After much deliberation and consultation Federal Airlines has taken the decision to suspend the Singita Jet Service indefinitely.
This decision was not taken lightly, but the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on passengers numbers has dramatically affected the viability of this flight service.
For those partners looking for exclusive flight options to Singita Sabi Sands, Federal Airlines Charter Services are available to create some suitable options for your guests.
Singita, the award-winning (“Place of Miracles”) is part of the Sabi Sands Game Lodge and falls across three different countries - Zimbabwe, Tanzania and South Africa. It is the ultimate in luxury safari experiences, so your method of getting there should be equally top-class.
Federal Air is the leading partner to premium safari lodges like Singita and is the air shuttle service of choice for discerning game reserve visitors.
At OR Tambo International Airport you will be met by a friendly flight representative, who will either assist you with check-in (10 minutes before the flight) or, if you’re early, whisk you off to the exclusive passenger lounge. Here, you can enjoy a myriad amenities, including a hot shower, Internet access, boutique shopping and refreshments.
Get the best value this winter in a never to be seen again offer of 50% off. Antbear Lodge and Ardmore Guest Farm have just agreed to my idea of the best winter special ever for the next 7 days.
The Drakensberg is the best destination in South Africa for snow.
Brace yourself … Its already snowing in the Drakensberg and more snow is predicted for this winter. These really are the words you want to hear when we are talking about the Drakensberg Mountains. Snow just makes the Drakensberg Mountains even more dramatic and spectacular. Its cozy fires and old brown sherry and spectacular views.
Some of the best places to see snow in the Drakensberg
°Giants Castle is situated in the Central Drakensberg and offers some of the most spectacular snow views of the Drakensberg Mountains. This is one of the best Drakensberg snow locations if you are looking to see the snow views. Access is easy with a tar road which means even if there is snow on the road you can still drive.
°Highmoor is the highest KZN Wildlife camp in the Drakesberg so its little wonder the Highmoor experiences more snow than any other part of the Drakensberg Mountains. Whats makes Highmoor such a perfect snow attraction is that there is a tar road that will take you right up to the camp. If you wish to play in the snow this is the best Drakensberg snow location by far.
°Underberg and Sani Pass While it’s not guaranteed to snow every year, the quaint southern Drakensberg villages of Underberg and Himeville are great bases for 4x4 trips up Sani Pass, where winter snow is more or less assured. To make the most of the snow at the top of the pass book a 4x4 excursion.
°Central Drakensberg If you’re feeling active and find the idea of hiking through snow appealing, this part of the Drakensberg is for you. The weather here tends to be more stable during winter and, after a snowstorm, conditions can become bright and clear for days.
Antbear Lodge
Antbear Lodge offers way more than stunning views of the Drakensberg. This lodge is the ideal base for your winter getaway in the Drakensberg. We offer accommodation in various configurations some family units with upstairs lofts for kids. Pet friendly too.
Antbear Lodge can offer a private dining experience for you and your guests in our wine cellar. This is perfect for your family to be in its own bubble from the pandemic health perspective. Plan for slow and decadent meals, and freshly cooked breakfasts or brunches that often become a 2-hour affairs.
Ardmore Guest Farm
Ardmore Guest Farm is in the beautiful Champagne Valley of the Central Drakensberg provides cosy farm-style, Dinner, bed-and-breakfast and self catering accommodation.
Ardmore Guest farm has created 4 separate dining areas so that your family can dine in a completely private setting.
How is the Drakensberg reacting to COVID 19 risks?
The short answer is that we are doing a lot. We take your safety seriously. We are prepared according to the current FEDHASA and TBCSA guidelines. Staff have been trained and understand the recommended COVID 19 protocols needed to protect themselves and protect you. Incl. PPE, hand hygiene, social distancing, wearing masks always and cleaning with the mandatory disinfectants. Some places have even implemented a contact-less check-in procedure, have a procedure in place should staff or guests display symptoms and also has a dedicated unit available should quarantine become a necessity. Places we deal with are ethical and have a 100% refund policy in place should you have to cancel because of COVID 19 lockdowns or infections.
You can rest assured you will be safer in the Drakensberg than at home!
