Southern African Tourism Update

SOUT H ERN AFRI C AN

July 2009 I Issue 207 I www.travelhub.co.za

the

net

SA scores big with Confed Cup

Green Botswana A host of new activities

Transport

SA keeps moving

●M auritius adds rooms

to accommodation pot

● Durban launches 2010 website ●C ape Town plans enviro stadium

for organisers of tours

New aircraft more flights more routes Air Botswana’s timetable and route network is being considerably enhanced following the purchase of two new 68-seat ART72-500 turbopropeller aircraft.

The fleet expansion enables more flights to be added on some routes and the opening up of new routes in response to passenger demand.

A new interim timetable operates from 29 March to 20 May 2009, following the introduction to service of the first new aircraft. With the arrival of the second new aircraft, the full timetable will be effective from 31 May to 28 November.

Upgrades reflected in the 29 March-30 May timetable ●R eintroduction of the route between Maun and Kasane, with two flights a week in both directions. ●R eintroduction of a third (Saturday) service between Gaborone and Harare.

Upgrades reflected in the 31 May-28 November timetable ● Reintroduction of the direct service between Francistown and Johannesburg, with two flights a week in both directions. ● Reintroduction of the direct service between Kasane and Johannesburg, with three flights a week in both directions. ● Addition of three flights a week between Gaborone and Johannesburg in both directions (bringing the number of flights on this route to 30 a week) ● Addition of a third (Sunday) service between Maun and Kasane in both directions.

Fly the flag.

Fly the country.

Central Reservations Gaborone Tel 3951921/3905500 Fax 3953928 Johannesburg Reservations (+27) 11 3903070/1/2/3 www.airbotswana.co.bw TU4627

inthisissue

ed’snote

July 2009

I

12

18

2 IN THE NEWS

A look at the latest tourism, destination and eco news from Southern Africa 3 Sports fever hits SA 4 Malawi reopens national park 8 Zambezi takes to the sky

9 Profile: iKapa

Helping move passengers across the region

10 The Goal Post

Mauritius offers accommodation for 2010

12 Eastern Cape

Discovering new routes

14 B otswana

Lush new activities

15 Transport

South Africa’s transport face-lift

18 Kenya

Delta pulls direct flight plans

20 Moore on tourism Good sports

Publisher David Marsh Managing Editor Natalia Thomson nataliat@nowmedia.co.za Deputy Editor Kate Els Sub Editor Ann Braun Contributors Sue Lewitton, Natasha Tippel,

Nteboheng Phakisi, Liesl Venter, Jeanette Phillips Advertising Sales Franck Deroche, Dee van Gaalen advertising@tourismupdate.co.za Advertising Co-ordinator Neo Matonkonyane Photographer Tijana Huysamen

Football fever

t took the noise of a thousand vuvuzelas to cure my bout of 2010 fatigue and my ears are still ringing!

If, like me, you had seen your enthusiasm for this global football event dissolve during years of cynicism, complaints and broken promises in the run-up to the dress rehearsal, the 2009 Confederations Cup, you’ll have forgiven my prior pessimism.

I’ve been writing, breathing, eating and sleeping 2010 since 2004. The reasonable and unreasonable expectations, the negative publicity around whether SA was even fit to host such a momentous event – I’ve read it all over the years!

I’ve nodded patiently when tourism stakeholders have told me we haven’t the airlift or rooms available to pull it off, and even half believed those officials who boldly defended South Africa’s ability to make this World Cup a triumph.

But even this half-hearted belief in success would not have prepared me for the runaway success I truly believe the opening of the Confederations Cup at Ellis Park in Johannesburg was. Yes, there were issues with marshalls who couldn’t tell Block A from Block B. Yes, the queues were long and park-and-ride transport a nightmare. Yes, Bafana Bafana’s failure to take risks meant the game ended in a draw and widespread disappointment.

But despite these pitfalls, anyone who attended the opening event would have woken up the next morning with the proud sound of Shosholoza still thundering in their ears, the persistent pitch of vuvuzelas and the roar of the crowd chanting “Boooooottthhhh” every time Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth put foot to the ball.

They’d wake up with visions of colour as they remember students painting their T-shirts in the colours of the South African flag, the Mexican waves flowing round and round the stadium, and the crowds of fanatical fans dancing to the trumpeting tune of Hugh Masekela.

Although much work remains to be done and there’s much that needs to be fixed before we can even claim to be the proud hosts of a successful World Cup, SA’s 2010 efforts certainly scored my support and the support of others who were privileged enough to yell... Ke Nako! It’s time!

Design Brendon Bester Printed by JUKA PRINTING (Pty) Ltd Published by Lugan Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as Now Media Tel: +27-11 327-4062 Fax: +27-11 327-4094 www.nowmedia.co.za

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Airports plan for 2010

Durban 2010 goes online

Kate Els Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has released its preliminary plans for next year’s FIFA World Cup and is making every effort to ensure that guests are met with open arms and a friendly voice.

General Manager of OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia), Chris Hlekane, has said that there are several initiatives in place that will make the airport more hospitable to international travellers and a focused customer service plan has been put in place to facilitate the process.

“The iHelp initiative will see information officers posted around the airport. The duty of these officers is to help passengers, and naturally they will be able to communicate in various major languages,” Hlekane noted. The languages include Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin.

A radio platform that will have welcome and helpful announcements in the language of the latest arrival is also in its pilot phase, an idea that was implemented during Germany’s 2006 World Cup. Staff at Ortia will also undertake motivational workshops as part of a behaviour campaign. Says Hlekane: “There are certain ways that are just basic when it comes to how you treat people. We are setting standards with the South African Police Service, immigration and customs officials and other airport staff.”

Acsa is also currently looking into placing foreign police officers in the airport so that passengers can be helped quickly. “The foreign officers will understand their own nationals much better than we ever could,” said Hlekane.

Natasha Tippel THE official Durban 2010 website, fifaworldcup.durban.gov.za, has been launched.

In its initial phase, the website serves potential visitors who want to know more about the city.

It is a source of up-to-date information with factual, SURF’S UP… The new-look Durban easy-to-read content on 2010 website. subjects such as stadium construction, infrastructure development and transportation.

The website was launched in English and Zulu and, at a later stage, will also be made available in the three official FIFA languages – Spanish, German and French.

The site boasts cutting-edge features like the stadium’s live webcam, with images of the stadium construction being updated every 15 minutes, fun interactive postcards, novel image galleries, and more.

Besides the Durban-related information, eager fans will be able to get updates on FIFA-related football stories as well as useful information about the city and its various attractions.

SA to relax Chinese visa applications

Operators value Middle East market

Kate Els

Locally based tour operators have reported great business from the recent Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai at the beginning of May, indicating that the predominantly luxury market is largely untapped. iKapa Tours and Travel Incoming Tours Division Manager, Desmond Windt, says the company attended the trade show in an attempt to gain an understanding of the Middle East market potential.

