Unusual Destinations Blog

Dear travel friends

Enjoy the many specials currently on offer (updated 25 Mar 2009):

• Mozambique [PDF: 909kb]
• Reunion [PDF: 1.2mb]
• Seychelles [PDF: 1.2mb]
• Zanzibar [PDF: 1.3mb]
• Other specials (opens new web page)

We have a new quoting system for travel agents, give us your feedback on the layout.

We have also joined the popular and rapidly growing social networking tool, Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing you at Indaba!
The Unusual Destinations team

Terminal name change at O.R. Tambo International Airport

O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg has made the decision to make Terminal A and Terminal B multi-use so that they can be used to process international and domestic flights interchangeably.

Signage will no longer refer to the terminals as either domestic or international. Signs will refer only to Terminal A (previously the international terminal) or Terminal B (previously the domestic terminal).

At the beginning of April 2009 when the new multi-use departures hall in Terminal B opens, some airlines will process both international and domestic passengers from the new facility. They include:

• SAA, Express and Airlink
• Air Madagascar
• Rwandair Express
• Air Tanzania; and
• Air Mauritius

For the foreseeable future the check-in counters in Terminal A will continue to be used for international flights only.

Visitors will now need to know which terminal their airline of choice is operating from. Passengers should obtain this information at the time of booking their tickets.

Madagascar

Visa news: From Monday 20 April 2009 the entry visa for Madagascar for stays of 1 month and less will be free until 31 December 2009.

Anjajavy Resort – Relais & Chateaux Hotel **** (read more)

7 nights. First & last night in Tana at the Pavillon de l’Emyrne (B&B) and 5 nights at Anjajavy (full board).

• 20-30 Apr: R29 465
• 1 May – 25 Jun: R25 283
• 16 Jul – 31 Oct: R33 520

Chanty Beach Guesthouse (Nosy Be) ** (read more)

7 nights. First night in Tana at the Pavillon de L’Emyrne (B&B) and 6 nights at Chanty Beach Guesthouse in a standard room (dinner, bed and breakfast).

• 20 Apr – 25 Jun: R10 784
• 26 Jun – 31 Jul: R11 297
• 1 Aug – 31 Oct: R11 769

Nosy Sakatia (off Nosy Be): Sakatia Lodge *** (read more)

7 nights. First night in Tana at the Pavillon de L’Emyrne (B&B) and 6 nights at Sakatia Lodge in a Ocean Bungalow (dinner, bed and breakfast). Free night special: Pay for 5 nights & stay for 6. Valid 20 Apr – 31 Jul 2009.Other specials: pay for 10 nights and stay for 14.

• 20 Apr – 25 Jun: R11 995
• 26 Jun – 31 Jul: R12 505
• 1 Aug – 31 Oct: R13 503

Pavillon de L’Emyrne ** (read more)

We are receiving fantastic reductions for Pavillon de L’Emyrne in Antananarivo.

Princesse Bora ***+ (Sainte Marie): New Jungle Spa (read more)

• Promotion from 4 April – 30 June 2009: One free treatment per person, per day (massages, peels, baths, manicures, pedicures).
• Spa hours: 10:00 to 20:00.

Tsara Komba Lodge (Nosy Be) *** (read more)

• Any double room booked for a minimum of 5 nights from 1 April – 30 June 2009: Receive an extra 2 nights free.
• Any double room booked for a minimum stay of 5 nights between 1 July and 31 December 2009: Receive 1 free night. This special applies to bookings confirmed between 15 March and 31 May 2009.
• Offers are subject to availability.

Vanila Hotel (Nosy Be) ***+ (read more)

On 1 August 2009 the following will be available:

• An additional 16 ocean rooms, increasing the total number to 57.
• 200m spa offering clients a taste of Asian, Moroccan and Malagasy treatments.
• Four outside Jacuzzis opening onto a garden, a hammam, four massage rooms and a pressure water shower managed by professionals.
• A third beach restaurant and lounge bar (which will replace the Grill Del Sol restaurant) serving Malagasy cuisine and specialising in fresh sea food.
• And for the benefit of English guests, there is a bilingual food and beverage manager.

In the evening enjoy local bands, crafts and exhibitions. Also opening is a mini club with a private garden, educational games, table tennis, etc. Other facilities: Pool table, internet access, library, videos, and baby sitting on request.

