South Africa Tourism

14/01/2020

For reservations please visit our website or click on book now: http://www.temba.co.za/southafrica/index.htm

04/10/2019

CROSS BORDER DOCUMENTATION FOR RENTAL VEHICLES:
There are many travellers who like combining a trip to various countries in Southern Africa. Self-drive safaris are becoming more and more pop**ar and it often makes sense to pick-up a rental vehicle in Johannesburg and then drive to Botswana, Zimbabwe or Nambia. In this case it is essential to let the car-rental company know where you will be travelling to. There is a fair amount of documentation that must be prepared by the car-rental company for the vehicle to cross the borders. Cross-border fees might also be applicable. It is advisable to plan your route well ahead and let your travel agent know exactly where you will be travelling to so that they can assist you and advise you on documentation and the fees involved. You will also need to send a copy of a valid driver’s licence and your passport to the rental company.

If you are travelling in your own vehicle the following is necessary:
• A valid driver’s licence
• Proof of ownership
• If you are driving with someone else’s vehicle you will need a letter from them giving you permission to drive the vehicle in another country and a copy of their ID.
• It is always a recommendation that you take a proof that the vehicle is insured
• The registration documents of the vehicle
• Remember to let your insurance know you will be travelling in another country

03/10/2019

Taking meat into Botswana and Namibia
We receive regular questions about taking meat and other fresh produce into Botswana and Namibia from South Africa. Due to the FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) outbreak in Limpopo, no meat may cross the border from South Africa to Namibia or Botswana. This regulation includes biltong, animal hides, dairy products and eggs. At some of the border posts you might even find they confiscate fruit and vegetables. This means that canned products and UHT products are the best option until this ban is lifted.

22/07/2015

For those who love the great outdoors the Karoo is a playground in which to test your metal. Here are 8 Charming Karoo Towns For Nature Lovers ...

21/07/2015

TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway will be closed from Monday, July 27, to Sunday, August 9, for scheduled annual maintenance.

Work includes cleaning the ropes and slack rope tests, renewing switches and bearings where necessary, servicing the main gearbox, generators and back-up generators, as well as general electronic component changes and control checks. The cable car cabins will also undergo a facelift.

Swiss engineers assist with the work in order to meet the highest global cableway standards set by the Swiss Governing Body for Cableways.

Source: Tourism Update (20 Jul)

21/07/2015

17/07/2015

SKYWISE OFFERS MANDELA DAY PROMOTION

Low-cost carrier Skywise Airlines has announced a special promotion for Nelson Mandela Day on July 18. The special will see tickets going for as little as R466.64 (we see what they did there!). In total, 4 600 tickets will be available for the promotion, with a "first-come-first-saved" basis.

In case you didn't notice the pattern, the airline is paying tribute to the prison number of Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment at Robben Island.

The airline, which launched earlier this year, currently only operates a route between Johannesburg and Cape Town - but it plans on expanding the routes soon. There are eight flights daily on this route - so your chances of getting in on the deal are pretty good.

Source: iafrica.com (16 Jul)

17/07/2015

Travelers take note: the Lootsberg Pass (between Middelburg and Graaff-Reinet), the Penhoek Pass (between Aliwal North and Queenstown) the Barkly Pass (between Barkly East and Elliot) and the Boesmanshoek Pass (between Steynsburg and Elliot) have been affected.

Parts of the N6 and N9, as well as two other mountain passes in the Eastern Cape, have been closed due to snowfall.

16/07/2015

SABI HOTEL CLOSES FOR REVAMP

The Sabi River Sun Hotel in Hazyview will be closed for accommodation from June 17 for four months, during which it will be refurbished and renovated.

The resort and the Sesonke restaurant, outdoor terrace, the golf bar restaurant and public areas of the hotel will remain open for business during the renovations. The reopening is scheduled for October 3, when the hotel will boast 60 newly refurbished rooms, complete with new soft furnishings and air-conditioning.

The bathrooms will be replaced with spacious modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, as well as new doors and aluminium window panes. The exterior façade of the hotel will also receive a facelift, with touch-ups and new balcony railings.

Source: Tourism Update (15 Jul)

15/07/2015

LION PARK ENDS LION CUB INTERACTIONS

The Lion Park, in Honeydew, Gauteng, will cease breeding lions and offering lion cub interactions from early next year when it relocates to a new park in the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains.

The park last month came under fire when a lioness mauled a tourist, who subsequently died from injuries.

