Dear Travel Partners
Your journey is not the same as mine, and my journey is not yours, but if we meet on a certain path, may we encourage each other – UNKNOWN
Collaborative problem solving is shown by research to deliver better outcomes as it encourages individuals to take calculated risks and employ innovation more effectively knowing that a team supports their endeavours. Teamwork is proven to lead to personal growth, job satisfaction and stress reduction. Better decisions, motivation and information exchange are likely results when we become part of something that is bigger than yourself i.e., a team.
Tourism is about teamwork and relationships. Together we are stronger and our mantra to embrace stronger relationships with staff and customers is an important objective for us at Extraordinary.
We look forward to continued engagement with you, our valued customers.
Yours in travel,
The Extraordinary Team
HAMILTONS REIMAGINED
Many will know and love the unique position of the luxury tented camp named after the legendary Colonel Stevenson Hamilton (first warden of Kruger National Park). Hamiltons Tented Camp presents the perfect opportunity to position its newly refashioned and restored tented suites to include a gorgeous outdoor “Sala” complete with relaxation area, minibar, and private plunge pool. The existing tented suites have had a soft refurbishment whilst the showers have had a makeover that includes the installation of a French door opening on to the river-side deck. The elegant lounge and dining areas have been enhanced and refreshed. Our new private dining deck with a firepit feature will enchant everyone whilst they enjoy a privileged position on the edge of the N’waswitsontso River. The entirely new look and its stylish design will ensure that Hamiltons remains at the top of its class in the tented camp category.
Hamiltons Tented Camp was the first of the trio of Imbali Lodges set within the 10 000ha Mluwati concession of the Kruger National Park, this intimate tented camp is the epitome of old-world style and follows the traditions of the Grande safari. Located adjacent to the Manyeleti and Northern Sabi Sands Game Reserves, this pristine wilderness allows visitors to experience the unexplored spaces of Kruger. 35km from Orpen Gate or 61km from Skukuza, the camp is an easy self-drive or fly-in destination from Skukuza or Hoedspruit. The Manyeleti airstrip is available for Federal Air shuttles or private charter aircraft.
MABULA’S NEW AFRICAN WILD DOG PACK
Mabula Private Game Reserve is proud to announce the exciting new wild dog introduction on the reserve. The recent arrival of two male wild dogs in 2021 resulted in great excitement from the Mabula team.
A newly formed pack of 4 African wild dogs was released from their temporary holding boma onto the Mabula Private Game Reserve in the southern part of the Waterberg, Limpopo on Tuesday, May 10th. The two males and two females will form the second-known breeding pack of African wild dogs in the Waterberg.
The males naturally dispersed from their resident pack in northern Limpopo in early 2021 in search of females. They travelled 330km before arriving on Mabula in July 2021. With no suitable adult females available in South Africa’s wild dog metapopulation, two females in the free-roaming Waterberg Wild Dog population were identified for translocation. The two females were translocated just prior to their dispersal from their natal pack in the northern part of the Waterberg in March 2022 to Mabula to be bonded with the males.
The four dogs spent several weeks in adjacent holding bomas to facilitate social bonding and allow time for the new pack to acclimate to the area before their release onto the reserve. The bonding was extremely successful, and the dogs are now roaming the reserve as a cohesive pack.
With fewer than 650 African wild dogs remaining in South Africa, this translocation and formation of a new breeding pack contributes towards the long-term conservation of African wild dogs in South Africa. It also boosts the Mabula Private Game Reserve’s ecotourism potential, as Mabula will become the closest reserve to Gauteng with free-ranging African wild dogs!
This new pack formation was conducted in collaboration with the Mabula Private Game Reserve, the Waterberg Wild Dog Initiative, the Endangered Wildlife Trust, and Rooiberg Veterinary Services.
EXTRAORDINARY’S NEW PROPERTY – ANGELS VIEW
Extraordinary are delighted to introduce the world-class luxury hotel Angels View by HoyoHoyo, in Mpumalanga located 5km from the picturesque village of Graskop. Angels View is a Khoza family-owned hotel offering a luxury product with a multi-market target. Offering leisure, and business tourists’ access to the renowned Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, and the many wonders of the province named after the Rising Sun. Our local airport Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport allows access for domestic and international tourists.