“We are well acquainted with the luxury market as we deal with several companies in the USA, Canada, Switzerland and UK in the same segment and therefore geared our offering accordingly. We were received with an overwhelming response from the market and had made more than 100 new potential buyers contacts by the end of the third day.”

South Africa experienced an 11,2 per cent growth from the region in 2008 with arrivals totalling 45 786.

The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will gradually relax the visa restrictions applicable to Chinese travellers wanting to come to South Africa to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Tourists attending the event will now be allowed to leave their country for a period of three months without having to obtain a visa. In addition, individual Chinese travellers coming to South Africa on business will be granted visas, provided they pay a refundable deposit of 15 000 yuan.

Addressing journalists representing 23 of China’s top mainstream and travel media, CEO of CTRU, Calvyn Gilfellan, welcomed the relaxation of some of the visa restrictions: “My impression after interacting directly with Chinese tour operators, is that potential Chinese visitors who want to come to our destination are discouraged by factors such as the distance; the nature of their short, annual holiday breaks as well as safety and security. This is a huge market and South Africa can do much better than the 40 320 Chinese tourists of last year.”

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Sports fever grips South Africa With three big sporting events over the past two months, South Africa has more than proved its worth in terms of tournament organisation. The 2009 Confederations Cup, The Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Lions Rugby Tour took the country by storm and managed to whip the population into a sporting frenzy.

The IPL has been described as a ‘curtain raiser’ to the 2010 World Cup by showing the country’s flexibility to pull off a tournament, fast. Weeks before the tournament was due to be staged in Sri Lanka, the move was made to rather host the IPL in South Africa due to security concerns.

The tournament was labelled a success by the South African public and saw a sudden increase in Indian visitors. “It would be early to get the final figures, but it would be fair to say that approximately 10 000 Indians visited South Africa during this period. This is close to a 50 per cent rise over the same period last year,” says Medha Sampat, Country Head India, South African Tourism, of the tournament.

The 2009 Confederations Cup also started with a bang in June and has seen vast media coverage overseas. Although only around 5 000 fans were expected during the tournament, the event is seen as a dry-run for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and has helped the Local Organising Committee determine ‘teething problems’ such as transport issues. “We’re excited about the tournament, not only because it offers our industry a truly incredible opportunity to showcase our destination, but also because it

New home for conflict ellies Kate Els Elephants located in the Phirilongwe region of Malawi have come under fire, literally, because of their bullish behaviour towards residents and farmers in the area.

The elephants raid crops, and villagers have resorted to using often cruel methods to protect themselves including the use of snares, poison, nail-embedded planks, spears and bullets.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has partnered with the Malawian Department of National Parks and Wildlife to assist in the translocation of the Phirilongwe elephants.

The elephants will be translocated to the Majete Wildlife Reserve, about 250km south of Phirilongwe.

The capture will require the elephants to be darted and tranquillised from helicopter and on foot.

They will then be transported on modified game trucks to Majete Wildlife Reserve and escorted by the Malawi Traffic Department.

2010 organising committee

Kate Els

Loud and proud... fans show their spirit at the opening of the 2009 Confederations Cup. gives us a chance to show off our infrastructure and to have our visitors witness the effort that we have put into preparing for this world-class event,” says South African Tourism COO and acting CEO, Didi Moyle.

Running concurrently with the soccer tournament was the long-awaited British and

KZN raises the curtain on its Sardine Festival

KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast has raised the curtain on the Sardine Festival, which will entertain the thousands of visitors who flock to the annual Sardine Run. Again this year, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with South Coast Tourism and the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, will turn this phenomenon into an exciting annual Sardine Festival that will run until July 17.

A new home for leopards from Limassol Zoo

Three leopards from Limassol Zoo, Cyprus, have been relocated to their new home at the Jean Byrd Centre, one of the Born Free Foundation’s sanctuaries in Shamwari Wildlife Reserve.

Southern African Tourism Update

Irish Lions Rugby Tour of South Africa. A large contingent of UK fans headed to Southern Africa for both the test matches and clashes with South Africa’s Springboks. Initial estimates indicated an additional 25 000 passengers on top of the normal UK tourists heading to the country over the winter period.

The female leopard named Leda and her two daughters, Roxanne and Rhea, which were previously kept in cramped conditions at the Limassol Zoo, are now residing in a 1,25 hectare natural bush enclosure at the centre.

Cellular giant installs info kiosks

South African cellular network Vodacom is launching specialised, information kiosks around the country to assist international fans with their tourist and mobile communication needs before and during major events taking place in the country.

The kiosks will show off the best of South Africa and provide a crucial focal point of information for visitors. Visitors will be able to access information on various major tournaments, where to stay, tourist attractions in the host cities, how to get around and how to get connected via mobile phone or to the Internet using 3G. The information kiosks have been strategically placed in prominent shopping malls, hotels and airports.

July 2009

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Wilderness safaris

Wild Zambezi to revive Zim tourism hot spots Jeanette Phillips A new organisation, Wild Zambezi, has been established to revive tourism in the Kariba and Zambezi Valley areas of Zimbabwe.

Wild Zambezi, a non-profit organisation, has been created by an association of photo-safari operators to focus on the attractions these wild areas offer.

These include Lake Kariba, with opportunities for boating, sailing, fishing, game-viewing, birding and accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to remote bush camps; the Mana Pools National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site on the Zambezi River; and the lesser-known Matusadona and Chizarira national parks, Chirundu, Kanyemba, and Doma, Sapi and Chewore safari areas.

With the lifting of international travel restrictions, a US-dollar and rand-based economy and greater availability of fuel and food provisions, these destination are more easily and safely accessible to visitors.

Many facilities are currently being upgraded and refurbished in anticipation of increased business. The region’s famous wildlife populations are still thriving, protected by the remoteness of the Zambezi Valley and its extensive national park system.

Up High in Malawi... a view over the Nyika National Park.

Malawi reopens Nyika National Park Jeanette Phillips

SAT reveals new campaign for UK market ; ;theme

Nteboheng Phakisi

Markets

In the past two years organic , and fresh markets -food have swep across Cape t vibey Neig Town. The hbourgoo Market ds in Wood sells anyth stock, artisanal ing from bread and fresh oyste design and rs, to items. The dÊcor Fresh Goods Mar Bosman’s ket at Crossing in Stellenbo outstandin sh is emphasis g for its on Slow Food, while the Porter Estate Market outdoor in a foresty Tokai is locale in pick up the place to organic and chee meat se.

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Nyika National Park in Malawi is set to reopen under new management after it was closed to tourists for the past two years.

The concession to run the tourist facilities in the park has been award to Wilderness Safaris by the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife. This includes the well-known Chelinda Lodge.

Camp Chelinda is expected to open shortly but the lodge will be completely rebuilt and is only expected to open in July 2010. Horse safaris across the plateau are also expected to be revived.

