Travel



INDABA 2012 ready to roll!!! - 22nd year in Durban

Posted on: 12 May 2012

Welcome INDABA 2012 - by Ursula Brown, Managing Editor, Cape Info SA

Exciting activities to ensure that all delegates enjoy a fulfilling and memorable experience. Durban Tourism CEO, Phillip Sithole said Indaba is one of the key strategic events hosted by Durban, and key economic catalyst, not only among tourism related businesses but it also greatly contributes to broader economy of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and the country at large as Indaba contributes about R250 to R300 million to the economy of Durban.

Indaba also presents an ideal opportunity to market Durban and KwaZulu-Natal to
the international market, as Indaba is attended by the 198 international media.
Indaba will be attended by 13000 delegates, 60% of which is expected to be
international delegates.

“Indaba is the leading travel and tourism show not only in South Africa but in the
entire African continent, as Durban Tourism we are firmly determined to ensure that
Durban always provides all the essential supporting mechanisms as hosts to
guarantee the successful staging of Indaba,” said Sithole.

This year, Durban hosts Tourism Indaba for the 22nd time, and will be hosting it
until 2015. The plan is to improve year in and year out to ensure that Indaba remains Africa’s premier travel and tourism show.

Indaba Welcome Party, which officially welcomes Indaba guests and delegates, will
be held at Moses Mabhida Stadium’s Peoples Park on 12 May 2012.

An historic three-city MOU signing ceremony between Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town will take place during the hosting of the international media by South African Tourism on 13 May 2012 in Umlazi Max’s Lifestyle from 12.00 to 13.00.

Delegates attending Indaba can enjoy warm weather of Durban, unique cultural
experiences, tours and world class attractions. Some of the exciting and unique tours
include Inanda Heritage Route, Township Experience and Game Reserves.

Durban Tourism stand at Indaba has been significantly expanded from 36m2 to
200m2, a platform to five regional tourism authorities from Durban to showcase their tourism products through the Durban Tourism stand. Durban Tourism Website  www.durbanexperience.co.za for more info. 

Photo Credit : Reg Caldecott


Birkenhead Cottage Bredasdorp

Holiday in Africa!

Posted on: 29 Jan 2012

by Ursula Brown, Managing Editor, Cape Info SA.

Holiday in Africa - at the Sea, in the Mountains, Where two might oceans meet!!

Lakeview Holiday Home Hermanus - luxury four-bedroomed home located in Vermont on the edge of a lake, home to a bird sanctuary, five-minute walk from the sea and 11 km from the quaint holiday village of Hermanus, South Africa's whale-watching capital. 

Birkenhead Cottage Bredasdorp Garden Route, in a heritage building, previously a horse stable and barn, loving restored and converted over a period of 4-years by the owner. Self-catering two bedroomed rustic home located in quaint picturesque village of Bredasdorp, Overberg, Western Cape and 20 mins drive from southern most tip of Africa, where two mighty oceans meet. .....Rustic • Tranquil • Spiritual

Welcome to ABSOLUTE CAPE B&B Gordons Bay ... where absolute hospitality reigns supreme and knows absolutely no boundaries. Nestled on slopes of majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains,  Absolute Cape B&B has spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets across the bay.   World-famous Blue Flag Bikini Beach 1 km from Absolute Cape. Awe-inspiring beauty offers a tranquil comfortable environment for your REAL African seaside holiday in the Cape.

Call 27 21 856 0075 (Landline) or 27 82 481 0440 (Mobile - Uschi) or e: uschi99@gmail.com 



Spectacular view - Spectacular Kariba Dam Wall

Take flight with EXECUTIVE AIR

Posted on: 31 Oct 2011

by Patrick Allen, National Photographic Editor / Ursula Brown Managing Editor Cape Info SA - reporting live 10,000 feet above Harare and Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe.