Vanila Hotel honeymoon special

• For stays of more than 3 nights honeymooners will be upgraded to a Honeymoon or Prestige suites (subject to availability), and
• Receive a welcome gift or flowers
• One romantic dinner near the pool, and
• A cocktail will be offered for a romantic moment.
• For stays more than 5 nights, a special couple package will be offered in our new spa (jacuzzi, hammam, and traditional essential oil massage).

Vanila Hotel: Groups and Incentives

• Stay for a minimum of three nights and one person out of every 15 stays free;
• On request, private restaurant for special parties, welcome open bar, conference area access.

Vanila Hotel: Family Stays

• Children under 12 receive a 50% discount.
• Children under 3 stay for free (in an extra bed, sharing a room with their parents).
• For stays longer than 5 nights: An excursion on the island of Sakatia will be offered to families (minimum 3 family members – parents with one child or 1 parent with 2 children. Enjoy the lemurs, private beach, sea-food lunch, beach games, snorkeling, etc.

Mozambique

New LAM flight schedule to Pemba (from 29 March 2009)

Tuesday and Saturday: Pemba/Nairobi/PembaWednesday and Sunday: Pemba/Dar-es-Salaam/PembaTuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Johannesburg/PembaMonday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Pemba/Johannesburg

Londo Lodge **** (read more)

Free unlimited home reef diving when you book a minimum 4 night stay. Offer is valid this whole summer and in combination with the pay for 5 nights and stay for 7. Free night special until 30 Jun 2009: Pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.

Quilalea **** (Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique) (read more)

Quilálea was sold by the Hewlett’s in September 2008 to new owner, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, a prominent South African businessman. Due to financial regulations the official transfer only took place last week and Mr Sexwale has been unable to make any upgrades or changes during the past few months.

From 1 May 2009, the island will be closed for an extensive refurbishment. Once it reopens (possibly August) it will be sold on an exclusive-use basis only. Contact Caroline at Classic Retreats (caroline@classicretreats.com) for further information.

Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa (Bazaruto Island) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers (applicable to Beach Chalets only)

• Children’s special from 17 Mar – 31 Dec 2009. A maximum of one child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.
• Reduced single and double room rates from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug -22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8 nights and stay for 10.

Family offer from 1 Feb – 10 May 2009

• Complimentary upgrade to a luxury Bay View Villa for families of 2 adults and 1 or 2 children (under 18 years). The villas consist of two rooms with an en-suite bathroom and a private plunge pool.

Matemo (Quirimbas) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers

• Children’s special from 17 Mar – 31 Dec 2009. A maximum of one child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.
• Reduced single and double room rates from 15 Mar – 9 Apr and 14Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8 nights and stay for 10.

Family offer: valid 1 Feb – 10 May 2009

• One child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.

Medjumbe (Quirimbas) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers

• Reduced single and double room rates from 15Mar – 9Apr and 14Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8  nights and stay for 10.

Seychelles

Denis Island **** introduces ‘Belle Etoile’ villas (read more)

The villa Belle Etoile will replace the current beachfront cottage category by the end of September 2009. One Villa is currently available which will be followed by 12 more.

The 150m² villas will be furnished with colourful contemporary décor, and will have private beachfront access, sun lounges, an extended sea-facing private deck and sala. A range of conveniences will include an Ipod docking station. Bathrooms will open onto a private courtyard with alfresco shower and private massage and wellness zone.

Desroches Island ***** (read more)

All inclusive package from 31Oct 2009: 3 meals a day, tea and coffee, water and soft drinks, local beers, choice of 3 white and 3 red house wines and non premium brand spirits.

Labriz Silhouette Seychelles (private island) ***** (read more)

Labriz has launched a “free partner” offer for all stays between 1 April and 31 July 2009. This offer applies to the villa rate, half board meal supplement and boat transfers.

La Reserve (Praslin) **** (read more)

Special discounted rates apply from 14 Apr – 20 Dec 2009. Long stay offers (can be combined with the honeymoon and seniors specials, but not with the wedding incentives package):

• Pay for 5 nights and stay for 6.
  Valid 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009; 4 Jan – 30 Jul & 28 Aug – 31 Oct 2010.
• Pay for 10 nights and stay for 12. Valid 1 Nov – 31 Oct 2010.