Nyika was Malawi’s first designated national park and remains its largest at over 3 000sq km. “The Nyika Plateau is of undoubted biological importance,� says the company. “It contains one of Africa’s richest orchid communities totalling some 214 species of terrestrial and epiphytic orchids: four species and two subspecies occur nowhere else on earth. A further 13 plant species and seven subspecies are also endemic to the park.�

The plateau also has a unique assemblage of large mammals such as leopard, spotted hyena, roan, eland and even elephant, and nearly 100 species have been recorded here. No other sizeable populations of large mammals are found elsewhere in this biome, making Nyika National Park unique in both its ecosystem as well as its ecotourism opportunities. There is even an endemic mammal subspecies (chequered elephant shrew) confined to the plateau.

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SOUTH African Tourism (SAT) has launched a new ;; element to its ‘My ;; South African Feast’ campaign, with a focus on health and wellness.

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Mossel Bay learns Spanish and Portuguese

Members of various departments in the Mossel Bay Municipality are learning Spanish and Portuguese ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. Mossel Bay Tourism says a large number of Spanish and Portuguese visitors are expected in the southern Cape.

Mbabane bypass road complete

The Mbabane bypass road in Swaziland is now complete, bringing an end to congestion and road works on the famous Malagwane hill. This completes the highway from Ngwenya/Oshoek border post all the way to Manzini.

1, 2, 3‌ bungee!

Construction has started on the Orlando Towers Bungee Bridge.

The bridge will span the gap between the famous two towers in Soweto, Johannesburg, providing a platform for the 100m bungee jump. The facility will open to the public in August.

S0779SD

4 l July 2009

www.travelhub.co.za

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Three Cities has unveiled new additions to its portfolio, including the Phakalane Golf Estate in Gaborone, scheduled for completion in early 2010.

Phakalane will be building 80 grand hotel suites to add to its current chalet offering on the estate.

Full food and beverage facilities will be available to guests along with the possibility of a gym, swimming pool and spa, available exclusively to guests at the hotel.

Black Rhino private Big Five game reserve and its game lodge are also working towards adding more suites to its 10-suite offering.

At least 18 suites have already been completed with full bathrooms, outside showers, a small deck and air-conditioning.

The main lodge building will comprise a restaurant, bar viewing deck and swimming pool.

Mjejane River Lodge in the Kruger National Park offers a family-friendly environment with 10 suites. An infinity pool highlights the view across the Crocodile River, where sightings of the Big Five are a regular occurrence.

MOTORHOME-WORLD

Three Cities builds portfolio

NEW CHASSIS… The new Discoverer 4 on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis.

Bobo unveils new model Bobo Campers will introduce its new Discoverer 4 model on a Mercedes Sprinter 315CDI chassis. This model was previously only available on the Iveco 35S14 chassis. Now clients can choose from two rearwheel-drive chassis to power the motorhome.

Although the Iveco is a superb chassis for this motorhome model, the market has demanded more choice, says manufacturer, MotorhomeWorld. Tim Bouwers, Bobo Campers Manager, says the model is expected to be incorporated into the fleet this month.

Lowveld Environmental Services

Specialists in OPEN VEHICLE SAFARIS into the Kruger National Park for FIT’s and Groups www.les-safaris.com reservations@les-safaris.com Tel: 013 745 7063 • Fax: 013 745 8071 PO Box 8912 • Sonpark 1206 • South Africa

TU5352

Southern African Tourism Update

TU1338SD

JUly 2009

l5

productnews For free daily news updates: www.travelhub.co.za

Signature set to make its mark in SA SIGNATURE Life Hotels is to launch a range of new properties throughout the region in 2009 and 2010.

Fairview on 14th, its 52 executive apartments each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, will open this month and offer in-room kitchenettes and a swimming pool.

Opening in November is the Jozini Tiger Lodge, offering 48 double rooms and 12 family lofts. Facilities will include a restaurant, private lounge, bar, wellness centre, kids’ playroom and spa, as well as conferencing facilities for up to 160 people.

Already open, the Hydro Executive Apartments in Sandton consists of 68 fully furnished executive apartments in one- and two-bedroom configurations.

The apartments are fully serviced and equipped with LCD televisions, DStv, DVD, MP3 and CD player. Broadband Internet facilities are available at an extra charge.

Additional facilities include room service, under-cover parking, gymnasium and a swimming pool.

Also due for opening at the end of the year is Isalo Rock Lodge in southern Madagascar, offering 69 bedrooms and a spa onsite.

The Lodge will offer walks in the Redstone Canyons to view lemurs.

Barra Beach Club will open in Mozambique’s Inhambane in January 2010.

Offering nine exclusive rooms on Barra Beach with private dining, beach bar and swimming pool, the property also has 25 luxury rooms in town at Casa de Capitão, as well as conference facilities for 120 delegates.

Also in Mozambique is the new Embassy Hotel in Maputo. Located opposite the Military Hospital, the new 52-room four-star

SIGNATURE LIFE HOTELS

Natalia Thomson

OPEN ALREADY… Hydro Executive Apartments are a new option in Sandton. property opens mid-2010. In April 2010, Signature opens Westbrook on the KwaZulu Natal North Coast. With 60 bedrooms on offer, this four-star property will offer sea views, meeting facilities and a spa.

Also planned for the Signature Hotels

Rezidor announces fourth Cape Town property The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that its Hotel Missoni in Cape Town is set to open in 2010.

The 157-room property is expected to open in time for the Fifa World Cup and will feature a restaurant, bar, rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and views of Table Mountain, a full spa and meeting and private dining facilities.

“Like all Hotels Missoni, the new property in Cape Town will also demonstrate a strong interest in design, an appreciation of detail, an understanding of food and wine, a belief in authenticity, a cognisance of culture from a contemporary point of view, and a strong and equitable set of social values,” says Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor.

iKapa launches vehicle for large groups

ikapa has launched a 52-seater Volvo B12, equipped with the latest technology and ideal for larger groups and longer distances. The new super luxury vehicles will be used for major sporting events, including the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

6 l July 2009

group will be the 2009 opening of three Life Easy Hotels in Durban as well as a Quarters Hermanus in October. Life Hotels, the group’s three-star hip brand, will take over the management and marketing of the 42-room New Kings Hotel in Seapoint.

Maui Britz beyond 2010 With the recent addition of the Spirit de-luxe four-berth campers, Tourism Holdings Rentals SA t/a Maui Motor Home and Britz 4x4 vehicle rentals is looking beyond 2010. According to Managing Director, Grant Groen, the rental of motor homes provides customers with flexibility to travel and stay anywhere in South Africa.

“Our touring division has seen positive growth during the past year, especially in the guided 4x4 self-drive safaris to Namibia.

Our Windhoek branch has been streamlined in management, technical back-up and operations.

“This was due to the majority of our 4x4 rentals being taken in Namibia. We have furthermore seen an increase in demand for self-drive safaris to Mozambique, being a reasonably near destination waiting to be rediscovered.” www.travelhub.co.za

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makalali

TAKE A BREAK AT It’s happening!