Born from a deep love of Mpumalanga and inspired by the beauty of Gods Window, Dr Reuel Khoza and his wife Mumsy Khoza (nee Thaledi), a well-known family from Acornhoek felt driven to create a legacy on this incredible space that straddles the escarpment. True warriors of tourism the family has a rich industry history that spans three decades. Creating this legacy has been a toil of passion for the family with a great deal of thought and detail going into it. Strong family ties are evident in the individual suite naming after the significant Khoza and Thaledi clan members. The fine dining restaurant named Mumsy’s (after Ms Mumsy Khoza) pays homage to the matriarch’s passion for food and family.
Angels View boasts a myriad of accommodation options from the contemporary styled superior and luxury panorama rooms, to the ten Earth Grotto suites, the four- bedroomed Khoza House and two one-bedroomed suites complete with mini kitchens and private balconies.
Weddings, events, and modern conferencing are the order of the day, and the facilities are simply show stopping with guests spoilt for choice when planning their big day or event, whether choosing the spectacular Amphitheatre or glass marques or a more traditional modern conference venue complete with the most up to date technology. The unparalleled views from our wedding chapel is the perfect setting to complete nuptials.
Nearby the Graskop Glass elevator and other famous attractions including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, and historic Pilgrims Rest are on our doorstep. Visitors to the area will also have easy access to the Kruger National Park.
THE FIRST DESTINATION SPA WILL SOON OPEN IN VICTORIA FALLS
The largest and first purpose-built spa is set to open in Victoria Falls in September, placing Zimbabwe’s top tourist attraction on the map as a wellness destination, and tapping into the boom in wellness tourism.
The spa, being constructed by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism, whose accommodation portfolio is made up of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges – Victoria Falls, will be named Victoria Falls Safari Spa.
It will include a 280m2 central area featuring manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, a restaurant, a hair salon and change rooms. There will be three separate treatment rooms (one double and two singles) located in a tranquil bush setting.
Open to inhouse guests, guests from other hotels and local residents, Victoria Falls’ first destination spa will be ideal for wellness weekends, Monday to Thursday breaks, couples’ and wedding packages where bridal parties can book the spa out.
The treatment rooms will have outdoor showers, while the central area will also feature a plunge pool, water features, with the restaurant to serve healthy dishes, including salads, wraps, juices, smoothies and coffees.
THE CAPE MILNER WELCOMES NEW HEAD CHEF GEOFF WEST
The Cape Milner recently welcomed Geoff West as the new Head Chef. With a strong passion for hospitality and creating a memorable experience for every guest through his fresh culinary concepts, blending cultures from around the world to create unique tastes to suit all palettes.
“I love the outdoors and enjoy diving and spending time with family and friends.
I believe that by following your heart and soul you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”
VEGAN CARROT CAKE
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
FROSTING INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup room temperature vegan butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 medium orange zested and juiced
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees C and prepare cake pans by lining the bottom with parchment paper and spraying well with oil.
- In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients and whisk well.
- Pour in the canola oil, almond milk and vanilla and mix until combined with a large spoon. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts. Be very careful not to over mix the batter.
- Pour the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, then bake for 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops of the cakes are set. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for about 20 minutes before carefully removing from the pans. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Add room temperature vegan butter to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed until creamy.
- Scrape down the side of the bowl with a rubber spatula and add 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix slowly at first, increasing speed as sugar is incorporated. Add 1 tbsp. orange juice and beat for 1-2 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl again, then add remaining sugar and orange juice along with orange zest. Beat on high speed until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes
- Transfer buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto cooled carrot cake.
A WARM WELCOME TO CLIFFTOP’S NEW MANAGEMENT COUPLE
We are excited to welcome Corrie and Bianca Brits who have started as the new Resident Management couple at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway.
Corrie and Bianca bring with them a passion for hospitality and a wealth of experience in managing safari lodges, having previously worked for Wilderness Safaris for the last four years, managing the renowned camps Mombo, Vumbura Plains, Abu camp and Dumatau in recent times.
CLIFFTOP EXCLUSIVE SAFARI HIDEAWAY GUEST REVIEW
“Not even having finished our first trip to South Africa, we definitely want to come back soon. Our stay at Clifftop offered us a unique experience to relax and discover the African nature. Luxurious top quality services, whether at the lodge or during the game viewings was provided by the kind and friendly staff, eager to satisfy our every request. Amazing villa with a breathtaking view! (also very clean, with cleaning service twice per day). The food was excellent in quantity, quality and variety.
We could not have wished for more !
Special thanks to Hazel (the lodge manager) and Stanley (our guide) for this once in a lifetime experience!
Kate – Theo
