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Archive for December, 2005

Lion Cubs in Addo Elephant Park

Posted in Eastern Cape,Wildlife by SA Blog Editor, 23 December 2005.

Three young lion cubs, believed to be about 4 months old, are thriving in the Addo Elephant National Park. According to Megan Bradfield – a social ecologist at the park – the three are doing well and had been spotted by visitors to the park recently. A researcher at the park has identified that there is one male and two females in the litter.

This is wonderful news for the Addo Elephant National Park, as previous litters born had probably been victims of infanticide by male lions who often kill cubs they have not fathered, or possibly have been prey to the spotted hyenas. According to Megan Bradfield, the three cubs have been seen to play with the dominant male in the pride, who is believed to be their father. Lucius Moolman, the park manager says that once the cubs reached independence, they would be moved to other areas of the park to form the nucleus of a new pride.

Related Pages:
Addo Elephant Park
Bordering Addo Elephant Park: Addo Accommodation
Riverbend Lodge

Cape Town Theatre – Alfie, the Elfs Magical Christmas …

Posted in Concerts Events by SA Blog Editor, 21 December 2005.

ALFIE – Alfie, the Elf’s Magical Christmas Adventure in Nursery Rhyme Land – 07 to 24 December 2005. A Children’s Pantomime with nine characters to entertain children when parents visit the Waterfront for shopping. The show is produced by Sue Mitchell and tickets are available at Computicket or the theatre at R30.00 per person.

Alfie, the Elfs Magical Christmas …

Ticket Sales: Tickets are available through Computicket or may be purchased from the Fascination Cafe bar and ticket office at the BMW Pavilion.

Theatre@ThePavilion
The BMW Pavilion at the Waterfront
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront

Kruger Park Luxury Safari Special Offer

Posted in Game Reserves,Mpumalanga,Special Offers by SA Blog Editor, 11 December 2005.

IMBALI SAFARI LODGE – Kruger National Park, South Africa: Imbali Safari Lodge is an exclusive lodge set within the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Special Luxury Kruger Park Safari – Valid from 9 December 2005 to 29 January 2006 : This Special Offer includes luxury accommodation, three meals and two game activities per person per day.
» Double: R1 925.00 per person per day (standard rate is R3,850.00 pp)
» Single: R2 900.00 per person per day (standard rate is R5,780.00 pp)
Children are welcome!

Imbali Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park

Imbali Safari Lodge is the central point within the Imbali Safari concession, offering accommodation in spacious, private chalets each furnished in understated luxury and overlooking the Nwatsitswonto riverbed. The Lodge consists of 12 immaculate suites, each beautifully appointed with only the finest furniture and imported linen. King-size beds, flickering hurricane lamps, and romantic antique-styled en-suite baths ensure you never forget your first taste of the African Safari experience. For additional information and photos visit: Imbali Safari Lodge or Send an Enquiry.

Related Pages: The Kruger National Park
Kruger Park Accommodation
South Africa Safaris

New Accommodation in the Eastern Cape

Posted in Eastern Cape,New Accommodation by SA Blog Editor, 5 December 2005.

PORTOFINO HOTEL – Port Alfred, Eastern Cape: Portofino Hotel is positioned overlooking the Royal Alfred Marina and the bustling small boat harbour. With breathtaking ocean views from our deck you can sit back and relax in the warm atmosphere of this comfortable hotel. Our facilities include an indoor swimming pool with a fully equipped gym. You may enjoy Port Alfred’s sunny weather from our outdoor pool set in tranquil gardens …
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DUNGBEETLE RIVER LODGE – Colchester, Greater Addo: Dungbeetle River Lodge is uniquely situated on the banks of the beautiful Sundays River only 40 kms from Port Elizabeth on the N2. The Lodge boasts the best view of the river and is close to the new entrance to the Addo National Elephant Park …
» View Photos and Read More

Related Pages:
Eastern Cape Accommodation
Eastern Cape Hotels
South Africa Hotels
South Africa Accommodation

Thanda Private Game Reserve

Posted in Game Reserves,KwaZulu Natal by SA Blog Editor, 5 December 2005.

Thanda Private Game Reserve has taken stock of additional wildlife, including 14 kudu. The new additions bring Thanda’s total kudu population to 100 and the herd of buffalo has increased to 39. A male cheetah has also joined the existing females and the wildlife team has spotted two two-month old cubs from this new union. To date, more than R7,5m has been spent on wildlife re-introduction and the property has grown from its initial size of 5 300 hectares to 6 000 hectares with further land expansion planned in the New Year.

Thanda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal

THANDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – Zululand, South Africa: Situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a celebration of the Zulu people and their rich culture. Not only will guests have the opportunity to learn more about their history and traditions, the people from the adjacent tribal land will benefit in many ways from the creation of Thanda Private Game Reserve.

Why settle for the Big Five when you can have the Big Seven? Once you’ve had your fill of game viewing, you can opt to join one of the many outside activities that Thanda offers. Spot whales and dolphins on a deep-sea boat trip between June and November along the eastern shores of KwaZulu-Natal, or dive with sharks in Sodwana’s warm waters. The Greater St. Lucia Wetlands is South Africa’s first declared world heritage site, and a boat cruise on the estuary will enable you to encounter some of the 1500 species of fauna found here …

Related Links:
Hluhluwe Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
South Africa Hotels

Hotel Izulu in Ballito joins Relais & Chateau

Posted in KwaZulu Natal,Travel Awards by SA Blog Editor, 4 December 2005.