“We wish to announce that lion cub interactions will no longer be on offer at the new Lion and Safari Park,” the park said in a statement on Tuesday. “Whilst lion cub interaction is still very pop**ar amongst the overwhelming majority of our visitors, as the industry leader, the Lion Park has been unjustifiably targeted by some of the media intimating that it is connected to the canned hunting industry.”

The Lion Park said it was against a background of negative media coverage and the ongoing campaigns against it that the decision was taken.

Source: Tourism Update (15 Jul)

14/07/2015

SINGITA INTRODUCES NEW LUXURY VILLA

Singita has introduced the Ebony Villa on the Sabie River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve as part of its redesign. Bookings will open on January 1, 2016.

The villa comprises two family suites with a private lounge, swimming pool and deck area that connects these suites. Guests staying in the Ebony Villa will have a private guide, vehicle, chef, host and a personal waiter throughout their stay The villa can accommodate four adults and four children under 12 years, or up to six adults and teenagers. The family suites can be booked separately.

Singita Lodge reopened the Ebony Lodge in June after a complete redesign that repositioned the sitting room to the deck area at the front of the lodge. The 12 new suites were also redesigned.

Source: Tourism Update (7 Jul)

14/07/2015

Two male lions recently put on a show by bringing down a kudu in Kruger National Park.

13/07/2015

TANDA TULA COMPLETES REFURB

Tanda Tula Safari Camp in Timbavati, in the Greater Kruger National Park, recently underwent a complete refurbishment and upgrade.

Each tent was refurbished and now features a mini-bar, his and hers basins and glass-enclosed toilet. The lounge area, library and bird hide in the camp were all refurbished, and the pool area has a pool deck overlooking the camp dam.

The camp also launched the new Tanda Tula Star Beds experience, where guests can spend a night in the open under the stars, and a private dinner in the bush, called ‘Special Moments’.

Source: Tourism Update (9 Jul)

09/07/2015

08/07/2015

SOUTHERN SPOOR ACQUIRES KOMATIPOORT HOTEL

Ecolux Boutique Hotel & Spa in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, has joined Southern Spoor’s portfolio of privately owned hospitality establishments.

The hotel comprises 17 bedrooms, with an open-plan bedroom/bathroom layout, king-sized beds, air-conditioning, double showers and private balconies. The VIP suite has a private garden and whirlpool bath.

The indoor area of Vonja’s Restaurant can be used for conferences for up to 30 delegates.

Source: Tourism Update (6 Jul)

07/07/2015

CROSSING INTO BOTSWANA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’re heading over the border to Botswana during the South African winter holidays, there are a few things you’ll need to get together before you go. Everything needs to be planned beforehand; from where you will be crossing over to what you can pack in the freezer of your 4x4 trailer.

First, take note:
- You will a need 4x4 vehicle if you’re heading there to sight-see. Don’t expect to have a flawless, breakdown-free adventure in Kubu Island when you’re driving in an Opel Astra.
- If you’re travelling to or through the north of Botswana in the high summer seasons, you should take Malaria medication well in advance and after your trip – in accordance with your doctor’s prescriptions. The risk is low, but authorities do warn of the possibility of Malaria especially in the north.

SPECIFICATIONS
Currency: P**a (P), at about R1.24 per p**a
National Language: Setswana or Tswana (take note there are an abundance of languages spoken in Botswana, with Setswana being the most prominent).

Greet locals with the friendly phrase, "Dumela Rra" (for a gentleman) and "Dumela Mma" (for a lady). For a more laid-back greeting to someone of your own age, say "Go jwang ?" which means, 'Howzit?'.

Source: News24 (6 Jul)

06/07/2015

LIMPOPO LODGE ADDS UNDERGROUND HIDE

Mhondoro Game Lodge, in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo, has revealed its newest feature: an underground wa­terhole hide that is connected to the main lodge through a 65m reinforced concrete tunnel.

Guests will be able to walk down the tunnel and stand in a hide to view the animals approaching the waterhole. The hide is in a safe location and ideal for taking photos.

When a fire destroyed the main lodge in 2013, plans were made to rebuild the lodge as well as add the new waterhole feature and a new family villa. The newly built Mhondoro Game Lodge will be open for guests from Sep­tember. A spa and a new gym will also be an addition to the lodge’s main area.

Source: Tourism Update (3 Jul)

06/07/2015

EXPANSION AT EASTERN CAPE’S MPONGO

Mpongo Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is extending its restaurant to accommodate 120 diners, up from the current 60.

The additional space can also be used as a separate function or meeting room. Guests can also use the new conference centres: the Nyala Bush Experience Lapa, which seats 100 delegates, or the Edu-Centre.

