FEATURE LUXURY AFRICAN LODGES
JAMES WESTRIP, African Collection “With the recent weakening of the rand
South Africa is once more offering great value for money. In terms of pure- luxury lodges South Africa has the best range of choices. Mozambique has some great barefoot luxury lodges on the beach and Zanzibar now offers a good selection of luxury beach lodges."
ALISON SCOTT Commercial director Elegant Resorts “South Africa is a great
Private Game Reserve has opened a smaller sister camp, Motswari Private Camp, to international visitors. In Kenya Serena Hotels opened a
new tented safari camp in 2011 in the Soysambu Conservancy in the Great Rift Valley. Activities include walking safaris, hot-air ballooning and watching birdlife from lakeside hides. In Mozambique Azura at Quilalea
re-opened last November after a six- month renovation project that saw an upgrade to its nine luxurious villas. Experiences at Azure can include being greeted on arrival by a Hawksbill Turtle laying eggs on the main beach.
Tourism Talk DAWN PARR
UK manager Botswana Tourism "The most lasting
impressions of Botswana are of vast expanses of uninhabited wilderness stretching from horizon to horizon; the sensation of limitless space; astoundingly rich wildlife and bird viewing; night skies littered with stars and stunning sunsets. When combined with impressive cultural tourism options and stays in intimate luxury camps and lodges this is a country without parallel."
CHILALA MAYANDA HABASIMBI First secretary – Tourism Zambia Tourism Board
"Zambia is a fabulous and unique destination for those who want to experience real wildlife-watching in an environment that provides luxury and intimacy. Parks like South and North
Top: A private dinner for two at Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa; Sanctuary Olonana, in the Masai Mara, Kenya
40 January 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi are not congested, accommodation facilities are restricted and the tour guides are among the best. Agents can book in the knowledge that their clients are guaranteed a wildlife experience that will live with them forever.”
From The Front Line LISA FISHER
Product manager Rainbow Tours “Ngoma and Kuzuma are
new lodges in the Chobe, Botswana, a destination that’s an excellent safari choice and within easy reach of Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe). Both properties are great choices as they are in separate private areas with no other lodges around them, so offer the best of both worlds – luxury accommodation with an authentic safari experience.”
JOHN KNIGHTON African Pride “Africa is obviously vast and agents can choose
from a large number of highly-rated lodges, all with their own special character. In KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, Thanda is quite outstanding, as is MalaMala for its game, natural bush character and top rangers, and Singita, Lion Sands and Royal Malewane for their stunning accommodation.”
all-round destination for safaris and key sellers are luxury lodges in the Kruger, including Singita Boulders, Ulusaba and Leopard Hills. These properties have built a well-deserved reputation for excellent game drives, wildlife and service. Botswana's luxury product has increased as has overall awareness of the destination.”
Where To Book It RAINBOW TOURS – 020 7666 1250
www.rainbowtours.co.uk Seven nights at Ngoma Safari Lodge, Botswana, start from £3,490pp based on two sharing. The package includes return flights from London-Heathrow to Kasane, Botswana, via Johannesburg, meals, local-brand beverages, two scheduled safari activities per day and is valid for travel January–May 2012. Seven nights at Camp Kuzuma, also in Botswana, are from £2,795pp.
TRAVEL 2
www.travel2.com Four nights at Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, South Africa, starts at £3275pp, including return flights to Cape Town and internal flights. Book by March 31 2012 for travel from January 10-July 15 2012. A three-day luxury Masai Mara fly-in safari, at Olonana Tented camp, starts from £1599pp, on a full-board basis including return flights to Nairobi. Bookings by March 31 2012 for travel between April 15-June 15 2012.
AFRICAN PRIDE 01904 619428
www.african-pride.co.uk A seven-night Botswana twin-centre, with four nights at Nxabega Okavango Delta Camp and three nights at Sandibe Okavango Safari Camp costs from £5,796pp, including all flights. For travel between May and October 2012. •
LUXURY LODGES Top Selling Tips...
• Priceless....... “Agents should not be afraid to discuss going for higher grade accommodation – most visitors look upon their first visit to Africa as being a trip of a lifetime and will be willing to pay that little bit extra for something really special”
JOHN KNIGHTON African Pride
• The Real Deal....... “Many African lodges are currently offering better deals for longer stays, so encourage your guests to stay longer – not only will they get a fabulous deal but they will be able to truly enjoy the luxury on offer at a leisurely pace”
JAMES WE STRIP, African Collection
• Speak to an expert....... “Agents need to know the African luxury lodge product well or speak to an operator who does know it well. For many Africa involves a big investment, so getting it exactly right for the customer is absolutely key"
ALISON SCOTT commercial director, Elegant Resorts
• Pay a Visit...... “Agents should try to visit as many properties as possible They all look great on the website, but first-hand feedback is invaluable. Being able to let clients know what they can expect of the lodge, the staff, and the overall experience will reassure them that the expense will be worthwhile” Sally anD
alice.com
• The Romance Factor....... “Stress to clients that there are few experiences more romantic than staying in an African reserve surrounded by wilderness and at one with the wildlife – but without compromising on comfort or luxury"
AMY SHINE, product manager, North America and Long Haul, Cosmos
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