Jack s Camp wins four Good Safari Guide Awards!

 
Uncharted Africa Safari co. is delighted to announce that Jack's Camp scooped four Good Safari Guide Awards at INDABA 2009!
Jack's Camp, a subsidiary of Uncharted Africa Safari co. was voted by other tour operators as The Best Safari Camp in Southern Africa,Best Safari Camp in Africa, Best Safari Camp Guiding Team, and retained the Best Ecological Safari Camp award it won last year.
We thank everyone for their much appreciated support, and we will continue providing all our Guests with what they never knew they wanted!

Credit: Uncharted Africa Safari co

TKZN launches tourism site

Tourism KwaZulu Natal's New Website,
http://www.tourism-kzn.org is part of a joint partnership between various tourism authorities in South Africa, including Cape Town Routes Unlimited, Gauteng Tourism and Mpumalanga Tourism.
"The core reasons for the partnerships are economies of scale and broader reach. We have been able to share much of the costs of the technology behind the site and realise that it will be mutually beneficial to promote the partners through each of our sites" says General Manager of Tourism Information Services at TKZN, James Seymour.
The new site is based on an international system with the intention to make a destination management system that is more visually appealing and user-friendly.
The site features real-time booking systems, Web 2.0 technology such as satellite and electronic maps, preference centre forms to capture contact details and needs of users into a customer relationship marketing database, and interactive media such as web cams and online videos.
"The site has been a long time in development. The intention was to build a system that ensures tourism authorities in South Africa are aligned and operating on a higher level," says Seymour.
Furture plans for the site include more Web 2.0 features such as blogs, more advanced real-time booking systems for all tourism services, shopping carts designed to tailor make packages, and an extensive network of touch screens to access portals.

Credit: Tourism Update Mag May 2009

2009 KZN WILDLIFE GAME AUCTION 16 May 2009

EZEMVELO KZN WILDLIFE
MEDIA RELEASE No: 2009 - 05
2009 KZN WILDLIFE GAME AUCTION 16 May 2009
For Immediate release
The 2009 Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Auction, held at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World near Ballito, north of Durban on Saturday 16 May 2009, was a resounding success with the 1 625 animals on offer being sold for a total of R13.07 million.
20 blue wildebeest, 60 impala and 60 nyala came off the Makasa Community Conservation.
The Auction was supported by 73 registered buyers and their families as well as interested members of the public and iNkosi Zwelinzima Gumede from the Makasa community neighbouring the Mkhuze Game Reserve.
Top prices paid for various species were amongst others:
White rhino:R405 000
Zebra: R5 300
Nyala: R13 000
Hippo: R38 000
Dassies: R520

“We are delighted with the excellent result of the 2009 Game Auction which has once again shown that the South African game industry appreciates the quality of the animals we offer,” said EKZNW CEO Dr Bandile Mkhize.
“The benefits flowing from this event are many, and include a R13.07 million cash injection into our operating budget, and the dispersal of prime genetic material from our protected areas to private land holdings around South Africa,” he said.
“This provides a bio-diversity conservation benefit as well as providing attractive animals for game viewing by eco-tourists,” he said.
“I would like to thank the many buyers who supported our Game Auction and made it the great success it was,” said Dr Mkhize.
Animals sold on the KZN Wildlife Game Auction are surplus to the needs of the many protected areas under the management of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The animals are captured by the EKZNW Game Capture Unit, arguably one of the top game capture units in the world and whose well-trained staff take extreme care about the welfare of the animals being caught.

Credit: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

KWA MARITANE in the Pilanesberg reopens on 25th Birthday

The reopening of Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, situated in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, on May 1, after the devastating fire last year, was met with great jubilation from both staff, and guests who have made the lodge their holiday home over the last 25 years.