Source: Tourism Update (3 Jul)

03/07/2015

NEW HOTEL OPENS ON WILD COAST

Miarestate Hotel & Spa has opened on the Wild Coast, outside Haga Haga.

The five-star boutique hotel offers panoramic views of its surrounds from nine guest rooms, including two executive rooms with private plunge pools. Executive conferencing is available for small groups. In addition, helicopter transfers are available from East London airport, which is 65km from the hotel.

Daily game drives are offered in an open 4x4 vehicle to spot a variety of wildlife. Other activities offered at the hotel include hiking and mountain biking, horse riding and Polaris off-road vehicle trails. Guests also have private access to the beach and lagoon as well as hiking trails. Whale and dolphin sightings are common between July and December. Deep-sea fishing and helicopter tours and transfers are available by prior arrangement.

The Spa offers three treatment rooms and a steam room, as well as a gymnasium, with a fitness instructor. Special children’s activities at Miarestate range from learning traditional Xhosa crafts and games to guided bush walks and beachcombing. Qunu day excursions are also on offer to learn more about the historical and cultural heritage of the area.

Source: Tourism Update (1 Jul)

03/07/2015

KRUGER ENFORCES DAY VISITOR QUOTA

The Kruger National Park is enforcing gate quotas for all day visitors from June 29 to July 17.

Day visitors are advised to pre-book entrance with the central reservations office or arrive early as the gates will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To pre-book entrance, visitors will have to pay a non-refundable deposit of R36 per adult and R18 per child.

The fee does not exempt visitors from paying the normal conservation fee but secures entry. Day visitors with advance bookings are expected to arrive at the gate before 13h00, after which the booking lapses.

Source: Tourism Update (2 Jul)

30/06/2015

RENOVATIONS BEGIN AT TIMBAVATI LODGE

River Lodge, part of the Simbavati Safari Lodges collection in the Timbavati Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park, is currently undergoing refurbishment.

Upgrades already completed at River Lodge include re-thatching the public areas and family chalets; the addition of a large floodlit waterhole directly in front of the main deck; and the enlargement and landscaping of the swimming pool area. The footpaths to the luxury tents have also been moved further away from the tents to provide more privacy.

The second phase will entail the systematic replacement and upgrade of the eight luxury tents and the redecoration of the public areas, all of which is expected to be completed by December. The planned upgrade will not affect the guest experience and the lodge will remain open during the entire period.

Simbavati Hilltop Lodge recently celebrated its first anniversary with upgrades that include the installation of daybeds at each of the eight tented suites, additional seating around the pool as well as public area decks on the lawn in front of the lodge.

Source: Tourism Update (30 Jun)

29/06/2015

TINTSWALO UNVEILS PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

The presidential suite at Tintswalo Safari Lodge has undergone renovation. The lodge is located in the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve concession in Mpumalanga.

The renovation saw the old kitchen completely removed and the lounge almost doubled in size. A brand-new kitchen has been built in an entirely new, separate area behind the lounge. As a result of the change, when the chef is preparing meals guests can enjoy privacy in the lounge or on the deck. The lounge is also quieter because the sounds of cooking and plating are in a separate room.

The suite maintains its colonial elegance, while some of the softs having been refurbished or given a face-lift. The lounge has been rearranged and opulently furnished according to its new spacious size.

Tintswalo’s Presidential suite offers two en-suite king suites with bush views, clawfoot tubs and indoor-outdoor showers; exclusive facilities including the kitchen, plunge pool, outdoor boma, deck and private service staff; as well as a private guide and a private vehicle for four guests.

Source: Tourism Update (26 Jun)

26/06/2015

PRIDE OF LIONS FOR GAME RESERVE

The Bongani Mountain Lodge, situated in the Mthethomusha Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, which is managed by AHA, recently released a pride of lions into the 8 000-hectare reserve.

The lions, captured in Sabie Park by the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Association, are part of a relocation programme. Two lionesses, aged three and six were successfully relocated, with one of the females giving birth to three lion cubs.

Source: Tourism Update (23 Jun)

25/06/2015

UPGRADES COMPLETED AT THORNYBUSH

Thornybush Game Lodge in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, has spent R1,7 million on soft upgrades to furniture, the main deck, dining area and reception.

A further R2,6 million will be spent this year, renewing the decking at Main Lodge, retiling all suite bathrooms and refurbishing en-suite bathrooms at Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp, and installing pool heaters in Simbambili suites.

An additional suite will be constructed at Jackalberry Lodge.

Source: Tourism Update (24 Jun)

24/06/2015

EAST LONDON, DURBAN ADDED TO FLYSAFAIR ROUTES

The South African low-cost carrier FlySafair has extended its route offering to include the east coast cities of East London and Durban. The routes were added to FlySafair's flight path after a public vote showed many travellers would make use of these routes.