La Reserve Honeymoon specials (can be combined with the long stay and senior’s specials):

• 30% discount off the bride’s accommodation. Valid 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009 & 4 Jan – 31 Oct 2010.
• From 1 Nov 2009 – 31 Oct 2010: Receive a free upgrade depending on availability at the time of arrival. A special seafood dinner with a carafe of wine on a Thursday; a t-shirt and pareo.

La Reserve Wedding incentives (cannot be combined with other promotions). Valid from 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009; 4 Jan – 26 Mar 2010; 10 Apr – 30 Jul 2010; and 28 Aug – 31 Oct 2010. Applies to couples getting married at the Hotel (minimum stay is 6 nights):

• Free accommodation for the bride on the meal plan booked.
• No charge for wedding services; and free dressed location.

La Reserve Seniors package:

• All clients over 60 receive a bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in the room.
• This special can be combined with all other specials.

Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie (La Digue Island) *** (read more)

Since the beginning of 2009 Le Domaine has reopened its existing villas which have been upgraded: Terraces have been replaced with new timber; interiors and exteriors have been repainted; all villas have thatched roofs; bathrooms have been renovated and have new shower areas.

In addition to the 10 existing Garden villas, Le Domaine is expecting to have 39 new Chalet villas including Elegance Chalet villas and 1 Presidential villa. Villa 101 remains closed until further notice.

The entry access has been completely renovated and work was scheduled for March 2009 to extend the interior access road up to the first 16 villas. Major renovations around the existing hotel are complete and Le Domaine is not expecting anymore disturbances.

Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove specials (Mahe) ***** (read more)

• Free night from 1 Aug – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.
• Free night from 3 Mar – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6.
• Honeymoon special from 1 May – 31 Jul and 1 Sep – 31 Oct 2009. Minimum stay is 4 nights. 10% discount per couple on the accommodation. Complimentary bottle of rum and 20% discount on a massage.
• Special long stay offer from 1 May – 31 Jul 2009. Pay for 5 nights and stay for 6 or pay for 12 nights and stay for 14.
• Specials cannot be combined.

Zanzibar

Mapenzi Beach Club **** (read more)

Mapenzi will close for seasonal maintenance work from 26 April – 7 July 2009. All confirmed reservations will be upgraded free of charge at Neptune Pwani in the Sea-view room category. For the closure period Mapenzi Beach can continue to be sold at confirmed contract rates, with a guaranteed free upgrade at Neptune Pwani the Sea-view room category.

Planhotel Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa **** (read more)

Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 or stay for 10 nights and pay for 8, with a free upgrade to a sea-side deluxe room. Package includes:

• Accommodation.
• All-inclusive meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non/alcoholic drinks).
• Morning and afternoon snacks and tea.
• Daily recreation and evening entertainment.
• Beach Volley.
• Morning and afternoon water gym.
• All taxes including government Service Tax.

Offer is valid from 1 June – 31 October 2009, and is valid for new bookings only. Rooms are on request, subject to availabilty and pre-booking.

ZanAir – Great News!

From 1 July 2009 ZanAir will introduce a daily late night connecting flight from Dar-es-Salaam to Zanzibar for passengers arriving on SAA.

Another additional flight is from Dar-es-Salaam to Mafia return, which will make it easier to sell Mafia Island with Kinasi and Chole Mijini.

From 15 June 2009 there will be 2 new flights: Dar-es-Salaam/Mafia return (connections to/from Zanzibar and Pemba are available). There will also be a new flight Zanzibar/Mombasa return (connections to Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha and Pemba are available). Promotional fares to be announced by the end of April 2009.

Also from 15 June 2009: B4 111 will be rescheduled from 12:15 to 14:45 (Dar-es-Salaam/Zanzibar). All passengers booked on B4 111 which currently operates at 12:15 will be transferred to B4 302 at no extra cost.

ZanAir will also be adding one more flight (B4 302) Dar-es-Salaam – Zanzibar at 11:15.

Airlink Moves Check-in Counters at O.R. Tambo International Airport

From 1 April 2009 all passengers travelling on Airlink’s regional and domestic flights will check-in at the same terminal – Terminal B (counters B89 – B101) at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

This means that Airlink will no longer operate its check-in desks for regional flights in Terminal A (previously known as the international terminal).

Passengers arriving on an Airlink regional flight will clear customs and immigration at Terminal A, and domestic passengers will arrive at Terminal B. Passengers connecting to international flights should proceed to Terminal A.