KwaMbili Game Lodge - Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa
Come enjoy the African bush
KwaMbili Game Lodge is an unfenced lodge situated in the magnificent Big 5 Thornybush Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger Park.
KwaMbili is a small 10-bed lodge which consists of 2 air conditioned chalets as well as 3 en-suite safari tents. During their stay, guests can enjoy two game drives per day with a qualified ranger and tracker in an open 4x4 game viewer vehicle. The game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon/evening which is the optimal time for game viewing as this is generally when the game is most active.
Between drives, guests can relax at the lodges hide which is situated on the edge of camp where animals may be safely observed drinking at the waterhole or at the dam further down. For those wanting to cool off from the African heat can enjoy the lodges swimming pool.
Due to the location of the lodge, we unfortunately do not have mobile phone signal but guests can stay connected with the outside world with our complementary Wi-Fi which is available in the main area.
Take advantage of our Amazing SADC Special
Valid for travel until 31 July 2021 | min 2 night stay | applicable for both chalet and tented accommodation | Valid for SADC only
R1900 per person per night sharing - Sunday to Thursday only
R1980 per person per night sharing - Friday and Saturday only
With unprecedented service, and world-class dining, The Grand Pavilion Restaurant is the perfect blend of Cape Town's legendary laid-back luxury scene with iconic sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean that will stay with you long after your table’s been cleared.
Food is a form of connection—a way to bond the land and sea, culture, and people. That's why preparation and presentation demand our equal attention. At the Pavilion, we promise a contemporary and upscale twist on the quintessential Sea Point eatery with picturesque views and tantalizing menus to create the perfect ambience.
Harry's Bar is a vibrant, up-tempo space with a sophisticated and playful bent that offers guests a contemporary upscale twist. Featuring grand dining and jamboree experience. A place to celebrate our love affair with the beach, passing moments and memories from generation to generation.
Elegant restaurant located on the Sea Point beach front in dazzling part of Cape Town, where beautiful ocean backdrop will take your meal from great to sublime. The ornate dining space overlooks Atlantic Ocean and a buzzing Promenade.
ZAMBIA IS OPEN FOR REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TOURISM!
CLARIFICATION OF ZAMBIA'S COVID-19 TESTING & QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS AT POINT OF ENTRY.
Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulated a revision to the tourism industry on 28 May 2021, clarifying the Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements at point of entry for our visitors deemed from "High Risk" countries.
Please take note of the below protocols when traveling to Zambia:
°All scheduled and non-scheduled international flights to all Airports are open.
°All passengers coming from international flights need to present negative SARS CoV-2 PCR test result. The test should be conducted within the previous 72 hours.
°Entry screening will be conducted at all airports. All travellers entering the airport will be subjected to temperature and symptom screening.
°In addition to the above, all travellers deemed from "High Risk" Countries will be tested for Covid-19 by PCR test upon arrival into Zambia (approx USD$50.00 per person subject to change, payable by the traveller). The revision states that travellers who receive a negative result or have proof of vaccine will be exempt from 14 day mandatory quarantine.
The list of "High-Risk" countries that will be required to undergo SARS CoV-2 PCR testing on arrival are as follows - as stated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs & ZNPHI. The list will be reviewed and updated regularly.
Chundukwa River Lodge will make all the arrangements on behalf of our guests who require a negative SARS CoV-2 PCR for onward travel! The test will be performed on-site at the lodge for the convenience of our guests, with results delivered within 24hrs. Quick and easy! The current fee is USD$100.00 per person subject to change.
THE CHUNDUKWA EXPERIENCE
If you've always wanted to explore the magical Zambezi River and Victoria Falls without the hustle & bustle of big crowds, there is no better time! Chundukwa River Lodge is located 25 km from Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls - far enough to be away from it all, but close enough to experience it all.
Our boutique lodge offers five river-facing stilted chalets and a family-friendly cottage on a fully-inclusive basis.
°We offer a unique safe and relaxed tourist experience -clients may take advantage of private-use vehicles, private transfers and private boat cruises.
°All FI stays include a sunset cruise experience and a private vehicle for a day trip to Victoria Falls & Livingstone Town at leisure. Additional/optional experiences may be arranged for this day in advance by the lodge on clients behalf.
