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Tshukudu Game Lodge and Marula Camp are the only two lodges that lie in the 4000 hectare Big 5 Tshukudu Private Game Reserve, just outside Hoedspruit. This Greater Kruger reserve enjoys magnificent views of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains which makes for spectacular sunsets. Graded 4 star and now under new management, the lodges are enjoying both a refurb and additional facilities including 2 brand new swimming pools and a spa – with more enhancements to be rolled out over the next year.  Game viewing is excellent for the Big 5 as well as a wide variety of plains game such as zebra, giraffe and various antelope. The lodge is also conveniently located to explore the local attractions including the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park, horse riding at African Dream horse safaris, white water rafting (seasonal), microlight flips and hot air ballooning. Guests can either prebook excursions to these amazing sites or simply book during their stay.
Request a meeting with Briarley for an update.

Predicted to be a game changer for tourism, Fastjet launched its new scheduled service between Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Mbombela, Kruger Mpumalanga, South Africa on 16 March 2022. Initially, they will operate three flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – with additional schedules (hopefully daily) to be introduced in July.  The route will be served by Fastjet’s 50-seater Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft with the flight taking less than 2 hours.

Contact Julian Edmunds to arrange a meeting

In the past two years, largely thanks to good rains, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, has welcomed two rare Bontebok calves – siblings born to the breeding pair on the reserve.  This has been cause for great celebration considering there are only about 1000 pure bontebok individuals left in the wild.  The species which occurs naturally in the Fynbos and Renosterveld areas of the Western Cape, was on the brink of extinction – with numbers dropping down to the last 17 known individuals in 1931. Thankfully the Bontebok National Park was established to protect them – aided by the fact that these antelope cannot jump fences!  This is a celebrated milestone for Kagga Kamma’s conservation efforts, as well as that of this critically endangered species.

Book a meeting with Nico Steenkamp for more information.

With conservation and biodiversity at its core, Tswalu Kalahari offers privileged access to one of South Africa’s last remaining wilderness areas. A new camp (yet to be named) will be opening later this year at Tswalu Kalahari, joining the Motse and Tarkuni.

In other news, Klein JAN, which opened during the lockdown in a 100-year-old farmhouse known as Boscia House, is fast building a reputation for its inspired “roaming” cuisine experience under accomplished Michelin-starred Chef Jan Hendrick van der Westhuizen – winning three gongs at South Africa’s annual Luxe Restaurant Awards – Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Culinary Pioneer of the Year. Don’t let the humble exterior fool you – what lies beneath is nothing short of spectacular!

Contact Kim Beyers to arrange a meeting.

Jonny Motsieloa, a Specialist Guide at Mosetlha Bush Camp & Eco Lodge in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve, was recently voted one of the world’s top specialist guides at the Wanderlust Travel Awards held in London. From over 3000 guides nominated, Jonny took the Bronze  – flying the flag proudly for Africa. Jonny grew up in the area as the son of a local farm labourer and stay-at-home mother and started his career as a security guard in the reserve – training as a guide at Mafisa and working his way up to Senior Field Guide – and undoubtedly the most qualified guide in Madikwe. The eco-lodge is nestled right at the heart of the Big 5 malaria-free reserve and is the park’s only genuine eco-lodge with an incredibly light footprint. The camp is unfenced, rustic, and intimate with just 10 cabins – and remains proudly off-grid to ensure an authentic bush experience. The lanterns by night and donkey boiler for hot showers only add to the magic!

Book a meeting with Caroline Lucas.

In April 2022 Bellevue Forest Reserve in the Eastern Cape will be launching a new land-based Coastal Safari in the untamed, largely undiscovered Cape Recife Nature Reserve adjacent to Port Elizabeth.  Priced at just R385pp (50% for under 12’s) these 3-hour “bush n beach” excursions will be both inclusive and affordable.  A specialised guide will take guests on a drive behind the sand dunes and share a wealth of knowledge across all the coastal fauna and flora of the area, including whales, dolphins, penguins and other bird life as he leads a guided walk along the dunes, beach and rocks. Timing wise, there is a choice of either an early beach breakfast or evening sundowners.

Book a chat with Loodt Buchner at Bellevue to hear more.

Kariega Game Reserve is a malaria-free private game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape on the ever-popular Garden Route. Thanks to a generous philanthropic donation by the Ferguson family in the UK, the reserve will be expanding its footprint significantly to 11,500 hectares in the Bushmans River valley. This additional 1,500 hectares of pristine wilderness will be fully incorporated into the reserve by June 2022, including approximately 25 kilometres of precious tidal river estuary.  The range expansion provides additional carrying capacity for elephant, white and black rhino, as well as additional apex predators such as critically endangered cheetah and a second pride of lion.  Their generosity will have long term  legacy on the conservation of biodiversity of flora and fauna in the eastern Cape.

Situated on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, Sala Beach House, due to launch on 1 June 2022, ticks all the boxes and more for an ultimate coastal escape thanks to its prime position at Shaka’s Rock, Ballito. The main house perches on the seafront, featuring 4 guestrooms and 3 suites.  There is also a self-contained 3-bedroom bungalow with its own pool, living area and kitchen for those who prefer a little more privacy.  Not only does Sala boast uninterrupted views of the ocean (perfect for dolphin spotting) and an inviting infinity pool – but it has that all important private access to a protected tidal pool and gorgeous, sandy swimming beach at Thompson’s Bay. The Spa provides a serene retreat, offering thoughtfully designed treatments. Activities in the area include deep sea fishing, golf, surfing and micro lighting. Sala is a 20-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport and is the sister property to Ghost Mountain Inn in Zululand.

Contact Alexandra Jonker to arrange a meeting

The latest addition to the Simbavati Lodge Collection is set to open on April 1. Simbavati Waterside too will promise guests a feeling of “Africalm” – a state of being where body, mind, and spirit align – through exceptional guest experiences and extraordinary hospitality.  Location is everything! Flanking a large dam in the southern Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this intimate lodge accommodates no more than sixteen guests in eight suites – six of which occupy their own private space overlooking the water. Two suites are more remote and have their own private plunge pools so are great for honeymooners – whilst four of the suites are ideal for families. Facilities include a swimming pool, boma, wine cellar, lounge, bar, spa, gym, and safari boutique.

Meet with Juan Nel at African Synergy for more information

If you don’t know about Wetu – where have you been? Wetu’s sales and marketing enablement solutions for the travel industry help tour operators, DMCs, travel agents, and suppliers to market and sell travel more efficiently and effectively. Wetu’s centralised content management & distribution system empowers accommodation, activity, restaurant, and day tour suppliers to optimise their product exposure and serves as a platform for efficient collaboration with the trade. It’s a great place too for journalists to source digital assets like photos and videos.

“Wetu Wizz” and travel marketer Natalia Rosa will be sharing some of her marketing wisdom with us via a pre-recorded Marketing Masterclass on the OurAfrica.Travel platform, for which they are our headline sponsor.  This Ultimate Guide to Travel Marketing will give you simple and smart tips and tricks to get your sales and marketing house in order so that together you can inspire, engage with and convert those travellers who are desperate to come to Africa,

DATE: Monday 28 March 2022

WHEN: 2pm (SA time) Register Here

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