EXECUTIVE AIR...... will fly you there!! - Tailor made Charters, Emergency Air Rescue, Cargo, Maintenance, Hangarage, Private Pilot Assistance. Estab. 1970’s, over 30 years experience and the ultimate in Air Travel.

Do you fancy sky diving out of the back of a Cessna 206 or perhaps hunting on the banks of Lake Kariba? Maybe you need to ferry Day Old Chicks to Central Africa? or even cruise non-stop to Cape Town in a Lear Jet, Executive Air are always there to provide a safe, comfortable affordable solution.

Based at Charles Prince Airport, a mere 20kms from Harare, Zimbabwe, Executive Air consists of two main departments, Air Charter and Maintenance Services. A small management team together with dedicated staff provide the best possible service. 

Custom Made Charters - Zimbabwe, South Africa, SADC Countries
Life Flight - Emergency Air Rescue - 24hr emergency number - +263 4 250011  
Cargo : Transport virtually anything that will fit in the aircraft...
Survey Work : Photographic or visual survey work.
Maintenance, Aircraft re-builds, Aircraft Refurbishment
Private Pilot Assistance
Hangarage

The Fleet
• Two Super Skywagons
• Cessna Centurion II C-210
• Cessna Businessliner C-402
• Piper Navajo PA-31
• Cessna Grand Caravan C-208B
• Beechcraft King Air BE-90
• Lear Jet LR-25

more about LIFE FLIGHT - EMERGENCY RESCUE SERVICE

Executive Air in association with EMRAS operates aero medical evacuation arm, Life Flight. Operational from 1 Sept 2024, with full CAAZ licensing, service provides 24-hour fixed wing air evacuation capability within Zimbabwe and SADC region. 

Types of air ambulance work undertaken include but may not be limited to:

Emergency air evacuations of medical aid/international assistance patients and paying patients within Zimbabwe.
Emergency evacuation of patients from countries within region to Zimbabwe or South Africa.
Transfer of non-emergency cases from Zimbabwe/SADC region to Zimbabwe or South Africa for further medical treatment
Accompaniments/repatriation of patients on commercial airline flights to regional/international destinations.

Aircraft being utilized will be pressurized Twin Turbine powered King Air, and secondly, unpressurised Twin Piston Engine Cessna 402 and Piper Navajo. 

Air team on call 24 hours a day consisting of a doctor, a flight sister and pilots. A second air medical team also on standby to back up first air team or undertake a second unrelated flight if necessary. Availability of multiple aircraft with varying capabilities ensures high degree of flexibility in mission planning and execution. 

Executive Air Zimbabwe Credentials
• Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority Air Operator Certificate Number: 017
• Zimbabwe Civil Aviation Authority AMO number: 176/104
• South Africa Civil Aviation Authority AMO number: 816 Category A, C, W, X
• Zambia Civil Aviation Authority AMO number: Z/AMO/76/2011

EXECUTIVE AIR - Charles Prince Airport, Mt Hampden
P O Box EH96, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 302036  / 302041 / 302248 / 303831
Skype: executive_air
Fax: +263 4 303987
Mobile: +263 772 472592 / +263 772 472593 (Marielle Demblon)
Mobile : +263 772 472594 / +263 772 472595 / +263 712 613317 / +263 712 613312
e: execair@zol.co.zw
http://www.executiveair.co.zw

Photos : Patrick Allen - National Photographic Editor, Cape Info SA
Flight Harare - Kariba return - Courtesy Executive Air Zimbabwe


Pic 1 : Kariba Dam Wall - taken from the cockpit
Pic 2 : Bush Lodge on the river bank
Pic 3 : Cessna Grand Caravan C-208B - has landed at RIFA
Pic 4 : Piper Navajo PA-31 - ready for take-off

More photos : EXECUTIVE AIR Zimbabwe - Gallery
Photos : Patrick Allen - National Photographic Editor, Cape Info SA
Flight Harare - Kariba return - Courtesy Executive Air Zimbabwe

http://web.me.com/ratmandude/zzHISTORYzz/ExecutiveAirZim_KaribaAerial/


Harare Photographic Walk-a-About - Tues 11 Oct 2011

Great Journeys Start With Small Steps

Posted on: 17 Oct 2011

by Patrick Allen, National Photographic Editor and Ursula Brown Managing Editor, Cape Info SA, reporting live from Harare.