°Chundu Cottage offers a family-friendly and private accommodation experience for up to six guests should clients opt not to mix with any other guests during their stay.
°Our team are fully vaccinated.
°We are the prime location for river-watching, birding, boating, walking, pool-time, horse-riding or pure off-the-grid relaxation. WiFi is available in the lounge.
°We offer a simple rate structure featuring Low & High Season Rates on a fully-inclusive stay basis.
°Stays of three nights or longer may add an additional inclusive experience from several options.
INTRODUCING SIMALAHA HORSE SAFARIS
RIDE WITH DOUG EVANS
BOOK YOUR SADDLE FOR ZAMBIA'S INCREDIBLE HORSE SAFARI EXPERIENCE IN THE SIMALAHA CONSERVANCY
Simalaha Horse Safaris reopens for the season on 01 July 2021!
Experience the thrill of riding alongside wild plains game on splendid horses in the Simalaha Community Conservancy, a remote area unspoiled by frequent tourist visits and create unforgettable memories with family and friends at the beautiful camp, where delicious wholesome food, a cool swimming pool and starlit skies await.
UNIQUE POINTS
°A truly boutique experience – the camp takes a maximum of 8 people in four tents only, ensuring the rare opportunity to go off-the-grid.
°We offer a responsible tourism experience - employing environmentally friendly practices; protecting cultural and natural heritage and providing tangible social & economic benefits for local communities.
°The experience is hosted by owners Doug & Gail Evans.
°Water and electricity are all generated by solar power making this a perfectly sustainable and eco-friendly camp.
°We offer a simple rate structure, starting with a 3-night package or longer, on a full-board basis, including return transfers between Livingstone and Simalaha Conservancy by road.
°Simalaha Horse Safaris allows a provision of 2 horses for each rider, plus saddles and all tack with approximately 6-7 hours of riding per day, dependent on client preference.
°Visitors may combine a stay at Chundukwa River Lodge
°The Simalaha Conservancy has 16 large mammal species which can be seen on the plains and surrounding mopane forest - it is not unusual to see hundreds of wildebeest, zebra and lechwe grazing in harmony with the local tribesman’s cattle.
°There are no large predators in the conservancy so it is considered a safe riding and wilderness combination.
SS DEE ran aground and was wrecked on Possession Island while on passage from Cape Town to Angra Pequina, SW Africa with general cargo on the 6th February 1905. Owned since 1902 by Cape of Good Hope SS Syndicate Ltd (e T Chaddock, Mgr) Cape Town.
19. "Diamond mine vehicles dump site"
Location: 28°26'09.22"S 16°16'06.37"E
Location: Oranjemund area. The Consolidated Diamond Mines (De Beers) have the largest diamond mine earth moving vehicle machinery fleet graveyard in the world. Visits to diamond area are prohibited due to security reasons. Once a vehicle has been used for diamond harvesting, it is not allowed to leave the mine site anymore, even after end of its lifespan. Machines of any types have been collected up in this graveyard since early 1900's. Possible reason is that people could find diamonds hidden in these old machines should it be released from prohibited area. There are enough vintage machines to open a large museum.
This graveyard of relics portrait long history of the Namibian diamond mining since first diamond was found at Kolmanskop in Sperrgebiet by Zacharias Lewala. There are some surplus Sherman tanks used to bulldoze sand, a train of 20th century railroad cars with German markings and World War II battle tank with a British insignia on it had a huge steel blade welded in front of the gun turret as De Beers converted these tanks to bulldozers.
TUCSIN Tsumkwe Lodge is situated in the far north-eastern side of Namibia and is part of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, home to the Ju/’hoansi San community. It requires a well-informed approach with respect for the precious - but rare - value systems of traditional hunter-gatherer societies. Indeed, the San community can no longer survive exclusively by hunting and gathering thus, they require a local perspective for education and training.