HOTELS

Makalali develops swing bridge

Orion Mont-Aux-Sources

N-Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 36 438 8000 gmmont@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 28°39'40.2" • E 028°59'58.6"

Makalali Private Game Lodge in Limpopo has constructed a 73-metre-long swing bridge linking camps separated by the Makhutswi River.

This impressive construction not only serves as a short-cut but as a place to view the animals drinking from the river. The Makalali bridge is possibly the longest swing bridge in the Southern hemisphere with the ability to support a utility vehicle, such as quad bikes or golf carts.

Orion Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino Swaziland Tel: +268 437 1104 gmpiggspeak@orion-hotels.co.sz GPS: S 25°54'21.95" • E 031°17'40.65"

Orion Hotel Devonshire

Braamfontein, Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 339 5611 gmdev@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 26°11'34.13" • E 028°02'09.72"

New spa unveiled at Sabi Sabi

Sabi Sabi has opened two Amani Spas at Earth Lodge and Bush Lodge, with a full range of treatments and therapies available to guests. The new spas are run by Amani African Spas, which specialise in safari spa experiences.

On offer are holistic body, skin and beauty rituals, rejuvenating massages and soothing treatments designed to relax, harmonise and heal body and soul. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, and a popular option is a ‘couple’s package’ where couples enjoy treatments simultaneously in a special suite.

Orion Safari Lodge

Rustenburg Kloof, NW Province Tel: +27 14 594 1030 gmsafari@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 25°41'11.5" • E 027°11'46.2"

Orion Hotel Wartburg

Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 33 503 1482 gmwartburg@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°26'5.08" • E 030°34'58.48"

Open-top bus tour for Windhoek launched

Namibian-based Sense of Africa has announced the launch of an open-top double-decker bus tour of Windhoek.

Sense of Africa has also gone into partnership with a communitybased operator in the Aabadi Bushman Village. Tours will be conducted to the village, fulfilling a strong demand for cultural interaction by visitors.

Orion Katse Lodge

Lesotho Tel: +266 229 10202 gmkatse@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°19'50.56" • E 028°28'52.14"

Suncross introduces ‘Walk with lions’

Orion Mohale Lodge

Suncross Tours has introduced its ‘Walk with Lions’ tour in a nature reserve north of Pretoria.

The itinerary includes tea or coffee on arrival, a 40-minute talk on lion behaviour, a 40-minute walk with the lions to the reserve’s dam, python display, feeding and interacting with the lion cubs and a light lunch.

Lesotho Tel: +266 229 36432 gmmohale@orion-hotels.co.za GPS: S 29°28'42.5" • E 028°03'42.8"

Orion Hotel Promenade

Based in Nelspruit, Ntwanano Tours has launched Braille tours for blind clients. Tours include a ‘touch, feel and smell’ experience and visit the Kruger National Park’s Braille Trail.

Guests can also experience the Kwamadwala Elephant Retreat where there will be opportunities to interact with elephants.

Ntwanano Tours is part of the Tourism Enterprise Partnership’s Tourism Cluster Project in the province.

Central Reservations: +27 11 718 6452 (Office Hours) www.oriongroup.co.za

R&R13746

Nelspruit, Mpumulanga Tel: +27 13 753 3000 promenade@promenadehotel.co.za GPS: S 25°28'15.2" • E 030°58'47.41"

Braille tours launched in Mpumalanga

TU1366SD

Southern African Tourism Update

July 2009

l7

aviationnews For free daily news updates: www.travelhub.co.za

SOUTH African Airways will move to daily flights out of Perth from September 1.

Thevan Krishna, SAA’s head of Australasia, said the move reflected the airline’s strong support for the ‘Wallaby’ route and recognition that more Australians were visiting Africa for business and pleasure.

“Having a daily flight from Perth will increase the range of options for our passengers and add capacity for the travel trade to take advantage of and meet increased demand,” he said.

With the new schedule, SAA will have 13 weekly flights from Australia to South Africa, six from Sydney and seven from Perth.

“The changes in our timetable out of Perth in April have also resulted in much better connections to the rest of the African continent from Johannesburg, with many more people choosing travel to Europe, South America and the US via South Africa.”

Krishna also said the airline was seeing great results from its interline agreement with Virgin Blue Australia.

Federal Air flies to LVI FEDERAL Air will launch its new Nelspruit-Livingstone route in September. The carrier will operate services from Nelspruit to Livingstone, Zambia, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and from Livingstone to Nelspruit on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Shuttle services between Nelspruit Airport and Sabi Sand, the Kruger National Park, and Timbavati, are operated daily, meaning travellers can enjoy a morning game drive before flying to Vic Falls and still get there in time to enjoy a sunset cruise down the Zambezi.

505309

EXPERIENCE THE LEGENDARY ‘MOSI-OA-TUNYA’.

British Airways offers a daily flight between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls.

tours@comair.co.za

Natasha Tippel

SAA daily from Perth

NEW ROUTE… Air Botswana has purchased two ATR72-500 aircraft.

BP grows its fleet AIR Botswana’s (BP) timetable and route network is being enhanced following the purchase of two new 68-seat ATR72-500 turbo-prop aircraft.

With the introduction of the new aircraft, Air Botswana is operating direct flights three times a week between Johannesburg and Kasane.

Long-haul passengers arriving in Johannesburg can now transfer readily to Air Botswana for their onward flight direct to Chobe River and Chobe National Park.

The fleet expansion enables more flights to be added on some routes and the opening of new routes in response to passenger demand.

The full timetable is effective from May 31 to November 28.

Zambezi Airlines to spread its wings to SA ZAMBEZI Airlines has announced its plans to expand its operations to South Africa and Tanzania.

Zambezi Airlines ceo and director, Cornwell Muleya, says the airline will begin flights to Johannesburg and later to Dar es Salaam.

“After assessing market conditions, our shareholders and management took a decision towards the end of last year to upgrade our fleet to two B737-500-series aircraft.”

The first aircraft was delivered to Lusaka on May 24 and the second was scheduled to join the fleet last month.

Zambezi Airlines has commenced regional flights to Johannesburg from Lusaka and Ndola. Using the first B737, the airline will fly to Johannesburg daily from Lusaka and four times a week from Ndola.

With the arrival of the second aircraft, it will operate double-daily flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg, four flights a week between Ndola and Johannesburg, three flights a week between Livingstone and Johannesburg and three flights from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam.

Airlink ups JNB/Pemba service

From July 1, Airlink will increase its Johannesburg to Pemba, Mozambique, flight schedule to two direct flights a week, operating between OR Tambo International and Pemba.

In addition to its current Saturday flight, Airlink will now introduce a new return flight on Wednesdays. Airlink will also offer business class on the Saturday flights.

Flights operated by Comair Limited.

TU1319SD

8 l July 2009

www.travelhub.co.za

profileikapa IKAPA TOURS & TRAVEL

Have wheels, will travel

I

Kapa Tours & Travel is a private, owner-operated destination management company that offers full ground-handling services throughout Southern Africa. iKapa was founded in 1994 and its business has grown from strength to strength, with the company enjoying excellent relationships both locally and internationally. iKapa’s Inbound Tour Department is responsible for arranging all aspects of inbound tourism for foreign visitors, including accommodation, sightseeing, transportation, car hire, airline tickets and meals.

