Rufaro Destination Management

04/02/2024

Treat yourself to a real French Experience and join a small fun group of people.https://www.rufaro.com/a-taste-of-perigord-with-marita-van-der-vyver/

08/01/2024

Small Group tour to France - A Taste of Perigord.
A TASTE OF PERIGORD with Marita van der Vyver.
19th - 26th MAY 2024
This tour combines two of the greatest regions to visit in France
- Bordeaux and the Dordogne.

This tour combines two of the greatest regions to visit in France. Bordeaux is France’s most renowned wine-producing areas and one of the country’s most

11/11/2023

South Africa is waiting to welcome you.https://protect-za.mimecast.com/s/VwM9C66yVJinpkVf6WRt5?domain=satsa.glueup.com

06/08/2023

https://www.rufaro.com/a-taste-of-mexico-with-marita-van-der-vyver/

Mexican food is a blend of indigenous (Indian) and Spanish influences. At the heart of the cuisine of this beautiful country are three very important

26/04/2023

Top three Croatian islands where time stands still

When thinking about your ideal summer holiday, are you picturing a hidden oasis with a magnificent blue sea, great local cuisine and picturesque scenery, completely separated from the city hustle? If you are looking for the Mediterranean as it once was, you’ll find it on these Croatian islands:

Lastovo is an island of dream-like beauty in the heart of the Adriatic, and one of the least light-polluted places in the world. That’s why it is called the “Island of Crystal Stars”. It is located 14 km south of the island of Korčula and is the remotest inhabited island in the Croatian part of the Adriatic. Due to the distance from the mainland, on Lastovo you will feel as if time stands still, and truly enjoy the moment you are in. It is an ideal destination for anyone looking for true rest. Here you can explore its pristine nature and rich cultural sights - from old stone houses and churches to intangible heritage such as “Lastovski poklad” - a 500-year-old carnival that has been declared a Croatian cultural intangible asset.

Silba is a small island west of Zadar, often called the "Gate of Dalmatia", as well as the “Island of Love”. During the year, excluding the tourist season, it has less than 300 inhabitants. This calm and peaceful island with its 15 square kilometers might be small, but it hides some of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic, surrounded by crystal clear sea. The biggest peculiarity of the island is that you won’t find cars on it, since they are prohibited here. So, what to do if you find yourself in Silba? Relax, bring a couple of good books, enjoy its natural beauty by exploring it by bike or on foot, and, of course, dive into its blue sea.

The island of Zlarin is placed on the Dalmatian coast near the town of Šibenik, with only 284 inhabitants outside the tourist season. This green island with a total surface of 8.19 km2 will enchant you as soon as you enter the port, naturally protected from the south and northeast winds, which is why it attracts many sailors. As on Silba, cars are prohibited on Zlarin, so you can imagine how peaceful this island is. It is only a 25-minute boat ride from Šibenik, and once you land there, it will take you back to your childhood when you walked the streets carefree, rode bike, explored, and simply enjoyed every moment. The most recognizable cultural heritage and centuries-old specialty of Zlarin is coral farming. The people of Zlarin have been hunting and processing corals since the 14th century. So, if you find yourself on this beautiful island, make sure you bring back at least one memory in the shape of handmade coral jewelry.
Would you like to explore these amazing islands the local way?

21/04/2023

ITALY: Bergamo and Brescia route opens
A new 130km walking trail, uniting Brescia and Bergamo, has been completed, according to Breaking Travel News.

The route features two Unesco sites, eight connected walks, three wine-growing areas as well as artisan districts, parks, reserves and Lake Iseo.

The walk has several stages that can be covered in around six days.

Along the stages there are works of art-inspired light installations, sculptures, and textile works. Accommodation facilities are available.

03/04/2023

Rufaro April Offers - https://mailchi.mp/b92a01f50908/rufaro-april-offers

29/03/2023

“A TASTE OF PERIGORD” with Marita van der Vyver
8-Day Tour: 12 – 19 June (9 nights – 8 Days)
This tour combines two of the greatest regions to visit in France.