The poll, which saw more than 20 000 South Africans voting for a new destination to be included in FlySafair's offering, East London to Cape Town proved to be the most pop**ar choice with Durban to Johannesburg coming second, Durban to Cape Town third and East London to Johannesburg fourth.

At first, FlySafair said it would add one new route to their SA offering, but the votes persuaded them to add both the East London and Durban routes.

Flying between Cape Town and East London, FlySafair will operate 2 flights daily (one inbound, one outbound). Between Cape Town and Durban they will operate 4 daily flights (two inbound and two outbound). From East London to Johannesburg there will be 4 flights daily during the week (two inbound and two outbound) and 2 flights daily on the weekends. Between Johannesburg and Durban FlySafair will now operate 8 flights daily (four inbound and four outbound).

The airline said in a statement they will be adding two additional Boeing 737-400 aircraft to their operational fleet to accommodate the extended schedule. This will bring their total fleet up to six aircraft.

New route tickets to East London (ELS) and Durban (DUR) tickets go on sale 22 July, for flights starting on 25 October 2015.

As per usual with FlySafair, no checked luggage is included in the base fare. Hand luggage up to 7kg is included in the price of your ticket, and extra luggage will be charged accordingly.

Source: News24 (23 Jun)

22/06/2015

AIR LINK TO PILANESBERG WELCOMED

Visitors to the North West province and Sun City Resort can now get there in a record time of 15 minutes from Gauteng, following the introduction of scheduled flights from Joburg to Pilanesberg.

The move was made possible by a trilateral agreement between Sun International, South African Express Airways and the North West provincial government. It includes flights from Cape Town, which will cover the distance in just two hours.

The return flights into Pilanesberg from OR Tambo and Cape Town International airport are available three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A return ticket from Joburg would set travellers back R2 200, while flights from Cape Town will cost R3 000. There is a possibility of more frequent flights being added at a later stage.

From Pretoria, people who would normally have to drive the 143km trip in more than an hour to reach Sun City can now head to Joburg and fly to Pilanesberg, which would be less than three-quarters of the time.

Source: iol.co.za (22 Jun)

19/06/2015

DRAKENSBERG ROADS GET AN UPGRADE

The R74 road between Harrismith and Oliviershoek, the gateway to the Drakensberg, and the Sani Pass road are both undergoing reconstruction.

The pothole-riddled R74 has been in the news repeatedly as the bad state of the road led to the closure of several tourism establishments in the area. After numerous delays which lasted several years, work on the R74 has now finally taken off. Edwin Construction is in charge of the project.

Vaughn Piccione, of Berghouse and Cottages, says the R74 is finally receiving attention from Edwins Construction. Piccione says he is hopeful the contract will be completed within the promised 24 months as this will definitely boost tourism. However, not everyone has welcomed the tarring of the cultural Sani Pass road.

Philip Grant, of Southern Secrets Hiking and Backpacking in Lesotho, says the upgraded road will undoubtedly boost tourism to Lesotho via the Sani Pass. However, he warns that the tourist profile will change from those seeking adventure and cultural interaction tourism to visitors wanting more comfort and facilities. “It may reduce the cultural attractions of this part of the Lesotho Highlands to a ‘human zoo’ with negative implications for the rural traditional culture and the people’s self esteem. This will mean that visitors seeking ‘adventure and cultural interaction’ (mainly overseas tourists) will have to find and visit more isolated areas of Lesotho.”

Source: Tourism Update (17 Jun)

17/06/2015

REDESIGN OF SINGITA EBONY LODGE COMPLETED

Singita will unveil the Singita Ebony Lodge, situated on the Sabi River, this month after its complete redesign.

The new lodge will have 12 suites, each with its own private pool. The existing walls in the safari-style tent suites were replaced by canvas and glass to maximise the views. The dining and relaxation deck will extend over the river bank.

Singita renovated Singita Boulders in 2014 and Singita Castleton in 2013.

Source: Tourism Update (15 Jun)

15/06/2015

SKYWISE EXPANDS FLEET, ADDS ROUTES

Skywise airline will be adding new routes as it increases its fleet in order to offer more value for domestic travellers. In a press release it said it was strengthening its position to increase its flight frequency between Johannesburg and Cape Town. The increased capacity would come into effect from August 2015.

The airline also announced that it was expanding its fleet with the latest aircraft acquisition being a Boeing 737 series.

Skywise said it aimed to strengthen its value offering to passengers “without having to increase the price of a ticket”.

Source: News24 (12 Jun)