Nyati Travel & Tours - Your One Stop Travel Shop... Zimbabwe’s premier owner managed travel agent with 20 years of experience of facilitating travel in Zimbabwe and beyond. Reliable handler of local and international tours with a thorough local knowledge which caters to individual and groups.........the real Zimbabwe...

Nyati Travel and Tours operating since December 1991, well known for reliability, experienced staff, and meticulous attention to detail. When two teachers from Holland, André Bongers and Goof De Jong came to Zimbabwe in 1986 they immediately fell in love with the country and its people.

Initially based in Rusape in east of Zimbabwe the two started to invite friends and relatives from their home country to their beautiful adopted homeland. They moved to Harare in 1995, when Elizabeth joined as a third director. The company has grown into one of the leading tour operators and travel agents in Zimbabwe, employing 15 staff in a modern office with beautiful gardens.

Explore Zimbabwe, Eastern Highlands, Bulawayo (City of Kings), Lake Kariba, Vic Falls, Masvingo & Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Hwange National Park, Game Farms, Stone Sculptures all on offer. Let Nyati Travel and Tours introduce you to places that enchant and delight ! Colourful markets, rural African villages, friendly passionate folk - sights and sounds of the real Zimbabwe!

A big THANK YOU to the Nyathi Team who kindly hosted Cape Info SA on our "Harare - Photographic - Walkabout" .

Nyati Travel P/L - 29 Rhodesville Ave, Greendale, Harare
Tel: +263 4 495804 • Fax: +263 4 498553
Email: dj@nyati.co.zw • Website: www.nyati-travel.com
Contact Person: Mr. Goof de Jong

photos by Patrick Allen on Harare City Photographic Walk-a-About : Tues 11 Oct 2011

Pic 1 : Harare CBD
Pic 2 : City Markets
Pic 3 :  Photographer being photographed
Pic 4 : Goof de Jong - CEO Nyathi Travel and Tours



Madam MC and Party Guest

Ready for Take-Off !!! - Sanganai Travel Expo

Posted on: 17 Oct 2011

by Patrick Allen, National Photographic Editor and Ursula Brown Managing Editor, Cape Info SA

Dignatories, officials, VIP guests, international media, sponsors and exhibitors of Sanganai World Travel Fair gathered to celebrate at the magnificent Pandhari Luxury Lodge, in rolling wooded hills of Glen Lorne, a mere 30 mins drive from down town Harare.

Celebration and party-time where the order of the day at the Sanganai World Travel Fair Exhibitor and Mediia cocktail function, launching the opening of the show on Mon 10 Oct 2011. 

Well over 300 invited guests were welcomed on arrival, met with melodic sounds of popular Italian Jazz Band before official proceedings got underway and the MC introducing guest speakers. Civil Aviation Authority, Netone and Mr G Chidzidzi (Acting Chief Executive Zimbabwe Tourism Authority) each addressed the crowd.

And then we danced....... Good food, good vibe, good atmosphere and then it was time to party...

Photographs by Patrick Allen, National Photographic Editor, Cape Info SA

Pic 1 : MC and guest
Pic 2 : Netone 
Pic 3 : Civil Aviation Authority, Zimbabwe
Pic 4 : Mr G Chidzidzi (Acting Chief Executive Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

for more photos click on Patrick's Gallery
http://web.me.com/ratmandude/zzHISTORYzz/World_Travel_Tourism_Africa_Fair_Gallery/index.html



Africa - for REAL! - Umlani Bush Camp !

Posted on: 18 Aug 2011

by Ursula Brown, Managing Editor, Cape Info SA

An African safari camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Umlani Bushcamp is a highly recommended, classic African safari camp located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. 