Their strong beliefs and traditional values remain core to the San`s lifestyle and upbringing of their children. Tsumkwe is one of the last bastions where the San continues a semi-cultural lifestyle. Visitors to the area are encouraged to visit designated villages that showcase the San culture and how they have integrated with the modern way of living today
In proximity to the Nyae Nyae Pans and Khaudom National Park, TUCSIN Tsumkwe lodge is an ideal adventurous starting point to reach the Zambezi (Caprivi) Region as well as Botswana via the Dobe border post to experience the famous Okavango-Delta. Tsumkwe is still a wilderness paradise, off the beaten track!
The additional, once-off Conservancy fee of N$30.00 per person. This is a mandatory fee each visitor to the Naye Nyae Conservancy must pay while visiting or staying in the area.
Aotcha village
The village is 11 Km from Tsumkwe Lodge and can be reached with a normal 2x4 vehicle, combi, or truck.
Your Guide
Ciqae Tsamgao (Smallboy) grew up in /Aotcha village and learnt all his traditional Ju/’hoansi values, skills and practices from his father. He is a field guide with extensive experience of the bush, animals, and birds of his area. He is passionate about the preservation of the San culture and always eager to share his knowledge and heritage with his guests. He speaks and understands good English as his second language. Smallboy was part of the Ju/’hoansi team of trackers from Tsumkwe who visited France to help archaeologists identify prehistoric human tracks inside caves.
Activities
Bush walk with snaring, tracking, and collecting bush food. Game tracks in the sand will put you on the spoor of Elephant, Oryx, Kudu, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Warthog, Giraffe, Porcupine and even birds such as Guineafowl and Sandgrouse.
Craft making in the village. Create your own bow and arrow and learn the technique of lighting a fire with “fire sticks”. Weave rope from plant fibres and how to set a snare. The ladies will demonstrate the art of beading and shaping ostrich eggshell for bangle and necklace jewellery.
Traditional dance & songs reverberate over the rhythmic drumming of feet in the sand and rustle of leg beads and pods around the campfire. Join in while the San woman playout their ritual games and the men mimic the movement of antelope and giraffe.
Traditional hunt for meat and other food sources. Full Day walking in the wild together with hunters, in search of warthog, springbok, spring hare, porcupine, or large birds. It is not guaranteed that you will have success but, the thrill of tracking and stalking potential prey is exhilarating.
Bushmen meal. Prepare and taste the bushfood San collect from the veld. When there is plenty, you will have meat and plants, or it might just be tea from tree leaves and a taste of the water root they dug up from the soil.
Traditional huts for your accommodation at the village. Dry grass and sticks provide shelter and shade in the form of a round hut. Bring your own ground mat and sleeping gear for the real outdoors experience. Spend a night in the village as the San do. You will have a dry toilet, bucket shower and wood to make a fire or to cook your food on. You must be self-sufficient with food and water, braai grid and utensils.
Compact - Half day activity for groups or guests with limited time. This is a combination of all the activities listed above, except for the hunting activity. Short bushwalk and tracking of spoors. Gathering of edible and medicinal foods, how to make rope and set snares. Back at the village visitors will view singing, dancing with the opportunity to participate in a game or two. See how the make jewellery out of ostrich egg and natural materials from the bush. The Conservancy fee will be applicable on all new bookings made from the 1st of July 2021 onwards.
TUCSIN (The University Centre for Studies in Namibia) is the owner of Tsumkwe Lodge and is proud to be the custodians of educating and uplifting the San community through vocational training and hospitality in tourism.
Rooisand Desert Ranch is located on the fringe of the ancient Namib Desert in Namibia’s Central Region, at the C 26 between the mountain passes of Gamsberg and Kuiseb, halfway between Windhoek (170 km) and Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast (190 km).
GPS coordinates: -23.294542 S16.104978 E
Altitude: 1160 m a.s.l.
The farm has a size of some 12.000 ha, a huge area – by European standards. Surrounded by the magnificent scenery of red sand dunes – deposited in distant times by winds from the Kalahari Desert – vast grasslands and rugged mountains, ROOISAND Desert Ranch close to the Gamsberg affords its guests a relaxing sojourn with every convenience.
