap pool and create beautiful spaces for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Rates start from R 4 900 per room.
A true Cinderella story, Brookdale Estate was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family, originally from the United Kingdom recognised the potential of the property and acquired the 67-hectare estate in 2015. In line with their vision to create a world-class country estate, today Brookdale offers exceptional hospitality and produces fine wines under the stewardship of talented young winemaker, Kiara Scott.
The managing couple, Yvonne Coetzee (General Manager), and Gary Coetzee (Executive Chef), were appointed in November.
They come with extensive hospitality experience gained in nearly ten years in management positions at Singita in the Sabi Sand, followed by a decade overseeing the Kerzner family estate in Hout Bay.
Brookdale Estate is ideally located within easy reach of Cape Town International Airport, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Launch offers include a South African resident's special, with a choice of either self-catering or fully inclusive options.
Khwai Leadwood is open and we are so proud to share the Khwai Leadwood story with you, not to mention feedback from our representative in the USA, Wazha Dube. He was in Cape Town recently and I had a chance to interview him about his trip.
Khwai is the culmination of a dream Beks had when he was a young guide, leading mobile tented safaris through Botswana. When he started his first camp, Somalisa, Zimbabwe was going through an economic downturn, which led him to expand to Linyanti, in Botswana. This is what led to the idea of expanding and venturing into new grounds. Flash forward to now, Khwai Leadwood marks our 16th camp and we are beyond excited for you to experience it. What is amazing, is that Beks actually stood at this site many years ago, by the anthill that we've built the lodge around. Finally, we are here and have a chance to share the magic with all of you.
When Moremi became a national park, Basarwa people were displaced and moved into the Khwai area. Beks has a longstanding relationship with them and Khwai is a community-run concession that benefits the locals and that is part of the reason we felt it a perfect fit for our African Bush Camps journey. We sourced labour from the community and during the building process. Our process of establishing a camp & adopting people into the camp starts here - we identify enthusiastic people and start upskilling them to be involved with the camp. In line with all our ABC camps, Khwai Leadwood?is fully sustainable with a solar farm and a bio-rock system as to not impact the ecosystem in the area.
The interior also celebrates the community and it's history with various basket works incorporated into the design. We also drew inspiration from local mud huts called 'Kgotla'. People in the area also use ingenious, eco-friendly designs such as utilizing wine bottles into these huts, which we have also implemented into the build of Khwai Leadwood.
The wildlife in Khwai is simply spectacular - you are almost guaranteed to see the big 5 on your safari and if not, you will surely be entertained by the magnitude of the area, landscape and activities. The Okavango Delta is a unique natural phenomenon where the water that flows from the Angolan Highlands floods the desert area in Botswana in its dry season. This means that you get the benefits of the dry season visibility and also beautiful unique water experiences. Water is life, and with the mixture of good water source and the rich Kalahari soils, this creates incredible vegetation to the area, for antelope, buffalo and other grazers, which in turn means that the predator life is remarkable, leopards, lions, wild dog and hyena are all prevalent in this area.
We were fortunate enough to secure a spot for a semi-permanent camp in a very secluded area of the Khwai concession which sits on a permanent river that stems from the Okavango Delta. This incredible spot also allows us to offer unique activities such as night drives, boating and scenic helicopter rides. It is truly an authentic yet luxurious safari experience and we hope you can come to experience it.
Namibian private airline FlyWestair announced one additional scheduled flight per week between Eros Airport in Windhoek and Ondangwa's Andimba Toivo Ya Toivo Airport. Commencing date is 28 April 2021.
The flight will connect the north of Namibia to the capital of Windhoek and beyond with a flight every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
In addition, FlyWestair will offer scheduled flights from Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport to Cape Town's International Airport weekly Friday and Monday. The airline remains focused on assisting the travel and aviation industry recover in a post-COVID-19 environment.
Meanwhile, the airline announced the addition of a 50-seat Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft.
The new addition is going to predominantly be operating on the Windhoek's Eros to Ondangwa route. FlyWestair confirmed their intention to commence flights between Windhoek and Katima Mulilo, Rundu and Luderitz. FlyWestair has focused on simplifying the travel experience for international travelers amid the liquidation of the country's national airline, Air Namibia.