Its Luxury Coach Hire offers passengers a complete transportation solution. iKapa operates a fleet of luxury vehicles, ranging from seven-seaters to 52-seaters, from coach depots in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“We employ specialist Tour Consultants who plan routings, itineraries, make accommodation and sightseeing recommendations and liaise with our clients, the overseas tour operators and wholesalers, to make sure that all the land arrangements which are our responsibility are operated in a professional, efficient manner,” states the company.

WIDE RANGE… iKapa offers passengers luxury vehicles that cater for up to 52 passengers.

It has recently launched phase one of its three-phase online booking strategy – iKon. This phase incorporates a website, ikapa.co.za, that showcases the company’s services, which include coach hire, private tours and specialinterest tours.

Phase two will be an interface with iKapa’s booking system, Tourplan – which will enable clients to log in and obtain access to a database containing nett rates for accommodation, tours, packages and special deals.

The system, which is expected to be complete by the end of this year, will be able

to send confirmations, quotations and vouchers directly to clients.

The final phase will be an interface of at least three live accommodation databases supplying clients with a real-time booking environment.

It will also allow for packaging accommodation, transfers and day excursions.

This phase will be completed by April 2010, in time for its launch at Indaba next year. iKapa is also planning to give its clients a white label version of the site, which will provide them with a comprehensive product offering, all under their own branding. ■

TU1391SD

Southern African Tourism Update

July 2009

l9

thegoalpost

MEDIA CLUB SOUTH AFRICA

A monthly round-up of everything about football going on in and around South Africa in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup

LOYAL SUPPORTERS… South African football fans are known for their enthusiasm.

Sun, sand and football

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auritius has teamed up with Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and host, South Africa, as an accommodation provider for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. The countries all feature in the official tour operator programme as well as the hospitality programme managed by Match Hospitality Services.

“We always said it is Africa’s World Cup,” said Fifa Secretary-General Jerome Valke.

“To be part of the 2010 accommodation programme is a great marketing opportunity for the tourism industry in the entire Southern African region to directly benefit from the World Cup.” According to 2010 Local Organising

Committee (LOC) Chief Executive, Danny Jordaan, one of the principal strategies has been to use the World Cup as a launch pad to brand and develop the entire region as a preferred tourism and investment destination. “The geographic proximity and quality of Mauritius’s hotels are ideal to develop packages to allow fans to fully explore the unique diversity of the Southern African region.”

Mauritian authorities, too, say they are very excited to be part of the World Cup. “Our excellent accommodation, picturesque environment and wonderful beaches, with the warm and inviting hospitality of the Mauritian people, will give an added experience to the fans,” said Mauritius Minister of Tourism, Xavier Luc Duval.

New train station Public transport is being addressed by the South African government. In Johannesburg, money has been made available to ensure the rapid-rail project, Gautrain, will be up and running between the airport and Sandton in time for the World Cup, while construction on the city’s roads is under way

10 l july 2009

to implement a rapid bus system to ferry commuters. In KwaZulu Natal, Metrorail is spending R140 million (€12m) to build a new train station, named the Moses Mabhida Station, next to the city’s new stadium.

Construction, which started earlier this year, is set to be completed by March 2010.

The Jacob Zuma package South African President Jacob Zuma’s rural home in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal, will feature in a special package for visitors heading to the country during the 2010 World Cup. Locally based Africa Link has added Nkandla to the KwaZulu Natal Freedom Route, which already takes visitors on a journey through the province’s most important anti-apartheid settings.

Visits to the township that was formed by Mahatma Gandhi outside Durban, as well as the place where apartheid police arrested former President Nelson Mandela, are some of the sites that are visited.

According to Bunny Bhoola, director of Africa Link, the tour showcases South Africa’s fight against apartheid and the decision to include President Zuma’s home to the existing package was very important.

“Jacob Zuma is part of our political history.

He is delivering the country into another level of freedom,” she said.

The package to Nkandla will include a visit to the President’s home, where he was born, grew up and once worked as a herd boy. www.travelhub.co.za

At least a third of the beds in three of the Kruger National Park’s camps will be reserved for foreign visitors during the World Cup. Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop camps are reserving 30 per cent of their available accommodation for international visitors during the tournament.

Other parks close to match venues, such as the Addo Elephant National Park, Garden Route National Park and the Marakele and Golden Gate Highlands National Park, are also set to see a large number of international visitors during the football tournament.

SANParks says it is important to showcase South Africa’s parks to the world. An expected 15 000 people will be seeing the national parks for the first time. It is believed that the value of available accommodation sold to Match, the company contracted by Fifa to provide ticketing, accommodation and event information technology during the World Cup, is in the region of R1,4 million (€124 000) per day.

The ‘diski dance’ imitates the rhythm of African football and aims to get the world dancing during the World Cup. It has been launched on the Internet and can be viewed at www.southafrica.info.

MEDIA CLUB SOUTH AFRICA

The Big Five reserved

SPRING WATER… Greenpoint Stadium will use water from Table Mountain for irrigation.

Cape Town stadium goes green Cape Town is pulling out all the stops to ensure its new stadium is environmentally friendly. The city recently approved a plan that will see Greenpoint Stadium irrigated with natural spring water from Table Mountain.

The project was identified as a priority at an early stage as it was always important to reduce the long-term demand on potable water to irrigate the area.

The water from natural springs on Table Mountain is routed to a reservoir from where a pipeline will be installed to the stadium.

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Southern African Tourism Update

july 2009

l 11

Cliffy Els

destinationeasterncape

En route in the

Eastern Cape Escape... The Eastern Cape offers great coastlines to explore.

The Escape Route The province has just opened several new routes showcasing the area. Sue Lewitton finds out more...

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TUTTERHEIM, A small town about 75km outside East London, has established the ‘Escape Route’ to showcase tourism product in the Amahlathi region.

Route Manager, Chandré Mammes, says the route aims to create a meaningful and lasting change in the local community. “The final aim is to accentuate Stutterheim’s position as a forest, adventure and cultural gateway within the Eastern Cape, with the local forest being an anchor for this development.”

The initiative has secured €395 000 in funding from the European Union which it has used to develop a number of projects and businesses.

Experiences on the route include:

● Nature – birdwatching, butterflies, forest walks, hiking the Amatola Trail, waterfalls, wild bulb nursery and game drives ● Art – Beadwork and embroidery, candle making, ceramics, handmade silver jewellery, oil and watercolour painting, pottery and sculpture ● Adventure – abseiling, archery, boat cruises on Wriggleswade Dam, bouldering, canoeing on Gubu Dam, bass and trout fishing, horse trails, 4x4 trails, motorbike trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, wake boarding, water skiing and parasailing ● Heritage – Bushman rock art, Engine Museum, Mgwali Cultural Village, Old Thomas River Historical Village, township tours and Sandile Route.