Bordeaux is France’s most renowned wine-producing areas and one of the country’s most beautiful cities. Boasting magnificent architecture, captivating history, and outstanding cuisine. We visit one of Bordeaux’s numerous farmers’ markets filled with local food and fresh vegetables. We spend a day in Archachon Bay famous for its oysters, lovely beaches and typical villas. We stop in St Emilion for a guided tour of the village and its underground church before enjoying a wine-tasting at the famous Chateau de Pressac.

Dordogne (or Perigord) is a beautiful region with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. For foodies, it is known as the duck, truffle, and foie gras capital of France. For history lovers it has a cave filled with 15,000-year-old prehistoric paintings. It is known for its numerous castles, hence the nickname of the “Land of 1001 Castles.” We visit a few of the famous castles and gardens:
- Chateau de Beynac: which offers breath-taking views of the river and neighbouring castles.
- Château des Milandes Known for being the former home of songbird Josephine Baker (1906-1975). Josephine bought the property in 1947 and renovated and managed to improve it extensively and ended up in debt. An exhibition is dedicated to her life.
- The romantic and picturesque Marqueyssac Gardens which today is the most visited garden in the South-West of France

In addition to the castles, Périgord is also home to several charming medieval villages perched atop cliffs overlooking the river below and offer stunning countryside views.
We taste some of the delicious local cuisine and some of the most traditional foods of Périgord. Turnac Farm produces the world famous Fois Gras and in Collonges-la-Rouge we visit and taste black truffles. Rocamadour Cheese it is one of the oldest cheeses produced in the Dordogne valley.
This incredible wine region produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blend in the world.

Discover the handcrafted tradition of transforming Perigord walnuts into walnut oil! The "Moulin de la Vie Contee" is a traditional oil mill, in the heart of its walnut tree orchards.
Gouffre of Padirac is set in an area honeycombed with geological caves. We will board a boat to the discover this labyrinth of stunning formations, turquoise lake and chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.
Visit the Denoix Distillery. Major liqueur manufacturer established in 1839. We perpetuate the famed know-how of 19th century liqueur makers, thereby guaranteeing the quality of our walnut, plant and fruit-based liqueurs and aperitifs. Guaranteed without colourings or added aromas, the famous Suprême Denoix liqueur or the traditional Quinquinoix walnut wine will amaze your senses.

Who would have thought to find one of the most beautiful regions in France a mere two hours’ drive from the Bordeaux airport? If you’re looking for a truly French experience, Périgord is it!

Cape Town, South Africa Travel Agent. Rufaro is a Zimbabwean ‘Shona’ word, loosely translated means ‘to travel happily’ or ‘Bon Voyage’. We are small enough to be flexible, big enough to offer a variety of travel options and services. Rufaro functions both as a destination management com...

22/12/2022

Rufaro's Festive Greetings - https://mailchi.mp/1a12fe330783/rufaros-festive-greetings

21/12/2022

This music/composition is dedicated to loved ones that are missing due to war, conflict and violence.
https://youtu.be/WJsWWTpagUQ

We are proud to share our new Song Around The World, “I Still Haven't Found What I´m Looking For,” by U2, to send a message to the relatives of missing peopl...

12/12/2022

Monday, 12 December 2022
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean becomes dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
Gandhi