World Travel Awards - Africa 2009

World Travel Awards - Africa 2009 It is with a great pleasure that we announce the winners of the 16th World Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide. The 2009 World Travel Award Winners for Africa are:

Africa's Leading Airline
South African Airways
Africa's Leading Airport
Tambo International Airport, South Africa
Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel
Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, South Africa
Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand
Mantis Collection
Africa's Leading Budget/Low Cost Carrier
1time
Africa's Leading Business Car Rental Company
Avis
Africa's Leading Business Hotel
Sandton Sun
Africa's Leading Business Travel Agency
Travel with Flair
Africa's Leading Car Hire
Europcar
Africa's Leading Casino Resort
The Palace of the Lost City, South Africa
Africa's Leading City Tourist Board
Johannesburg Tourism Company
Africa's Leading Conference Centre
International Convention Centre Durban, South Africa
Africa's Leading Conference Hotel
Kempinski Hotel Djibouti
Africa's Leading Conservation Company
Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa
Africa's Leading Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Africa's Leading Destination
Cape Town
Africa's Leading Family Resort
Sun City Resort, South Africa
Africa's Leading Game Reserve Brand
Mantis Collection
Africa's Leading Golf Resort
Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, South Africa
Africa's Leading Green Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel, Kenya
Africa's Leading Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa
Africa's Leading Hotel Brand
Starwood Hotels
Africa's Leading Luxury Hotel
Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa
Africa's Leading Luxury Lodge
Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Africa's Leading Luxury Train
The Blue Train
Africa's Leading Marketing Campaign
South Africa Tourism, It's Possible
Africa's Leading Port
Cape Town (Port)
Africa's Leading Resort
Sun City Resort, South Africa
Africa's Leading Responsible Tourism Company
Nkwichi Lodge
Africa's Leading Safari Lodge
Shamwari Game Reserve
Africa's Leading Spa Resort
Fordoun Spa, Hotel & Restaurant, South Africa
Africa's Leading Sports Resort
Zimbali Lodge & Country Club - South Africa
Africa's Leading Suite
Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, South Africa
Africa's Leading Tourism Development Project
Legend Golf & Safari Resort
Africa's Leading Tourist Board
South Africa Tourism
Africa's Leading Town House Hotel
Shamwari Town House
Africa's Leading Travel Agency
Club Travel, South Africa
Africa's Leading Travel Exhibition
INDABA
Africa's Leading Travel Management Company
Travel with Flair South Africa
Africa's Leading Villa
Queen Cleopatra Villa, Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Botswana
Botswana's Leading Hotel
Gaborone Sun
Botswana's Leading Resort
Grand Palm Hotel Casino Resort
Botswana's Leading Safari Lodge
Tuli Safari Lodge

Cameroon
Cameroon's Leading Hotel
Le Meridien Douala

Cape Verde
Cape Verde's Leading Hotel
Morabeza Hotel

Egypt
Egypt's Leading Business Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the Nile Plaza
Egypt's Leading Golf Resort
MARITIM Jolie Ville Golf & Resort Sharm El Sheikh
Egypt's Leading Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence
Egypt's Leading Resort
Savoy Sharm El Sheikh
Egypt's Leading Spa Resort
Grand Rotana Resort and Spa, Sharm el Sheikh

Gabon
Gabon's Leading Hotel
InterContinental Libreville

Gambia
Gambia's Leading Hotel
Coconut Residence

Ghana
Ghana's Leading Hotel
Golden Tulip Accra Hotel

Kenya
Kenya's Leading Golf Resort
Windsor Golf & Country Club
Kenya's Leading Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Kenya's Leading Resort
Mt. Kenya Safari Club
Kenya's Leading Safari Lodge
Finch Hattons

Morocco
Morocco's Leading Boutique Hotel
Kasbah Tamadot, Marrakech
Morocco's Leading Golf Resort
The Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort
Morocco's Leading Hotel
Le Royal Mansour Méridien
Morocco's Leading Resort
Hotel le Berbere Palace
Morocco's Leading Spa Resort
Angsana Riads Marrakech

Mozambique
Mozambique's Leading Hotel
Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa
Mozambique's Leading Resort
Medjumbe Island Resort

Namibia
Namibia's Leading Hotel
Hotel Heinitzburg
Namibia's Leading Spa Resort
Le Mirage Desert Lodge & Spa

Nigeria
Nigeria's Leading Business Hotel
Eko Hotel & Suites
Nigeria's Leading Hotel
Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt

South Africa
South Africa's Leading Beach Hotel
The Long Beach, South Africa
South Africa's Leading Boutique Hotel
Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa
South Africa's Leading Business Hotel
Sandton Sun
South Africa's Leading Game Reserve Brand
Mantis Collection
South Africa's Leading Golf Resort
Fancourt Hotel & Country Club
South Africa's Leading Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel
South Africa's Leading Resort
Sun City Resort
South Africa's Leading Spa Resort
Fordoun Spa, Hotel & Restaurant
South Africa's Leading Travel Management Company
Travel with Flair
South Africa's Leading Villa
Ellerman Villa