A visit to Umlani Bush Camp is the ultimate experience of true wilderness and Africa for REAL!!  A perfect peace of paradise, the camp accommodates just 16 guests, in traditional African reed and thatch huts. Umlani's prize-winning cuisine will take you on a gastronomic tour of African styled food.

Umlani's philosophy of simplistic luxury and 'getting back to nature' is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps with open-air bush showers fuelled by wood fires adds to the charm and sets the scene for unequalled ambience.with privacy and comfort for uninterrupted relaxation. 

Exciting, safe experience in Big Five territory to view lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, in more than 10 000 hectares (24 000 acres) of traversing area. Home to more than 40 mammal and 350 bird species. Experience the thrill of game drives in open Land Rovers, guided bush walks and tracking game on foot with highly experienced rangers and trackers. 

A sojourn at Umlani guarantees an adventure of a lifetime in one of Africa's world-renowned, unspoilt wilderness reserves.

NEW DIRECT FLIGHTS CAPE TOWN – HOEDSPRUIT

To celebrate announcement that SA EXPRESS fly direct between Cape Town and Hoedspruit, Umlani offer FREE Transfers between Hoedspruit and Timbavati (half hour) during Aug and Sept 2011. 

SA Express depart Cape Town Tues and Thurs 09h30. Arrival Hoespruit 12h10. 
Umlani Bush Camp will meet and greet guests at Hoedspruit Airport and drive them to Umlani to enjoy and eco-friendly bush experience.

Rates: 
R 2995 / adult sharing / night 
R 7330 / adult sharing / 3 nights 
Children are welcome at 50% of the rate (under 12 years)
Rates include: accommodation, 3 meals per day, tea & coffee and 2 game activities per day.

For bookings, please contact Umlani Bush Camp at info@umlani.com or 021 785-5547.  For more information, please see www.umlani.com 


Miss Zimbabwe 18-year-old Malaika Mashandu

ZIMBABWE - Winners at INDABA 2011

Posted on: 02 Aug 2011
report by Ursula Brown, Managing Editor, Cape Info SA

ZIMBABWE Tourism were outright SADC winners at Indaba 2011 with stakeholders reporting that they have sealed a number of deals. The development has raised hopes that the country’s tourism sector is on the road to recovery after years in the wilderness.

According ZBC news report more than 27 Zimbabwean private and public sector tourism stakeholders said this year’s tourism fair in Durban, South Africa, marks a change in the country’s tourism sector.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Karikoga Kaseke said it is clear that Zimbabwe has made a strong come back to the market as the second best tourism destination in the region after South Africa.

Wild Zambezi Operator, Ms Sally Wynn, Cresta Hospitality representative, Rusununguko Tairoodza and Khanondo Safaris and Tours representative, Forward Mutero among other operators all agreed that Zimbabwe stand at Indaba was filled with international buyers from around the world. He also told ZBC News that Zimbabwe’s goal at Indaba this year was to increase market share globally, number of foreign and domestic tourist arrivals, as well as tourism’s contribution to GDP and create jobs in the country.

Meikles Regional Commercial Director, Mr. Tham Mpofu and Rainbow Tourism Group Chief Executive, Chipo Mutasa,  concurred that there is a clear indication of a strong come back by Zimbabwe as seen by the launch of two private sector brands namely, the renovated and refurbished A-Zambezi River Lodge and the Ngamo Lodge.

Premdest Africa Holidays Director, Mr. Wengayi Nhau and Safari Operators Association President said this year’s Indaba marked the turning point of the tourism industry, adding that nation will see upsurge of tourists hence need for all stakeholders to start sprucing up product so that it meets international standards.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Mr. Karikoga Kaseke and RETOSA chairperson, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze said tourism stakeholders should now be prepared for business by making sure their products are up to standard. Zimbabwe’s thrust at the tourism Indaba this year was to increase market share globally and increase tourist arrivals.

