Dear Travel Partner
I recently returned from ITB Berlin 2018 and we had amazing feedback and interest in our Extraordinary properties. With the first quarter of the year over we are busy with preparations for WTM Africa and Indaba.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” -Bill Bryson
Yours in travel,
Cindy
First Thursday
Get your groove on at the launch of The Cape Milner First Thursdays Birth of Cool DJ sessions.
A perfect combination of laid back, killer tunes and promotions on drinks and snacks, the Birth of Cool promises a great First Thursdays chill out zone for those weary from touring shops and art galleries.
Unwind with brand new talent on the decks while indulging in Hendricks Gin and Belvedere Vodka cocktails or Jack Black draughts and scrumptious signature tapas.
Cradled beneath the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town’s trendy suburb of Tamboerskloof. This exquisite hotel offers a sophisticated and contemporary ambiance with the highest standards in style and luxury and is renowned for excellent service. This boutique style hotel is designed to offer complete comfort and relaxation.
Leopard Cubs
We have some very exciting news from the Mluwati Concession in Kruger National Park (Imbali Safari Lodges).
In late February Nkanye, our dominant female in the South of the Concession has finally brought out her cubs for us to see.
She mated with Wabayiza last year already and we have only seen her a couple times since then.
We estimate the cubs to be somewhere between 2 – 3 months old, but it is the first time that we have seen them. Photos were taken by guide Wesley.
March special at Mont d’Or Swartberg
Book two nights at the Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert and get 2 complimentary bottles of wine (red or white).
A national monument steeped in 150 years of history, situated at the very heart of the small town of Prince Albert in the Western Cape. The perfect destination from which to enjoy the vast open expanses of the Karoo’s breath-taking natural beauty. Absorb the awe inspiring night skies or visit the renowned destination of Oudtshoorn only a 40 minute drive across the majestic Swartberg Mountains.
Mabula Game Lodge 2-Night Photographic Safaris
Mabula Game Lodge in association with Julio Moreira and Karen Denton, will be offering two very special Photographic Safaris, which will be open to novices, keen amateurs as well as experienced photographers on set departure dates.
Julio, a professional photographer of over 30 years will ensure that you benefit from one on one instruction on everything from how to achieve the best position for the ultimate wildlife shot to professional tips on image editing, including both a pre-safari and post-safari briefing.
Any make of camera may be used.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Two nights luxury accommodation and all meals, tuition by Julio Moreira, professional photographer, during safaris. Three Lightroom sessions by Karen Denton, a qualified “Lightroom” instructor.
R7,470.00 PER PERSON SHARING AND R10,350.00 SINGLE
(RATES ARE BASED ON SIX GUESTS PER PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI)
Summer Special at Mont d’Or Franschhoek
Book any two nights and receive a complimentary bottle of MCC and a cheese platter. Breakfast included.
Valid: till 30 April 2018.
Only an hours’ drive from Hermanus and Cape Town, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Situated in the heart of the historic Franschhoek in the spectacular Cape Winelands. This Boutique Hotel is a renovated 19th century residence, each room varies in layout and character. Enjoy a relaxing spa experience in the Mont d’Or Spa.
Zimbabwe Government announces new Visa Regime for India
As from the 15th of February 2018 all Indian passport holders visiting our properties in Victoria Falls, are eligible for a Zimbabwe visa on arrival at any port of entry into Zimbabwe, subject to payment of the appropriate visa fees.
More Than 50 Staff Celebrate Long Service With Africa Albida Tourism
We are celebrating our long service awards, this month, to recognise staff who have been working for us for between five and 25 years.
A lot has changed for Rachel Sakara since she started out as a laundry hand at Lokuthula Lodges 25 years ago.
One change is that the 49-year-old mother of three has worked her way up from laundry hand to assistant housekeeper, where she supervises a team of eight bedroom hands.
The clientele has changed too, in the early days mostly locals – especially farmers – stayed at Lokuthula, but now it’s people from all over the world.
Now our visitors are coming from everywhere – the United States, Australia,” she says. “I really enjoy interacting with the guests and working with the staff. I am proud of my job, I love my job,” she says.
AAT has been a part of the Sakara family’s life for a long time.
Rachel’s husband, Farai Sakara, is a plumber at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, starting when it opened in 1994.
Cornelia Ngwenya, 48, who works with Rachel as a bedroom hand, is also celebrating 25 years on the job.
“I like chatting with guests, meeting different people and learning about cultures from other countries,” the mother of one says.
She laughs as she recalls the early days of wildlife encounters …
“There used to be a lot of buffalo here in the morning, and snakes in the lodges … they are far away now.”
While Rachel and Cornelia were the only two to receive awards for 25 years of service to AAT, four staff received awards for 20 years, four for 15 years, 29 for 10 years and 16 for five years. Cornelia Ngwenya, 48, who works with Rachel as a bedroom hand, is also celebrating 25 years on the job.
“I like chatting with guests, meeting different people and learning about cultures from other countries,” the mother of one says.
She laughs as she recalls the early days of wildlife encounters …
Couples Spa Package at Mont d’Or Bohemian House
Indulge in the COUPLES SPA Package for two. This includes double room accommodation, a full body massage each & breakfast.
Set in the heart of the prestigious Waterkloof Ridge in Pretoria. Hidden amongst mature trees and landscaped garden, this boutique hotel offers an idyllic oasis of calm. Embrace the relaxed, intimate, old-world charm of this picturesque setting. Proudly showcasing an incredible art collection and antique furniture, each room has been individually decorated.
Moneya Moeng, Lilizela Award Nature Guide Finalist
We are delighted to inform you that Moneya Moeng from Mabula Private Game Lodge is a finalist. She is in the running for the Lilizela Award in the Nature Guide category.
Please take a second to vote for her: Vote
Upcoming shows and events that Extraordinary is attending
April 2018 WTM Africa
May 2018 Indaba
May 2018 We are Africa
June 2018 Tour & Travel Exchange
June 2018 Experience Africa
June 2018 Air Botswana
June 2018 ASA Speed Marketing
June 2018 Exclusive Getaways Johannesburg