Nelson Mandela Bay’s themed routes NELSON MANDELA Bay Tourism (NMBT), the marketing body for Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch, has launched four themed tourist routes. The aim is to increase foot traffic to tourist attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay by creating additional marketing channels for tourism product and packaging them according to themes. Road signs that link in with the different themes will be erected in phase two of the project, making it easier for tourists to visit and view the attractions.

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The four themed routes identified by NMBT for initial development are: ● Culture Vulture Route – museums and art galleries and places with historical and cultural interest ● Outdoor Adventure Route – walking trails and wildlife experiences ● Kiddies Karousel Route – children’s activities and attractions ● Food & Feast Route – restaurants, nightlife and entertainment.

Frogging Safaris at The Dunes IN A bid to address the declining numbers of frog species, The Dunes Country House in St Francis has introduced frogging safaris, where guests, armed with gum boots, headlights and an in-house frogging enthusiast, will set off to explore local frog hot spots.

All funds generated will go towards the eradication of alien plant species, which will enlarge and protect the wetlands, the habitat for 13 frog species.

The safari starts at sunset, when guests will head off to Thula Moya, a private nature reserve. Frogs are identified, listed and checked over for any signs of ill-health that would indicate pollution, before being released.

On their return, guests will be able to enjoy a night drive back to The Dunes. At the lodge they will have the opportunity to buy a small beaded frog, handcrafted by previously disadvantaged individuals, with sales going towards wetland restoration efforts.

In other news, The Dunes has also opened its new safari lodge, Hillsnek Safaris, an exclusive-use property. It’s been designed for families or small groups who wish to tailormake their safari experience and includes unlimited game drives. The lodge sits just below the site of the first dinosaur fossil discovery in South Africa, Cape Iguanodon. www.travelhub.co.za

New interpretative centre for Baviaanskloof THE BAVIAANSKLOOF Mega Reserve, in the western region of the Eastern Cape, has introduced an interpretative centre to enhance visitors’ appreciation of the natural environment that earned it World Heritage Site status in 2004.

The centre overlooks the Cambria Valley and features themed interpretative material including educational displays that showcase the cultural and natural importance of the region, as well as the accommodation and activities on offer.

Woodall introduces Kids’ Spa

Woodall Country House in Addo is launching a kids’ spa menu.

Treatments will include a Tinkerbell manicure, glitter pedicure, sunflower facial and food and hand and arm massage.

New rooms and activities at Ganora

Ganora Guestfarm in Nieu-Bethesda has added three new rooms.

The farm has also introduced medicinal plant walks as one of its guided tours. A farm worker, Henry Witbooi, takes guests out for an hour and shows them plants that his ancestors used as medicine.

Wellness Centre for Kariega

Kariega Main Lodge, near Kenton-on-Sea, has introduced a wellness centre and gym for guests from main lodge, Ukhozi and The Homestead. River Lodge guests will be treated in their own suite.

Treatments include massages, manicures, pedicures and facials. ■

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Southern African Tourism Update

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july 2009

l 13

destinationbotswana

Bursting at the seams The heavy rains have opened up a range of new activities for tourists visiting Botswana. Sue Lewitton finds out more…

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otswana has experienced abnormally heavy rains during its flood season this year, which has led to exceptionally high water levels in the Okavango Delta.

Pete Le Roux, Operations Director for Mashatu, says that in his 25 years at the camp, he’s never seen the vegetation respond so well to the rains.

“It was not only the quantity of rain that we received, which was about 600mm compared to our usual 400mm, but the distribution of the rain over the whole growing season which has made the difference. Mashatu has grass in places we did not think would ever recover and the marshes are full of water and will probably remain so throughout the winter.”

Some riverbeds, which have been dry for decades, are flowing strongly, opening up a world of opportunity for innovative tourism operators. Here are just a few of the activities on offer:

the boat and soak up the views while waiting for the fish to bite.”

Improved game viewing

Scenic boat rides

The heavy rains have had a positive impact on the majority of animals found in the region. Le Roux says he’s expecting a record crop of young antelope this year, which he expects will, in turn, have a positive effect on the predator populations in months and years to come.

Fishing safaris

Some properties, including &Beyond’s Botswana camps, offer catch-and-release fishing to guests. &Beyond PR Manager, Valeri Mouton, says: “With there being so much water, there are lovely spots to sit on

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Helicopter/motorboat experiences

Taking advantage of the plentiful waters, Orient Express’s Eagle Island Camp is offering guests a helicopter and motorboat gameviewing experience. Guests start the trip with a helicopter flight over the main tributaries and then land on a deserted island to enjoy brunch, returning to camp via motorboat.

Selinda canoe trails

The Selinda Spillway is in flood for the first time in almost 30 years and Selinda Reserve is operating a three-night, 70km canoe trail on the river. Guests will camp along the banks of the river in fly camps and paddle in twoseater Canadian canoes. Each trail is hosted by four staff members, one cook, two camp hands and a guide and most of the equipment will be carried in their canoes.

The exceptionally high water levels in the Okavango Delta have enabled &Beyond to offer scenic boat rides from &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp to Moremi Game Reserve. After an early breakfast, guests depart at 07h00 for a full-day boating adventure across the Delta. Guides will point out some of the main attractions including water lilies, reed frogs, dragonflies, unusual antelope species and an array of birdlife.

A full picnic lunch will be served on a deserted Delta island.

The adventure ends back at the camp in time for afternoon high tea.

Footsteps in Africa launches fly camps FOOTSTEPS IN Africa has launched its newest product, Fly Camp Safaris in Botswana. It has partnered with Independent Mobile operators in Maun to offer traditional tented safaris with a private guide, cook and camp staff.

The safaris operate in four destinations in northern Botswana – Xakanaxa, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe Riverfront. There are no set departures as the fly camp departs every day. A minimum of a two-night stay must be booked and accommodation is provided in tents with twin beds and basic en-suite facilities. Three meals are provided each day, prepared by the camp cook. Guests fly into the airstrip closest to their chosen site and are collected by the operator.

Game-viewing activities are mostly conducted in the early mornings and late afternoons, while the middle of the day is spent relaxing in camp.

In other news, Footsteps in Africa has announced a freeze on all camp and lodge rates for 2010.

www.travelhub.co.za

New activities for Tuli Safari Lodge

CELEBRATION... Guests can learn the local culture at Lentswe le Moriti.

TULI SAFARI Lodge has launched a five-day adventure trail that takes guests from the lodge on a camping out experience in a bird hide in the middle of Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Another new activity on offer is excursions to a culture house at Lentswe le Moriti, which showcases traditional decoration. Here guests will learn about the preparation and cooking of sorghum and traditional basket making.

In other news, Tuli Safari Lodge, together with the Okavango Guiding School, has introduced a four-day introduction to guiding course.