Hotel Izulu, in Ballito, KwaZulu Natal, has just become a member of the Relais & Chateau chain. This marks the first property in KwaZulu Natal to be awarded the distinction after meeting the “five c’s” that make up The Relais & Chateau Quality Charter – “courtesy, charm, character, calm and cuisine”. General manager, Keith Macvicar, has highlighted the importance of this global benchmark particularly in relation to exceptionally well-trained staff who are able to cater for any guest’s whim in a non-intrusive style to satisfy their expectations.

Hotel Izulu in Ballito

HOTEL IZULU – Ballito, KwaZulu Natal: Set on a hillside with panoramic views of the lush sub-tropical dunes and shimmering Indian Ocean, Hotel Izulu is situated on the northern KwaZulu-Natal Coast against a backdrop of some of the most breathtaking shoreline in Africa. Hotel Izulu is only two hours drive from two world renowned Heritage Sites, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, and a short drive from one of Africa’s most sought after retail and entertainment complexes.

Overlooking the inviting pool and sun drenched courtyard area, eighteen spacious Deluxe and one presidential suite, all with broadband Internet access, add to this intimate elegant residence. With a signature of effortless exclusivity all rooms have been furnished with impeccable finesse, whilst sumptuous light filled bathrooms and private outdoor Jacuzzis constantly beckon for bathing bliss …

Hotel Izulu in Ballito

Related Pages:
Ballito Hotels
Ballito Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels
South Africa Hotels

Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town awarded 5 Star grading

Posted in Cape Town,New Accommodation by SA Blog Editor, 3 December 2005.

Three Cities’ Lagoon Beach has achieved five-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. The 300-room property situated on the Atlantic Ocean near Milnerton offers views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. Facilities include a Camelot Spa, the Abalone and Wangthai Restaurants and the Ice Bar.

“I’m delighted at the achievement of this brand new, stunning hotel. The five star grading is one of the highlights of my career and I”m looking forward to taking Lagoon Beach from strength to strength” says general manager David Church.

Lagoon Beach Hotel – Milnerton, Cape Town: Capturing the essence of 5 star luxury, the impeccably appointed Lagoon Beach Hotel offers unequalled views of the mother city’s most famous landmark – Table Mountain. Whether you choose to stay in the Hotel’s presidential suite, superior rooms or standard rooms, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere of sheer luxury. The hotel also features a magnificent sea-facing restaurant, where you can wine and dine as you take in a glorious cape sunset…

Related Pages:
Cape Town Hotels
Cape Town Travel
Cape Town Map

Accommodation South Africa – Special Offers

Posted in Special Offers by SA Blog Editor, 2 December 2005.

» NOTTINGHAM COUNTRY HOUSE – Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape: Nottingham Country House combines warm hospitality, charm and sophisticated comfort for leisure travellers and business executives. Proud owners, Gavin and Melodeen have created a refined haven of comfort, where guests are assured of outstanding hospitality and exceptional personal service …
» View this offer
» View Info & Photogaphs

» BLACKWOOD LOG CABIN, Hout Bay, Cape Town: A tranquil mountain retreat where forest, water and mountains will re-awaken the soul – Blackwood Log Cabin is a self catering log cabin situated high on the mountain slopes of the Hout Bay Valley, yet is only minutes from restaurants, cafe’s and the beach …
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» KAIROS, Hout Bay, Cape Town: Set on two acres of grounds in the heart of the tranquil Disa River valley amidst stunning mountain views, Kairos is just 20 minutes from Cape Town. The very well-equipped thatched loft cottage exudes country atmosphere. Families are welcome …
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New Venues in KwaZulu Natal

Posted in KwaZulu Natal by SA Blog Editor, 1 December 2005.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN LODGE – Underberg, Drakensberg: Experience the classic love of trout country near Underberg in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg. Book our Log Cabin or Stone Cottage on this private estate, Self-catering or Bed and Breakfast. From the stilted deck watch the evening settle over the most spectacular mountain range in South Africa …
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WITS END – Champagne Valley, Drakensberg: At Wits End we offer the best of both worlds. The resort, a two-hour drive from Durban and four hours from Johannesburg, is ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer, more leisurely stay and is situated in a malaria-free area. All chalets have magnificent mountain views and are fully appointed with well equipped kitchens, DSTV and individual braai areas. The resort has a rock pool and Lapa, alongside which is an …
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Related Pages: KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakenberg Accommodation / South Coast Accommodation / Natal Midlands Accommodation / Battlefields Accommodation / Durban Metro Accommodation

New Accommodation in Pretoria

Posted in Gauteng by SA Blog Editor, 1 December 2005.

MARIBELLE’S BED & BREAKFAST – Lynwood Ridge, Pretoria: Feel at home with our International hospitality in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria. Maribelle’s B&B has a homely atmosphere with an African theme. Hosts, Chris and Isabelle go out of their way to make their visitors feel welcome. We have 3 luxury rooms, affordable and value for money. …
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CIARA LODGE – Rietfontein, Pretoria: Our Africa thatched cottages are value for money, centrally located in a tranquil suburb of Pretoria, Gauteng. The self catering guest cottages are furnished to a high standard throughout and are close to shopping centres, restaurants, hospitals, as well as public transport. Ciara Lodge has four self catering units, which can accommodate up to 13 people and is ideal for business or holiday …
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Related Pages:
Pretoria Accommodation by Map
Pretoria / Tshwane