13/10/2022

ROVOS RAIL- 50% DISCOUNT FOR RESIDENTS

JOURNEYS OF DISTINCTION
Rovos Rail is offering residents of South Africa and neighbouring countries a special 50% reduced rate on board a Cape Town, Victoria Falls or Durban Safari.
Rediscover the old pioneering trail of the Karoo with stops at Kimberley’s Diamond Museum and the quaint village of Matjiesfontein.
VIEW THE CAPE TOWN JOURNEY
CAPE TOWN-PRETORIA 3 nights
26-29 OCT • 31 OCT-3 NOV • 14-17 NOV 2022
50% REDUCED RATE
Pullman Suite R15 850 per person sharing
Deluxe Suite R22 900 per person sharing
Royal Suite on Request
Travel through baobab country to/from one of the natural wonders of the world – the mighty Victoria Falls. Enjoy game drives at Hwange, a diverse wildlife sanctuary, and Matobo*, a World Heritage Site with bushmen caves, rock art and dramatic granite hills.
VIEW THE VICTORIA FALLS JOURNEY
PRETORIA-VICTORIA FALLS 3 nights
13-16 OCT • 20-23 OCT 2022
VICTORIA FALLS-PRETORIA 3 nights
16-19 OCT • 17-20 OCT 2022
PRETORIA-VICTORIA FALLS 4 nights*
26-30 OCT • 23-27 NOV 2022
VICTORIA FALLS-PRETORIA 4 nights*
20-24 NOV 2022
50% REDUCED RATE
Pullman Suite R19 800 per person sharing
Deluxe Suite R29 800 per person sharing
Royal Suite on Request

08/07/2022

SA Passport holders now need a visa to travel to Turkey.

23/05/2022

Agents scramble for UK flights
Today 01:50 - by Sarah Cornwell

Comments | 1

Travel agents are struggling to secure seats on direct flights to the UK over the upcoming peak holiday periods - the school holidays in June and July and this year’s festive season in December. The reason is simple - demand is simply much bigger than the market’s limited supply.

Capacity between South Africa and the UK (and several other countries too) is still catching up to pre-Covid levels, even though Virgin Atlantic returned to the Johannesburg route in January with 30% more capacity than previously, owing to a new Airbus A350-1000 on the route.

In April, XL Travel Group CEO, Marco Ciocchetti, described considerable demand for UK flights this year and said demand over June/July would, looking at the history, trail into August. He emphasised that the current late booking trends could make it difficult to find availability in the cheaper booking classes and that customers might well find no availability on certain return dates.

“There are other links in the travel chain that also show a real need for more capacity - visas, for example,” said a consultant who manages an Eastern Cape corporate travel agency. “The European and UK embassies are inundated with applications. I have never seen such demand for visas.”

“I have just checked schedules now for the UK starting June 15 through July and August and there are very few seats available. Return seats to South Africa look the same for those months,” the consultant said.

“Due to a lack of availability of cheaper ticket classes, a return fare at the moment is pretty steep. There is definitely a need to up capacity. However, it is difficult to understand how long this ‘need’ to travel will continue. We are already ahead of 2019 travel numbers in our agency and demand shows no sign of abating!”

Brighter outlook

In its Q1 financial report, the parent company of British Airways (BA), the International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) described “strong customer demand” and said it planned to bring back more capacity in a phased approach, targeting 80% of 2019 capacity in Q2, 85% in Q3, and 90% of pre-Covid capacity levels by the end of 2022. North America should be close to full capacity by Q3, the group said.

IAG’s report did not specify which markets would be adjusted first, however, BA country manager - southern and East Africa, Cristina Graham, confirmed: “We are focussed on ramping up our South African operation this Winter (April - October 2022), improving our customer experience and delivering our sustainability programme.”

Graham said South Africa routes - Cape Town and Johannesburg - had grown increasingly popular since restrictions eased. She also said that BA had been through the toughest period in its 102-year history because of the pandemic. “We really appreciate the support of our travel agents, and we are committed to engaging and working closely with them as we all continue to rebuild this industry.”

Virgin Atlantic gave no indication that capacity would be increased in the short term, but the airline is very positive about the present situation and the future. Manager International Marketing, Darrin Thomas, said: “We see strong demand, with load factors at 90%+ over the recent month. The pattern of late bookings persisted through the first quarter of this year, with most flights filling up 7-14 days before departure. However, we are now seeing a more substantial recovery for flights later in the year.”

Thomas reported significant growth in domestic connections in South Africa - connections from DUR, CPT and PLZ to the JNB flights - and he believed the airline’s partnership with Airlink had strengthened its position. He added: “The booking window now stretches to four months, evidence that confidence in travel has significantly improved”.