Cape Town's Townhouse Hotel shut doors after 50 years due to Covid-19 lockdown.
The Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town has permanently closed its doors, after 50 years of service in the hospitality sector as a result of the crippling effects the national Covid-19 lockdown has had on the tourism industry.
The 107-room hotel shut doors on 31 March 2021.
According to the group's director and shareholder, Lex Petousis, the decision to close was due to the impact of the pandemic.
"We could not have imagined the impact that Covid would have on the global tourism industry; the extended impact this has had on South Africa’s hospitality sector and our family business particularly", Petousis said.
"As a result, we made the difficult decision to close the hotel."
Petousis marked the closure as an end of an era in Cape Town hospitality history.
"Four years ago, we could see that Cape Town's inner-city was experiencing a revival. We had a dream for the Townhouse as a mixed-use development and invested significantly in its future role in rejuvenating the city centre precinct," Petousis added.
CEO George Petousis said there was a deep element of sadness to the move.
"Our Townhouse team have played such an integral part in the Petousis family story, many of whom have been with us for decades and have invested years of service to delivering our vision and creating memorable experiences for our guests.
"We are facing another tough year in the hospitality industry with the ongoing effects of Covid," he added.
"As a family business, our focus is to continue weathering the global pandemic storm whilst retaining as many jobs as possible and to always offer our guests an exceptional destination experience."
Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) CEO Tasso Evangelinos expressed his sadness following the announcement that the hotel was closing.
"At the CCID, we are very sad to see it go", Evangelinos said.
"We have always had an excellent working relationship with the hotel's management team and owners, who have been keen to work with us to keep the East City, where it is situated, safe and clean," Evangelinos added.
New owner and operator, Murray Clark of Neighbourgood, plans to transition the Townhouse property infrastructure from a traditional hotel to a modern living and workspace offering.
"Our plans for the property envisage connected communities of young working professionals", Clark said.
As we sit and draft this April update, it is a year to date (27th March 2020) that South Africa entered into a national lockdown and our scheduled group tours came to a screeching halt. So much has happened in the past year; there were ups, there were downs, there were wins and then there were some losses…
Rewind to 11th December 2018, 40onBurg Hotel opened its doors in the heart of the mother city, Cape Town. It was a time of great excitement as the Nomad Group welcomed this property into the family. 4 Floors, 20 rooms and a stone’s throw from the ever popular Green Market Square, 40onBurg was the perfect offering for our Nomad guests for their pre and post tour stays in Cape Town.
Fast forward to March 2021, 40onBurg Hotel has become the latest, undeserving casualty of the global pandemic that is covid-19. A tough but calculated decision was made by the owner, Alex, last year to put the property onto the market for sale and we can now officially confirm that a buyer has stepped forward. 40onBurg Hotel will cease trading at the end of May 2021.
Although 40onBurg was a part of the Nomad Group, the hotel was operated as an entity on its own and served Nomad as a supplier for accommodation in Cape Town. The sale of the hotel does not impact on the operations of Nomad Africa Tours & Safaris. The team at 40onBurg Hotel have asked us to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who supported the hotel since its opening.
An alternative accommodation provider for our Cape Town tours will be communicated in due course; our product team are currently in negotiations with properties on the outskirts of the CBD.
2022 and 2023 Product Information
Last month we advised that our 2022 dates were ready and the rates were to follow – rates should be finalised during April, along with our 2023 information. Yes, you read correctly – our 2023 product information will be made available at the same time.
If you are in search of a particular product or need help putting together a routing, please send us your wish list and allow us to quote you. Even if you need our help in booking accommodation for 2 guests – no request is too big or too small for our team to assist with.
While our scheduled group tours have been suspended until the end of July, we are able to operate private FIT’s, self-drive tours and private group programs for you during the current times. We have seen a sudden surge in requests and bookings for last minute travellers, single country offerings and our FIT department are being kept on their toes. We are currently developing some new alternative offerings.
Our team remains at your disposal 5 days a week, as we continue to work out of our head office.
Serengeti Sojourn will re-open on the 01 July 2021.