Swaziland
Swaziland's Leading Hotel
The Royal Villas

Tanzania
Tanzania's Leading Hotel
Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's Leading Resort
Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort
Tanzania's Leading Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Togo
Togo's Leading Hotel
Corinthia 2 Fevrier Hotel

Tunisia
Tunisia's Leading Business Hotel
Les Berges du Lac Concorde
Tunisia's Leading Hotel
Le Royal Hammamet
Tunisia's Leading Resort
The Residence Tunis
Tunisia's Leading Spa Resort
The Residence Tunis

Zambia
Zambia's Leading Hotel
The Royal Livingstone
Zambia's Leading Safari Lodge
The Islands of Siankaba

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's Leading Hotel
The Stanley and Livingstone Hotel
Zimbabwe's Leading Resort
Leopard Rock Hotel, Casino & Golf Resort
Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge

Full list goto World Travel Awards - Africa 2009

The Good Safari Guide Awards 2009

The Good Safari Guide Awards - peer group recognition of outstanding achievements in the safari industry.
The Good Safari Guide Award Ceremony 2009
The Gala Dinner took place at the Hilton Durban, on Friday 8th May 2009 (the first night of Indaba) at 7.30pm. During the evening the winners in 16 categories were announced:

The 2009 Award Results
Best Safari Camp in Africa
Winner
Jack's Camp

Best Safari Camp in Southern Africa
Winner
Jack's Camp

Nominees
Amakhala Safari Lodge (RSA), Amakhosi Safari Lodge (RSA), Ants Hill (RSA), Ants Nest (RSA), Chiawa Camp (Zambia), Jack's Camp (Botswana), Kwando Lagoon (Botswana), Nkorho Bush Lodge (RSA), Notten's Camp (RSA), Royal Zambezi Lodge (Zambia), Samara Private Game Reserve (RSA), Singita Boulders Lodge

Best Safari Camp in Eastern AfricaWinner
Elsa's Kopje

Nominees
Beho Beho (Tanzania), Cottars 1920's Camp (Kenya), Elsa's Kopje (Kenya), Hatari Lodge (Tanzania), Satao Camp (Kenya), Sayari Camp (Tanzania), Serian Camp (Kenya), Sirikoi Tented Camp (Kenya)

Best Safari HouseWinner
Luangwa Safari House

Nominees
Kifaru House, Kwandwe Uplands Homestead, Laragai House, Luangwa Safari House, Morukuru Lodge, Phinda Getty House, Shiwa Ngandu, Singita Castleton Camp, The Manor at Samara

Best Safari HotelWinner
Ngong House

Nominees
Baraza Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club, Mount Meru Game Lodge, Ngong House, Oyster Bay Lodge, The Manor at Ngorongoro

Best Mobile Safari
Winner
Robin Pope Safaris

Nominees
Karibu Safaris, Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris, Okavango Voyagers, Robin Pope Safaris, Uncharted Africa Mobile Safari Expeditions, Walking Wild

Best Riding SafariWinner
African Horseback Safaris

Nominees
African Horseback Safaris, Ants Nest, Camp Jabulani, Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris, Ride Kenya, Singita Grumeti Reserves Riding Safaris, Sosian Ranch, Varden Safaris

Best Ecological Safari Camp
Winner
Jack's Camp

Nominees
Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Amboseli Porini Camp, Camp Jabulani, Chiawa Camp, Jack's Camp, Kutandala, Lemala Camp Ngorongoro, Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Nottens Bush Camp, Satao Elerai

Best Community Safari CampWinner
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Nominees
Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Amboseli Porini Camp, Chiawa Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Grootbos, Hatari Lodge, Lemala Camp Ngorongoro, Sarara Tented Camp, Shompole

Best New Safari CampWinner
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nominees
Alex Walker's Serian, Bush Lodge (Amakhala), Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Lemala Camp Ngorongoro, Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Mhondoro Game Lodge, Satao Elerai, Zafara Camp

Best Beach Safari Camp
Winner
Fundu Lagoon

Nominees
Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Amboseli Porini Camp, Camp Jabulani, Chiawa Camp, Jack's Camp, Kutandala, Lemala Camp Ngorongoro, Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Nottens Bush Camp, Satao Elerai