Rooisand video:
Accommodation:
Comfort Rooms: Twin or Double Beds Economy/Budget Twin Room Mountain Chalet Fully equipped two bedroom self catering chalet
Camping
Rooisand camping - video:
Rooisand Cabins Premium Camping: Water, Electricity and Firewood included
Rooisand is ideally situated half-way between Windhoek and Walvis Bay or Sossusvlei and are easily reachable within 2-3 hours from either destination;
Travelling along the scenic Kupferberg and Gamsberg-Passes is the perfect intro to Namibia’s gravel roads and stunning landscape changes;
Rooisand's observatory is home to the largest and most state-of-the-art telescope/astrograph combination available for public viewing in Namibia;
Our partner, Faried Abu-Salih, avails his enormous range of telescopes and equipment at Rooisand to amateur astro-enthusiasts world-wide;
Rooisand sports red sand dunes, grassy plains, rugged mountain slopes – all within reach and is home to hundreds of Mountain Zebra and breeding Lapped-Faced vultures;
Rooisand offer night drives, sundowner drives, hiking tours to mineral sites and crystal deposits, rock art sites, clay dove shooting as well as the perfect introduction to an exciting star-gazing adventure – its very own Planetary Walk;
Since Rooisand only has a few (11 +2) rooms, the ambience is at all times tranquil and quiet;
Rooisand offer fresh, home-grown and home-made cuisine, are hospitable and accommodating and families with children enjoy our wide variety of amenities (pool, tennis courts, table tennis, darts) and being part of the day to day activities of farm life - experienced first-hand (we have a small herd of friendly goats and sheep);
Rooisand's campsite is ideal for the individual as well as for bigger groups, it is situated about 1,5 km away from the main ranch and offers 10 cabins, 5 campsites and ample space in between. A pool/waterhole and beach volleyball field as well as a dining and seating area around the kitchenette make camping comfortable. Furnished tents are also available on request.
Whether honeymooners, family, best friends or just travel companions, our mountain chalet offers a spectacular view, guarantees privacy and silence, promises the best sundowner (almost) every day and is equipped and furnished with stylish and comfortable finishes.
Have you ever had the opportunity to observe the globular cluster Omega Centauri or the surface of the moon and its many craters?
We offer you the chance of a lifetime – observations through one of the world’s best amateur telescopes, a 430 mm PlaneWave Astrograph at Rooisand’s own observatory under a perfect, absolutely crystal clear, dark sky near the Gamsberg and at an altitude of more than 1280 meters!
Since the summer of 2013, Rooisand owns one of the largest and most modern telescope combinations for “public viewing” in Namibia – set up in a 3.2m dome.
We invite our guests to book a guided astronomical observation, our Astro Tour, during their stay and to explore the secrets of the Namibian Starry Sky.
Planet Hiking Trail
A quite unique activity offered by Rooisand is our planetary walk, completed in early 2018.
A model of our solar system has been set up along the path stretching between the ranch and observatory, a distance of about 2.5km.
True to scale in size and distance (about 1: 1.79 billion), the trail starts off at the ranch gate and guides the hiker along to explore Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and finally, Neptune, located at the end of the trail at the Observatory.
In this model, the speed of light is around 16.74 cm/s, or, in other words, hikers walk through the solar system at about 8 times the speed of light!
This activity is offered free of charge and is the perfect introduction to raw astronomy and thus an ideal prelim to an astro-tour in the evening.
Fly Drone Safari
Drone flying is not permitted in Namibian National Parks, but at ROOISAND an unique activity has been created, which allows guests to head out into the wilderness to capture aerial footage with their own drones.
PLEASE NOTE that all drones in Namibia (commercial, hobby or recreational) must be registered with the Namibian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) at least 60 days before arrival. To register a private /hobby drone and receive a formal Letter of Approval (which needs to include permission for every intended flight) costs N$ 1200.00. More about these regulations is available at NCAA (Namibian Civil Aviation Authority)
Experience this unique sporting activity discover the fascination with clay pigeon shooting!
If you have always wanted to try clay pigeon shooting, Rooisand finally offers you this unique opportunity! Watch the “flying saucers” burst in the air and scatter to dust when you hit them with a shotgun.
No prior knowledge is required, but clay pigeon shooting can, unfortunately, only be offered to adults.
This activity can be booked on site, a pre-booking is not necessary.