The course is based in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and focuses on the enjoyable aspects of guiding, such as bush survival, tracking, reading bush signs, predicting animal behaviour, understanding interactions between animals and plants, approaching, viewing and retreating from dangerous animals, navigating using the stars, off-road driving, and rifle handling.

Attendees are accommodated in a rustic tented camp, Nokalodi, on the banks of the Limpopo River.

Islands in Africa combines luxury and tranquillity with privacy to create an unforgettable experience.

Our lodges are located in northern Namibia in pristine wilderness areas that allow guests to connect with Africa in a unique and profound way.

Partake in a variety of exceptional land and water based activities including Africa’s legendary tiger fishing and famed big game viewing.

Visit for a time. Reminisce for eternity.

South Africa Tel: 27 11 234 9997 info@islandsinafrica.com Namibia Tel: + 264 61 232 740 reservations@islandsinafrica.com www.islandsinafrica.com

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Museum tours at Serowe

Serowe Hotel is working together with the Khama Memorial Museums and is now offering cultural and historical tours in and around Serowe. The curator, who is knowledgeable on the history and culture of the region, is available as the tour guide.

New management for Thamalakane

Previously known as Lehuthuthu Lodge, Thamalakane River Lodge is now under new management. Jacques van der Merwe, previously with Tuli Safari Lodge, is now at the helm, with management couple Tanja von Kaschke and Neill Robberts brought in to handle reservations, front of house and the restaurant.

Kenya Airways to introduce Gaborone flight

Kenya Airways has confirmed that it will operate scheduled flights to Gaborone from Nairobi but declined to give a date when it intended to launch the flights. â–

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Southern African Tourism Update

july 2009

l 15

transport

Moving

ahead Transport revolution in SA

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outh Africa’s notoriously bad public transport system is doing an about-turn, and tourists can expect easier transfers between the airports and their final destinations.

With the first rapid rail transport system set to be introduced in June next year, international visitors will now be able to board a train at OR Tambo International Airport and arrive in Sandton some 15 minutes later.

“South Africa is undergoing a transport revolution,” says Dr Paul Vorster, Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent Transport Systems South Africa (ITSSA). “The impact of what is happening will be felt for decades ahead as we are now deploying state-ofthe-art systems across our networks.”

Full steam ahead for Gautrain

The ambitious Gautrain construction project is one of the more exciting public transport projects on the go. And although the majority of the track will not be laid in time for 2010, the Gautrain is expected to provide good linkage between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and the Sandton node.

With 21 000 people employed, some operations are working around the clock to ensure the first train is ready to ply the route between Johannesburg and OR Tambo by June 27, 2010.

Even though the date is set after the start of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Gautrain Rapid Rail Link’s spokesperson, Dr Barbara Jensen, emphasised the project’s deadlines were not tied to the tournament.

Whilst there is much speculation about the exact cost of tickets on the rapid rail link, estimated cost of the trip between Sandton and the airport is in the region of R100 (€8,84) per person, lower than the cost of a taxi for the trip.

Airports’ infrastructure upgraded

In the run-up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) found itself in an exciting, but also tough, situation by having to provide the necessary infrastructure upgrade for the country to host

16 l july 2009

Infrastructure upgrades to the public transport networks in South Africa show a promising future for the country... the biggest international sporting event in the world.

Acsa’s Group Manager of Communications, Solomon Makgale, says ensuring world-class service was a key factor the company had in mind when upgrading the airports in South Africa. “At OR Tambo International Airport the upgrade of the international departures terminal and the international pier have been completed.

“The central terminal building and the second multi-storey parkade are now nearing completion.”

Also scheduled for completion this year are upgrades at Bloemfontein Airport terminal building, while the runways and taxiways have been refurbished.

“We have also completed the upgrade of Port Elizabeth Airport where the runway was refurbished. The East London Airport terminal building expansion and remodelling project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.”

Other airport projects that will be completed by the end of this year include work on the Upington terminal building in the Northern Cape.

The airport’s runway was refurbished earlier in the year. A terminal upgrade at Kimberley Airport, also in the Northern Cape, is currently under way.

Prototype BRT station launched The prototype Bus Rapid Transit (Rea Vaya) station at Joubert Park in Johannesburg’s CBD has opened.

When complete, buses will run in exclusive, dedicated lanes in the centre of existing roads. Smaller feeder buses will bring people from the outer areas to the stations on main routes.

Buses will be either 75- or 112-capacity vehicles, and will operate between about 150 stations, half a kilometre apart.

They will run every three minutes in peak times and every 10 minutes in off-peak times and it will be possible to catch a bus from 05h00 to midnight.

Project eases congestion

The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme, launched in 2007, will see its first phase completed in April next year. According to South African Roads Limited, much progress has been made and Gauteng will soon have improved freeways with more lanes to handle traffic and public transport vehicles. ■ www.travelhub.co.za

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destinationkenya

new paths &BEYOND

Kate Els takes a look at latest developments in the East African country…

Delta postpones flights to Kenya

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MERICAN carrier, Delta Air Lines, has cancelled its proposed launch of flights to Kenya a day before they were scheduled to launch on June 2. This has caused outcry among Kenya’s tourism suppliers who say they were looking forward to the increase in American tourists into the country.

According to a statement released by the airline’s representatives in Kenya, the airline did not get the necessary approval from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Government to launch the scheduled service.

In response, the TSA said it was denying Delta permission to fly to Kenya until certain safety concerns were resolved and standards were met. The TSA did not give a timeframe as to when it expected to grant clearance for the operation.

Kenya became a focus of the American media with the election of Barack Obama as president, whose lineage stems from the East African country. Many American tourists are now showing increased interest in visiting the country because of the president’s roots.

Jake Grieves-Cook, Chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board, said although the industry had been disappointed at the decision, there was currently an extensive network of flights through Europe and the Middle East for the US market. “As the USA is one of the biggest source markets to Kenya, any additional flights between America and Kenya are welcome, although our visitors from the US do have an existing network of flights available to them.”

He said: “All requirements for security enhancements at the airport were complied with and we have numerous leading international airlines flying into Nairobi and Mombasa who have been doing so for years, so it is to be hoped that Delta will be given the go-ahead without further delay.”

Visa costs for tourists have been halved from US$50 to US$25 and children under 16 years can enter the country free of charge. The slashed visa price will be effective for just under two years and will be reviewed after December 2010.

18 l July 2009

Kichwa Tembo launches balloon safaris in the Masai Mara &BEYOND’s Kichwa Tembo concession in the Masai Mara has launched balloon safaris. With the launch site situated only a few minutes from camp, guests at &Beyond Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp will have first priority to book the safari, as well as the luxury of being able to sleep in longer before the early-morning start.

Operated by Sky Ship and their experienced pilots, there will be two balloons per safari with a maximum of 10 guests in each to ensure maximum comfort. An hour’s flight explores the different habitats of the Masai Mara and may include a route over the Mara River. Flights can be pre-booked with &Beyond, or guests can book at the camp.

The rate is $435pp and half price for children.