Best Safari Accommodation GroupWinner
Singita Game Reserves

Nominees
&Beyond, Amakhala Game Reserve, Desert & Delta Safaris, Elewana Afrika, Kwando Safaris, Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Singita Game Reserves, Wilderness Safaris

Best Safari Camp SpaWinner
Royal Malewane

Nominees
Notten's Bush Camp, Royal Malewane, Royal Zambezi, Saruni Camp (Mara), Singita Boulders Lodge

Best Safari Camp Guiding TeamWinner
Jack's Camp

Nominees
Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Chiawa Camp, Cottars 1920's Camp, Jack's Camp, Kutandala, Kwando Lagoon, Kwando Lebala

Best Safari Camp Cuisine
Winner
Singita Boulders Lodge

Nominees
Amakhosi Safari Lodge, Chiawa Camp, Jack's Camp, Kutandala, Lemala Camp Ngorongoro, Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Mhondoro Game Lodge, Singita Boulders Lodge

Best African Tourism BoardWinner
Kenya Tourist Board
Nominees
Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia
Credit: The Good Safari Guide http://www.goodsafariguide.com

Thanda Private Game Reserve takes double honours at 2009 World Travel Awards

Thanda Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal has taken top honours at the 15th annual World Travel Awards. At the glittering ceremony held in Durban last night, Thanda won esteemed awards for `South Africa´s Leading Safari Lodge´, and `Africa´s Leading Luxury Lodge´ for the third consecutive year. The awards were presented at the Africa Gala Ceremony during this year´s tourism Indaba in Durban, South Africa. The evening was hosted by local celebrity MC and inspirational speaker Gerry Rantseli-Elsdon. Guests were entertained by Boney M´s Maizie Williams and South Africa´s all-girl electric string quartet Sterling EQ. Princess Nandi Zulu attended the event in support of Thanda.

Managing Director of Thanda Private Game Reserve, and CEO of Thanda Group, Pierre Delvaux was thrilled with Thanda´s achievements, "It is with enormous pride, honour and humility that I accept these awards on behalf of Thanda Private Game Reserve, especially `Africa´s Leading Luxury Lodge´, which has been awarded to us for the third year running.
Although achieving awards for outstanding service and an amazing product has become synonymous with Thanda since its opening in 2004, we are forever mindful of the challenge of being able to maintain such standards and even higher expectations from guests and the trade alike. Competition is incredibly tough due to the number of world class destinations in Africa which means that we can never allow ourselves to become complacent. Essentially, what it amounts to is the experience that tour agents and operators and guests discover when they visit and stay at Thanda. I believe that service excellence is a state of mind, a consciousness that transcends formal hospitality training. This is what makes the difference: being able to anticipate what guests want. I would therefore like to thank the committed and passionate marketing and sales staff led by Anita Vernes as well as the dynamic and service-minded special staff at the lodge, led by GM Dr Tim Allen-Rowlandson. These are the magic people who make a difference and enable `team work to make the dream work´. I would lastly like to thank all the tour agents, operators and guests as well as Graham Cooke who leads the World Travel Awards and who oversees a distinguished international operation. I am truly grateful for all of their ongoing support."

The World Travel Awards was established in 1994 to recognise and reward outstanding achievements within the global travel industry and the awards are endorsed by celebrities, travel trade and press from around the world. The awards have been hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the `Oscars of the travel industry´, and winners are nominated by over 40 000 travel trade professionals world-wide.

Thanda Private Game Reserve is currently the only game reserve in the world to hold Leading Hotels of the World status.
Five-star facilities include the opulent main lodge, non-electrified tented camp, award-winning wellness centre, the cultural showcase Vula Zulu, as well the newly-introduced exclusive-use royal suite.

Thanda´s World Travel Awards History:
Winner of `Leading Safari in South Africa´ category in the 2006 World Travel Awards
Winner of `Africa´s Leading Luxury Lodge´ in the 2007 World Travel Awards
Winner of 'Africa´s Leading Luxury Lodge' and 'South Africa's Leading Safari Lodge' in the 2008 World Travel Awards
Winner of 'Africa´s Leading Luxury Lodge' and 'South Africa's Leading Safari Lodge' in the 2009 World Travel Awards

From left: Miss South Africa 2009 Tatum Keshwar, Thanda MD Pierre Delvaux, Marketing Director Anita Vernes and GM Dr Tim Allen-Rowlandson.