ZIMBABWE TOURISM Brand Launch : INDABA 2011
Cape Info SA attended Zimbabwe Tourism Brand Launch at Indaba 2011. Guests of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, operators, media and tourism partners joined Mr Karikoga Kaseke (Chief Executive Zimbabwe Tourism Board) in a packed marquee to celebrate and party with reigning Miss Zimbabwe (Eighteen-year-old Malaika Mashandu) and Oliver Mtukudzi, Zimbabwe's legendary super star in attendance. 

Oliver Mtukudzi is the best-selling artist in his home country of Zimbabwe, Africa. Lovingly called "Tuku" for short, Oliver began recording in the mid-1970s as a member of Wagon Wheels, a band that also featured Thomas Mapfumo. After Wagon Wheels rolled to fame in Southern Africa, Tuku formed Black Spirits, the band that has backed him throughout his career.

Brand Launch PRIZES and Winners

Brand Launch PRIZES Winners
Mr Peter WIckham - Pro-Impact Productions South Africa
 - 2 nights Victoria Falls Safari Lodge + return airfare for two
Mr Ralf Doepke - Breath of Africa  /  International Travel Editor Cape Info SA.
- 2 nights Elephant Hills Hotel Victoria Falls + return airfare for two
Ms Natalie Wood - Director Maplanga South Africa
 - 2 nights Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls + return airfare for two
Ms Sophie Motsogi, Coordinator- JMT Tours & Safaris  South Africa
 - 2 nights A Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls + return airfare for two
Ms Ursula Brown - Managing Editor - Cape Info SA South Africa
- 2 nights fMatetsi Water Lodge, Victoria Falls + return airfare for two
Mr Sergio Manjate, Photo Journalist – Grupo Soico, Mozambique
 -Meikles Hotel 2 B&B + return airfare for two
Mr Sydney Katunga Phiri, Senior Producer Programmes – SABC External Service, Channel Africa
 - Zambezi Trader – 4 nights for 2 (Kariba) + return airfare for two



Heavenly Haven awaits

Posted on: 13 Dec 2010
RELEAX - RESTORE - REJUVENATE in the MAGICAL BLACK FOREST!
by Ursula Brown, Managing Editor, Cape Info SA Cape Town South Africa

Located in and surrounded by magical Maienfels forest, an owner-run, country hospitality gem of tranquility, "Erholung in der Natur". Gabi and Karlheinz head up Family Suepple, owners of this heavenly haven in Southern Germany.

Erholung in der Natur offers visitors to Southern Germany a choice of either twin, double or single Pension-style accommodation or one of 30 permanent on site caravans. 

Original 16 Roomed Pension was started by Gabi's parents and currently occupy the first floor of the home with the rest of the family.

Idyllic family holiday accommodation for visitors to Southern Germany. Campers (with or without tents), caravanners or travellers are welcome all year but especially during the summer months of May to October, when the surroundings take on a mystical magic of their own. Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, exploring in a perfect peace of paradise.

Pension Erholung in der Natur - Wuestenrot - Maienfels, Baden-Württemberg Germany
Tel. 0049 (0)794 5 2454 - e: suepple-maienfels@t-online.de



Cape Town Tourism Board elected at AGM

Posted on: 10 Oct 2010

by Ursula Brown - Managing Editor - reporting from Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Cape Town Tourism AGM held at CTICC 7 Oct 2010. Hosted by former Miss South Africa (2002), popular television personality, Jo-Ann Strauss, who spoke comfortably in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Kapie-Taal...

Around 200 members attended the event, which combined a review of 2010, the election of five board members and talks by several guest speakers.

A six-minute DVD, highlighting successes of Cape Town Tourism during the last year in particular during the 2010 FIFA World Cup ™, was screened and met with rapturous applause.