Special notes:
* The camp will re-open in Lobo, Northern Seregenti
* Camp closed 01 November 2021 - 21 December 2021 and will reopen on the 22 December 2021 in Ndutu, Southern Seregenti
* Opening rates valid for the month of July and Early Bird Promotion - Book before 30 June 2021 for all bookings staying 01 August 2021 - 31 October 2021
* Stay 4 pay 3 special
Valid : 01 July to 31 October and 22 December 2021 to 31 March 2022
* Combo Package
FULLY INCLUSIVE 6 NIGHT PACKAGE - BUCKET LIST BUSH & BEACH - EAST AFRICA
3 Nights at Serengeti Sojourn & 3 Nights at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge
Added value: Return Zanzibar Airport road transfer, a free sundowner cruise and complimentary upgrade to a Superior Bungalow at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge.
The absolute premier game experience, Serengeti Sojourn offers guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to merge with nature and witness wildlife up close, in a setting quite unlike any other – raw Africa; Serengeti National Park. Following the seasonal rainfall, over one million whitebearded wildebeest and other species migrate from Masai Mara in Kenya to the Serengeti in Tanzania on an annual basis, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Uniquely, the elite tented camp moves twice a year within the national park to ensure the best possible sightings of this phenomenon. From mid-December to the end of March, the camp is located in the Ndutu region – the perfect site from which to witness the migration and the
wonders of calving season. From the start of June to the end of October, the camp is located in the Lobo area, in proximity to both the Grumeti and Mara River, which offers equally sensational viewings of the migration and convenient access to the Lobo Airstrip. Serengeti Sojourn is not operational during the months of April, May and November, as well as early December.
ACCOMMODATION
Serengeti Sojourn comprises twelve tents in total, each decorated exceptionally with both luxury and comfort in mind, thus allowing guests to
explore the best of nature in style. The tents are spacious, well-appointed and offer a great sense of privacy, catering to couples and families.
The accommodation and service both live up to impeccable standards and take “glamping” to the next level.
HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI
Hot air balloon safaris are offered from both camp locations, providing guests with the chance to see the Serengeti from a different, majestic perspective. This is a remarkable experience that tops off the whole African adventure perfectly.
Tikoloshe is located in Omaruru town in the heart of Namibia.
Tikoloshe Afrika specialises in a great variety of different wood carvings and offers a wide range of African Artifacts.
HISTORY OF TIKOLOSHE
Video of Tikoloshe store:
In the 1980-ies, on a farm in north-central Namibia, Paul Goldbach met Paulo Cashinga, a skilled woodcarver from the Kavango region. Paul first encountered root carving in South America, but when he witnessed Cashinga carving a traditional Springbok out of a tree trunk, he was so impressed that he decided to try out a business idea with him. In his spare time Paul managed the startup, while Paulo Cashinga carved an amazing and fascinating variety of Namibian fauna mainly from the roots of Mustard tree, Tamboti and Ironwood. Unfortunately, Paulo Cashinga passed away in 2012, but his characteristic root carved sculptures continue to decorate house and homes, nationally and abroad. The original team of eight carvers changed in recent years and now consists of five woodworkers, named Johannes Lirunga, Lino Kativa, Lipenda Kambinda, Ndingi Ndumba and Nanda David. These talented craftsmen share the late Paulo Cashingas skill, vision, and ability to carve from gnarled, curved roots and are since the early years the core of Tikoloshe, fascinating the visitors again and again with matchless, almost animated Namibian animal sculptures. Additional three saleswomen and two people in the administration, complete the team.
PAUL GOLDBACH
Paul was born in Hessen, Germany in 1947. As a young man, he was trained as a Furrier at his father's business in Hann. Muenden. In 1970 he emigrated to South West Africa (now Namibia), but returned to Germany two years later to obtain the master degree at the Frankfurt Meister Schule. Yet after experiencing the Dark Continent, Paul already was infected by the Africa Virus, and he quickly came back to Namibia in 1975. This time driving across Africa with three friends in two old German Army DKW-Jeeps. After settling in Namibia, Paul subsequently grew tired of his trade, which was nailing him down in Windhoek. So he started a job as a construction fitter.