Thomas said there was still “reasonable” availability in December, but he encouraged booking in advance. “As expected, the peak holidays like Christmas and New Year are filling up fast”, he said. Thomas advised agents to find the availability and act quickly to recommend to the client that they book in advance due to high demand over the holiday period.

Regarding travel to the US, VS will add flights to a new US destination, Austin in Texas, on May 25. Thomas said travel to the US remains challenged due to delays in the processing of visas. But when customers do manage to get visas, popular destinations are New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Orlando.

14/04/2022

Exciting Travel Packages To and From South Africa April 2022 - https://mailchi.mp/a4b131464687/exciting-travel-packages-to-and-from-south-africa-april-2022

25/02/2022

ROVOS RAIL and SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS
WINDHOEK SPECIAL - 6 DAYS
Travel from the Kalahari to the Karoo on this 6-day special and see an old quiver tree forest, the impressive Fish River Canyon and Kimberley’s Diamond Mine Museum

02/02/2022

https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220117-health-pass-becomes-vaccine-pass-details-of-france-s-tough-new-anti-pandemic-bill

France's lower house on Sunday gave final approval to the government's latest measures to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, including a vaccine pass that will exclude unvaccinated people from restaurants…

22/12/2021

Rufaro Festive Greetings - https://mailchi.mp/ddee667d69eb/rufaro-festive-greetings

08/11/2021

Stock up for the Holiday Season!

20/09/2021

Get your jab and travel.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-18-south-africas-vaccine-passport-have-jab-can-travel-except-to-the-uk/

Anger as United Kingdom keeps South Africa on red status despite government lobbying.

14/06/2021

https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/travel/uk-amber-list-countries-to-spend-11-days-in-to-avoid-hotel-quarantine-1.1236674?fbclid=IwAR3XNz30TMcZ0cWcWsRhkbGbMgURzyGjudRFCTD4Bxhr89j45HpVvOiPYoc

From Albania's stunning shorelines to Jordan's vast open desert, here are several places to visit – and how to spend your time – before you travel onwards to the UK

09/06/2021

South Africans still not clear to travel to France.
https://www.france24.com/en/france/20210604-france-reopens-for-foreign-tourists-but-with-conditions =_

As of June 9, France will reopen for international tourism, removing the need for coronavirus tests for vaccinated Europeans and allowing vaccinated tourists from most of the rest of the world, inclu…

27/05/2021

Please note that my FB has been hacked. I have changed my password. If you get a new message to join my FB please ignore!

21/05/2021

Get your vaccine so that you can travel again.
https://www.travelnews.co.za/article/eu-opens-borders

European and US media report that yesterday the EU agreed to open its borders to non-EU visitors who have been fully vaccinated (with an approved vaccine) this summer. The 27 member states of the EU

10/05/2021

Masaai Mara Migration Safari
11 - 18 Sep 2021
Cost: US$ 3450 pp sharing - excluding airfare.

19/04/2021

How about visiting Greece this summer?
https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/03/05/the-telegraphs-perfect-greek-islands/

UK newspaper The Telegraph recently highlighted 15 “perfect” Greek islands readers should put on their post covid-19 travel bucket list.

03/03/2021

Visit Cuba and experience their wonderful music.
https://youtu.be/blUSVALW_Z4

Stay informed about our latest news and videos!Subscribe to our newsletter: http://bit.ly/1x9CAfJWe invite you to watch and enjoy another Song Around The Wor...

22/02/2021

Portugal - one of our most popular destinations. Join a Marita van der Vyver tour for a very special holiday.

https://youtu.be/Z8XP7UjzvnU

Check out all the places seen in this video: https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-portugal/Located on the western coast of the Iberian peninsula,...

05/02/2021

Good news - we WILL be safe to travel!
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/04/travel/coronavirus-vaccine-passports.html?campaign_id=51&emc=edit_MBE_p_20210205&instance_id=26789&nl=morning-briefing®i_id=110314154§ion=topNews&segment_id=51042&te=1&user_id=cb3977e0bebe968884e395e3098ac502