Riding safari at reduced rates GREAT Plains has reduced its rates for its seven-day Chyulu Hills Mobile Tented Safari to US$3 653pps.

Guests cover between 15 and 30 miles per day on horseback, during which the luxury camp is moved ahead to the next destination.

Visitors will enjoy incredible scenery and the sight of an array of wildlife including black rhino, elephant, lion, cheetah, eland, kudu,

giraffe, hyena, bat-eared fox and serval cat.

The trail goes through the acacia forests up towards Chyulu East National Park as well as the Chyulu Hills mist forests.

The tented camps offer iron twin or double beds, en-suite bathrooms, a central dining tent and a crew of grooms, chefs, waiters and general helpers to ensure maximum guest comfort.

Sasaab adds new treatment rooms Sasaab, a luxury game lodge in Samburu, northern Kenya, will soon unveil the country’s hottest new beauty spot.

The new spa will feature two funky treatment rooms with a shared wraparound pool. Using local herbs and plants,

treatment products are wholly organic and in keeping with Sasaab’s strong environmental sustainability policies.

Other relaxing activities at the lodge include Pilates at the cliff-top infinity pool and daily game drives. ■ www.travelhub.co.za

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mooreontourism

fromsatsa

our expert traveller shares her views on tourism

Trial run

Good sports

I

20 l July 2009

"SatsA means business"

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Well, the Confederations Cup has been and gone. The Opening Ceremony at Ellis Park was a great show: simple, clever and elegant – proving that we can do a show that is up there with the rest of the world. The crowds were active and vocal, if not as big as FIFA might have liked at some venues. Maybe that has something to do with the way tickets were sold? In the section “things to improve upon” one would include the Park&Ride and general traffic management. Not fatal, but we have to up our game in this department. Also, some of the stadium signage could be tweaked for the better, and the stadium ushers trained a bit better to understand their stadium in its entirety. But all stuff that didn’t kill the event – unless we leave it and pretend everything was all A-OK. This was supposed to be a trial run for 2010 – let’s use it as such.

Smaller venues/destinations on the whole did well– Bloemfontein got it spot-on. Well organized stadium, clean stadium and clean toilets, very helpful and informed ushers, easy access, quietly getting on with the job of getting everyone in and out as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The less one notices them, the better they did their job. And the crowd themselves were fantastic – not a sell-out, but very close. And boy can they sing!

Vocal, enthusiastic, spirited and joyful, what more could FIFA ask for? Great to see such a full rainbow of a crowd, including lots of kids in a safe family atmosphere. Also a fair number of rugby fans for whom this was their first or second soccer game ever, thoroughly enjoying the great atmosphere. The new Port Elizabeth stadium looks great as does Rustenburg. Again, smaller venues maybe, but ready to put on a great show. Well done guys.

So, we hosted a successful IPL at very short notice; and then simultaneously hosted two major events (ConFed Cup, and the Lions Tour). The big overall message – SA can host a great soccer event!! Our members are ready to welcome the world in 2010!!

Tel: +27 11 450 1248 Fax: +27 11 455 0317

We’ll reach them no matter what!

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CLASSIFIEDS

I have been unable to find out why the Russians like the Comrades so much

rather like the idea that South Africa is the place where all good sports go.

We recently had a weekend that illustrated this magnificently, although it must have created quite a dilemma for sports fans – how were they going to watch the finals of the IPL Cricket, the Comrades, AND the Super 14 semi-final without falling over? Some tough decisions needed to be made.

The IPL cricket was less about sport and more about show-business.

Friends of mine who attended games said that – while the cricket was OK – the real fun were the dancers, the music, the costumes, the parades. It was like a Mardi Gras with bats and balls. A news report said the tournament had brought R1 billion into our economy. The cricketers and the Bollywooders held parties, stayed in luxury accommodation, haunted our malls. A large number of cricket (and film) fanatics followed them. The whole thing was such a success, from the point of view of the marketing, the attendance at games and the smooth organisation, that the owners of the tournament are talking about bringing it back here on a biennial basis.

Then there was the Comrades – 84 years old and still going strong, although it seems to have become more of a Russian event than an African one. I have been unable to find out why the Russians like the Comrades so much (perhaps the name makes them feel at home), but they have dominated all the contests for the last decade.

And then there was the rugby. In the Super 14 the Blue Bulls secured a place in the final, which was held…. here, in South Africa. And just in case you haven’t noticed, the British Lions touched down last month for an international series of matches around the country that will bring a horde of British rugby fans here, and attract millions of viewers around the world.

I have given this a lot of thought – no really, I have – and have decided that South Africa has almost accidentally been given a chance to showcase itself and it would behove the people in charge not to interfere and just let the tourism and sporting industry get on with it.

The first thing South Africa has in its favour is the good climate. Even those currently comatose from Highveld frosts or being waterlogged in the Western Cape know we have different climate zones. The crisp cold did not dampen the enthusiasm of the cricket fans, the weather was cool and soft for the Comrades, and the winter sun was ideal for the rugby. There will always be a spot in this country, at some time of year, where conditions are ideal for sport.

Secondly. South Africa has good infrastructure – and space. Our public transport might be woeful but for large sporting events, plans do get made to convey the public to and from venues.

Thirdly, our sporting venues are mainly in pretty areas, with fabulous views over oceans or green suburbs or under huge skies. The movable ones, like the Comrades, go through spectacular scenery.

Fourthly, and this is also rather important: sport fits in very well with our natural exuberance and complements our inherent friendliness and hospitality as a nation. People strike up conversations in queues, share drinks and food at matches, and explain the game (or complain about the game) to each other.

There are few things that show off our basic bonhomie better than sport.

And possibly the most important reason of all – South Africa has a very user-friendly time zone. When an event is held in South Africa, the world’s major viewing public do not have to get up at 3am to watch it on television.

So, South Africa really does have the edge over most countries when it comes to hosting tournaments on an ongoing basis.

We just need to get a soccer team that actually wins a game or two.

WWW.BUSHWHISPER.CO.ZA

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To advertise call +27 (0) 11 327 4062 or e-mail advertising@tourismupdate.co.za

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www.travelhub.co.za

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Around the world in 4 days 11 Nov 09

Explore a world of business opportunities at WTM 2009 World Travel Market’s World Responsible Tourism programme is set to educate, inspire, challenge and provoke the industry. The focus is on WTM World Responsible Tourism Day – an international day of action on Wednesday 11 November leading the travel industry’s sustainable tourism agenda.

The programme includes: • Hot seat session with a high profile industry professional interviewed by Stephen Sacker • Carbon efficiency and in-resort responsible tourism focuses • Industry leading Virgin Holiday Responsible Tourism Awards, in association with responsibletravel.com and The Daily Telegraph • Dedicated conference on the Business Case for Responsible Tourism held on Thursday 12 November • High calibre seminar sessions throughout the duration of the event.

For more information visit www.wtmwrtd.com

ExCeL London 9-12 Nov 2009 Register for free entry at www.wtmlondon.com/satu Official Supporting Publication

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