During the following years of 1976 – 1981, Paul embarked on many different journeys through Africa, North America and South America. While in South America, Paul was greatly inspired by the work of Augustin Rivas, a famous artist. One of his large exponates (Jesus at the cross) belongs to the collection of the Vatican in Rome. Today he is a well-known Shaman from Iquitos, in the Amazon region of Peru. Paul purchased over twenty big sculptures of Rivas? renowned root wood carvings and had them shipped to Germany (where the last ones are still offered for sale). Due to a recession in Namibia, Paul eventually ran out of work as a fitter. Therefore he decided to try and work as a farm manager. While running the farm he met Paulo Cashinga, the foreman and a skilled Kavango wood carver. With Rivas? works from the Amazon still on his mind, Paul and Paulo began working together to develop the traditional Kavango carving into their own unique Namibian root carving style. In 1995, after several years as a farm manager and following the successful arrival of Namibian independence, Paul Goldbach officially opened his own wood carving business and later on a curio shop in Omaruru. Although he never intended to become an entrepreneur, after more than twenty years of running his enterprise Tikoloshe Afrika, Paul finally found his peace of mind in the heart of Namibia.
ROOT CARVINGS
The Kavango people live in the north of Namibia and are traditionally attached to the skill of woodcarving. They usually start carving during childhood already. In our case the carvings are created by four naturally talented Kavango woodcarvers. These rather unique and indigenous artworks have received recognition and won awards at various Namibian National Art Competitions. Our artwork ranges from fine art to abstract sculptures which reflect the African spirit, and is enjoyed and appreciated by collectors and individuals throughout the world.
ARTISTIC ROOT CARVINGS
The wood carvers of Tikoloshe Afrika do not hesitate to work the hardest wood there is. Therefore they rely on the best tools made of first grade steel and professional quality appliances imported from overseas. Knives are used for fine carving by hand. But most tasks are done by specific carving tools like gouches and rubber hammers. By far the most popular tool is the straight-forward grinding machine. A variety of different grinding heads can be applied to suit the job. Square grinders and drilling machines can be put to good use, too. Finally the carvers work with chainsaws of varying sizes.
PROVIDED BY NATURE
Tikoloshe Afrika produces artistic wood sculptures – from ten centimeters to ten meters in size, carved from weathered, dry roots and tree trunks, some of which are thousands of years old. The wood is mostly collected in the semi-desert and northern areas of Namibia. On the following pages we would like to introduce you to a selection of the types of wood we use.
MOPANE
(Colophospermum mopane)/ Omusati
Most of our carvings are made of this wood, very heavy, dark red-brown wood with a yellowish ring on the outside. Weathered, fine outer root structure. The collected root, with its own form, is exported worldwide. It is excellent for flower arrangements and especially as decoration. Because the wood does not get rotten and release any color into the water due to its hardness, it is particularly suitable as ornamental aquarium wood. The water remains crystal clear and the root sinks to the ground due to its weight.
LEADWOOD
(Combretum imberbe) Omumborombonga
Hereros and Ovambos see the tree as the source of life from which the first humans, cattle, sheep and wild animals originated.
Weight: Exceptionally heavy wood; sinks in water. When you hit a big piece with a hammer, it sounds like metal: Ironwood.
Color: dark brown, outside yellowish-beige.
Growth: Looks dead in dry areas during the winter months, but sprouts again in the rainy season and gets small green leaves.
TAMBOTIE
(Spirostachys africana) / Orupapa
Up to eight meters high, straight growing tree. Tambuti is preferred for fence posts. The wood has a strong, unmistakable smell. Freshly cut, a poisonous, milky juice escapes. The eyes of the carver also begin to water when working on the dry root. Because of the poisonous vapors it is not suitable as barbeque firewood. Tambuti is a heavy, firm wood of medium brown color with a smoky, grey-black grain.
CAMEL THORN
(Acacia erioloba) / Omumbonde
Typical Namibian tree (German South West Song). Excellent for smoking and grilling (Braaivleis). Very heavy, brittle wood. Mainly suitable for large and compact carvings. Color: dark red core, light yellow outside, nearly the same like Mopane. All of the wood has an ivory grain.
MUSTARD TREE
(Salvadora persica) / Kangongo
Also known as curry bush, because the small, slightly orange seeds smell like it and are edible. Color: Red-grey to pink wood with a grey weathered, rough exterior structure. Partially wart-like. Lion bush is a rather soft, light wood, which can also beworked well with a knife.
