Dear Travel Partner
2017! What a busy year for all the Extraordinary properties. Our team has been bolstered yet again with the addition of Annali in Sales in Cape Town, Thandi in Reservations in Johannesburg and Natanja in our Marketing Department. Welcome ladies to the Extraordinary family we hope you will love the Extraordinary life we live as much as our existing team members.
Having recently returned from two sales visits to the UK and Europe it has struck me just how far this industry has come in the past couple of years. The knowledge of Southern Africa by our tour operators in these areas is exceptional and I am pleased to note an increasing interest in alternative destinations and new properties. Now a lot of this is due to the high popularity of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana and limited availability has driven traditional markets such as these to try new things leading to the discovery of new “little gems”. It is with great pride that we have noted the wonderful support in our Kruger, Welgevonden, Chobe and Pilanesberg properties.
“Spring breathes new life into the world around us.”
We have seen the first rains in many parts of our wonderful countries and the season looks to be good and bountiful – what more could we ask?
Yours in travel,
Cindy
Lizikela awards for Mabula
These awards recognise and reward tourism players and businesses who work passionately and with pride to deliver a world class product and service and whose delivery grows South Africa’s global destination competitiveness.
Isaiah Banda was awarded the best provincial Guide under nature guide category. He will be representing Limpopo and Mabula at national level with 8 other provinces. The winners for the nationals will be announced on the 29th October 2017 at Sandton convention centre. Fingers crossed.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge wins Best Resort Hotel 21 Years running
Africa Albida Tourism’s flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been voted the Best Resort Hotel for the 21st year in a row by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA), and the hospitality group also won three other awards.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge took out the top award ahead of Victoria Falls Hotel, which was first runner-up, and second runner-up Elephant Hills Resort.
Cape Milner Refurbished rooms and restaurants
The Cape Milner Hotel recently undertook the task of refurbishing the property’s ten luxury rooms and bistro area, adding to the hotel’s allure and contemporary look and feel. Cape Town based interior designer, Beth Murray, has been behind the fresh designs and modern accents to the hotel’s recent refurbishment.
Each of the ten recently refurbished luxury rooms provides guests with a luxurious and spacious home-away-from-home environment, with warm textures, crisp white linen and modern décor.
The new additions have been specifically designed to create an atmosphere for guests to truly relax and unwind in a modern yet chic setting. The hotel has also double glazing the first and second floor Table Mountain facing room windows, allowing for reduced traffic noise from the road below.
The breakfast buffet has been revamped to showcase a modern dining-come-bistro offering, with inclusions such as state-of-the-art induction powered chaffing dishes to new counters, lighting and décor.
PAY FOR 2 STAY FOR 3
Country Boutique Hotel
Valid for travel during 1 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.
The above pay stay offer is valid on the standard rates only. T&Cs apply.
Whilst the strikingly scenic Panorama Route beckons within an hours’ drive. Twenty two elegantly appointed rooms boast sleek materials and stark palettes with bold colour splashes decorated with individual style.
Chic boutique finishes, a sparkling swimming pool with squashy poolside seats, and the cool haven of formal colonial gardens, all combine into typical boutique hotel hallmarks.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Valid for travel during 1 November 2017 to 31 March 2018.
Excluding the period 20 December 2017 – 05 January 2018. The above pay stay offer is valid on the International 1 – 2 night rates only. T&Cs apply.
Located in the Chobe Forest Reserve, the lodge commands awe-inspiring views over the Chobe River. Each of the eight luxurious river-facing suites offers quiet refuge has outdoor showers plus a private outdoor living area with a ‘refresh and relax pool’. Ngoma Safari Lodge is committed to making a sustainable difference to the local communities and their environment.
Imbali Safari lodge
This was an amazing month as far as these large carnivores were concerned. We saw the Imbali pride numerous times and the seven sub adults are looking good and healthy and getting larger by the day.
The Hamiltons pride amazed us this month as we were not sure how many where in the pride until a total of 23 lions were spotted one morning.
Surprisingly, even with all these lions around, leopard sightings were prolific. Several cheetah were also “spotted” regularly making the Imbali concession an absolute must for cat fans.
The total population of cheetahs in the park is estimated to be around 300, if you do have the opportunity to see them you should count yourselves as extremely lucky.
Enjoy a gourmet Christmas buffet with a complimentary glass of Miss Molly. Children under 12 eat half price & children under 5 eat for free.
OR
Toast to the New year and indulge in a 5 course set menu with a complimentary bottle of Miss Molly. One can upgrade to the Moët experience & we can add on New Year’s Eve party tickets!