Four of the five new board members were re-elected in their current positions  - Pierre du Plessis, Susanne Faussner-Ringer, Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana and Claus Tworeck. Ms Sarah Struys, events and marketing manager, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, makes up the fifth member of the board.

Key Note Speaker address was presented by  Claes Bjerkne, a destination-marketing expert from Gothenburg in Sweden. The speech covered the importance of leading city brands creating global awareness about a destination. He posted slides of famous cities London, Paris, Berlin, Beijing, San Francisco and Edinburgh. Audience members were asked to indicate the province of each city. This was a simple exercise to illustrate that most provinces or regions are virtually unknown to travellers.


Houtkappers Poort Hout Bay Cape Town take the honours S/Catering Resort - Small

AA Travel Guide Award Winners 2024

Posted on: 10 Oct 2010

THE WINNERS...... announced at Indaba 2024

All-Suite Hotel : The Courtyard Eastgate Joburg B&B
Guest House Style - Large : Summerwood Guest House Stellenbosch
B&B Guest House Style - Small : Akademie Street Guesthouses Franschhoek
B&B Homestay : Santa Lucia Guest House St Lucia
Boutique Hotel : Forever Resorts Blue Mountain Lodge Kiepersol
Caravan &/or Campsites : Dibiki Resort Mossel Bay
Country Commercial Hotel : Ghost Mountain Inn Mkuze
Country-Style Retreat Large : Kievits Kroon Pretoria
Country-Style Retreat Small : Welgekozen Lodge Piet Retief
Cultural Experience : Matsamo Cultural Park Jeppes Reef Border Post
Family Resort : Umngazi River Bungalows Wild Coast
Farm Accommodation : Dusk to Dawn Piet Retief
Full Service Hotel : Premier Hotel Pretoria
Game Nature Reserve : Botlierskop Private Game Reserve Mossel Bay
Game Lodge : Nedile Lodge Welgevonden Game Reserve

Guest House Dinner by Arrangement - Large : Boschdal Guest House Rustenburg
Guest House Dinner by Arrangement - Small : Lupus Den Country House Addo
Full Service Large : Feathers Lodge Cape Town Guest House
Full Service Small : Aloe Inn Port Edward

Heritage Accommodation : Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest
Hotel/Guest House Garni : Victoria Place Guest House Pietersburg

Leisure Hotel : The Nest - Drakensburg Mountain Resort Hotel
Luxury Lodge : Hitgeheim Country Lodge Addo
Luxury Resort with Varied Accommodation : ATKV Goudini Spa Rawsonsville
Resort - Varied Accomm : Forever Resorts Badplaas

Selected Service Hotel : Nelspruit Town Lodge
Selected Service Hotel Budget : Randburg Road Lodge
S/Catering Cottages : Forest Edge Retreat Knysna
S/Catering Resort - Large : Forever Resorts Swadini Hoedspruit
S/Catering Resort - Small :Houtkapperspoort Houtbay
S/Catering Suite Apartments : La Cote D'Azur Margate

Small Hotel/Inn : Eendracht Hotel Stellenbosch
Suburban Cultural Experience : Sangweni Lodge Alice
Township Accomm - Modern : Tumie's B&B East London
Township Accomm - Original : Magora's B&B Joburg Township
Heritage Accommodation : Maski B&B Pretoria

HALL OF FAME - AA AWARDS 2024

Cycad Lodge and Chalets Nelspruit
Paxton Hotel Port Elizabeth
Kleine Eden Guest House Bloemfontein
Indaba Hotel Conference Centre Johannesburg
Tonquanie Lodge & Spa Knysna
Road Lodge Rivonia Johannesburg
The St James of Knysna
Botle Guest House Johannesburg
Batabia Boutique Hotel Stellenbosch
Pumula Beach Hotel Umzumbe
Willow Park Conference Centre East Rand
Kruger Park Lodge Hazyview
The Retreat Groenfontein Calitzdorp
River House Guest House Malalanes Kruger Park
Granny Mouse Country House  Balgowan