WORM-CURE ALBIZIA
(Albizia anthelmintica) / Aru
The finely grated bark is used to treat stomach worms in humans and animals. It is a light yellow wood with a mostly small red core and various red inclusions. Because it is a very soft wood, it’s easy to work with the knife.
ROSE GUM
Eukaliptus
Introduced from Australia for the production of straight, fast-growing wood. Used as support wood in the mine shafts of Tsumeb. Needs a lot of water and is therefore nowadays partly deforested again. Rarely in Australia nowadays, asitis preferably used in furniture processing. Red wood with star-shaped cracks from the centre. Large logs are excellent for groups of chairs, tables and tabletops.
PROSOPIS TREE
Prosopis (Prosopis chilensis)
Introduced by Mexico because of its nutritious, sweet pods for use mainly as animal feed, especially in dry seasons. The wood is very resistant and an excellent shade. Unfortunately, it displaces the native vegetation. The middle brown core has a strong yellow border. It is a very tough wood and is therefore preferred in America for rifle stocks. Prosopis chilensis was brought from South America to South West Africa in 1912 by the German government botanist Kurt Dinter. It is fought today as well as eucalyptus because of its enormous water consumption.
Victoria Falls: Tongabezi Lodge Livingstone, Zambia
Tongabezi's friendly team welcomes guests to a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully styled with furniture and embellishments from all over Africa. Lodge's guests set their own pace and itinerary. A range of dining locations all feature exquisite views of the Zambezi. Privately owned and run, Tongabezi combines an exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.
There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Guests do as much or as little as they wish, with game drives, bush walks and boating trips all included in the price. Take a short guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls. You can also enjoy the Falls from inside the gorge, from Livingstone Island and from the air.
Houses & Cottages
The five Houses and four River Cottages are individually styled and cater for two to five guests. Experience lavish romance at the Honeymoon House, wake up amongst the birds in the Tree House, or enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the Zambezi River from the private deck of your own River Cottage.
Experiences
A wide range of activities are on offer during your stay at Tongabezi. Visit Victoria Falls, enjoy an early morning Game Drive, drift down the Zambezi River on a Sunset Cruise, or book a romantic Sampan dinner floating out on the river. There are also some great activities for adrenaline junkies – white water rafting, elephant back safaris, microlight and helicopter flights, or the famous Victoria Falls bungee jump. Community minded? Do visit our Tongabezi Trust School, Tujatane. Our students are officially amongst the best performers in Zambia, regularly winning national drama, poetry, and traditional dancing competitions, and they’d love the chance to show off their skills.
Victoria Falls
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘smoke that thunders' is a short drive from Tongabezi. Our guides will take you to view the breath-taking cascades of water and walk you across Knife Edge bridge, where in high water you might be drenched in the spray. You can also visit Livingstone Island and gaze upon the Falls as David Livingstone first did: from amongst them. The daring might even choose to swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool that sits on the very edge of the abyss. For those who wish to see the view from above, our team will be happy to organise a non-inclusive microlight or helicopter flight through the gorge and over the Falls.
Dining at Tongabezi
Our commitment to fresh seasonal food, entertaining presentation and the option for adventurous travellers to partake in typical Zambian cuisine is legendary. Tongabezi Lodge and Sindabezi Island share four chefs, two pastry chefs and two full kitchen teams, headed by the inimitable Chef Zuwi Nawa. Our kitchens benefit from regular training by international chefs.
Your Personal Valet
'Welcome to Tongabezi'. If you've ever been our guest, you'll always remember the warm Zambian hospitality of our team. After toasting your arrival with a local aperitif, your personal valet will take you to one of our unique Houses or River Cottages along the banks of the Zambezi and will take care of you for the duration of your stay.
Spaces
The Lookout and Hangout were conceived as the ultimate chill out zones perched on the edge of the Zambezi River. You can book your lunch or dinner at either venue, or dine on our Dining Deck next to the fire pit surrounded by exotic lanterns. The Pool is set against a rocky outcrop with a large lounge bed in the treetops overlooking the lazy Zambezi River.