Airlink domestic flights

Check-in is 1½ hours before flight departure. Flight closes 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding commences 30 minutes prior to departure and closes 15 minutes before departure.

Airlink regional flights

Check-in is 2 hours before flight departure. Flight closes 50 minutes prior to departure. Boarding commences 40 minutes prior to departure and closes 20 minutes before departure.

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Please note that the La Gemma Dell’Est swimming pool will be closed from 16 – 30 May for necessary maintenance work.

Sited on the north-western shores at Nungwi and two hours drive from the airport, this luxurious resort is set in exotic and colourful tropical gardens and waterfalls. Modern and comfortable deluxe accommodation are designed for the most discerning traveller. Their 138 rooms are as follows. All rooms are sea-facing and have lovely verandas.

Deluxe rooms (93) – three storey terrace buildings and built in rows. Facilities: King-size or twin beds, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden veranda opening onto grass with sea and sunset views.

Villa Club rooms (28) – these are individual villas (3 or 4 rooms per villa and one Presidential villa with 5 rooms and private pool) behind the deluxe rooms with partial sea view. Facilities: King-size or twin beds, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden terrace (grassed), sea and sunset view and a common lounge with living & dinning room. Aside from being very private and particular suitable for families or small groups the Villa Club rooms offer additional services like breakfast in the villa, cocktails in the evening and private dinner on request. Butler service is available from 8 am to 8 pm.

Suites (17) – three storey terrace buildings and constructed in a row alongside the deluxe rooms. Facilities: Lounge with kitchenette (hidden) and separate bedroom, king-size or twin bed, luggage rack, mosquito net, ceiling fan, individually controlled air-conditioning, IDD telephone, remote controlled TV with Satellite channels, in-room safe box, mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, marble bathroom with walk-in shower, hand basin, WC, bidet, hair-dryer, face mirror, fine toiletries, large garden terrace (grassed) and sea and sunset view. Butler service on request at an extra charge is available.

Connecting rooms – Deluxe rooms (12) – Four rooms (two connecting pairs) on each floor; Villa Club rooms – the 3 room Villa has 2 rooms situated off a hallway which has a communal door which may be locked for privacy from the lounge area; the 4 room Villa, each have 2 sets of rooms situated on opposite sides of the lounge; these 2 rooms which share a communal hall & door may be locked for privacy from the lounge area.

Restaurants & Bars
The “Pavilion” restaurant features indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor dining at its best. Lavish buffet served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special theme nights are organised on a weekly basis. Light and tasty Mediterranean cuisine together with favourite dishes are on the menu.
The “Beach Bar” offers cool drinks and snacks throughout the day, afternoon tea and a variety of cocktails in the evening.
The “Coral Cove”, al fresco pizzeria on the beach serves fresh pizza, salads, aperitif, and selected wine and refreshing drinks. Open for dinner only.
The “Lobby Lounge & Bar” is located near to reception and offers refreshing drinks in a calm and peaceful environment during the day and early evening.
The “The Sunset Lounge & Bar” offers a large selection of local and international cocktails and drinks with live entertainment.
There is also the “Sea Breeze” a la carte restaurant offering fresh seafood and “Café Moresco” offering oriental coffee and tea, water pipe, oriental snacks and pastries. Please note that these two establishments are not included in the all inclusive price.

Special features: boutique and drug store, extensive and immaculate garden and landscaped areas, large wharf built on the waters of the Indian ocean, sea and sunset view from all rooms and areas of the resort, handicap facilities available and easy access to ground floor rooms, multilingual management team and hairdresser.
Leisure and sport facilities: Water sport centre with hobie cat, tennis court, windsurfing, laser dinghy and canoes. Dive Centre (PADI), daily recreation & fitness activities, large swimming pool with children area and Jacuzzi, outdoor gym and reading lounge.

All services include: breakfast, lunch and dinner at the main restaurant, snacks and afternoon tea at the Beach bar, soft drinks, house wine, local beer, juices, water, tea, coffee served in the main restaurant, long drinks and cocktails served at the beach bar, soft drinks, beer and water in the room fridge, daily recreational program, beach volley, evening entertainment, sun umbrellas, deck chairs and sun beds, beach towels.

Two conference rooms, a smaller one catering for 20 guests and a larger one catering for 150 guests.

Please note

• Visa and Master card are accepted but a surcharge of 5% will be levied.

Sample itinerary: 7 nights

Day 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Zanzibar with Air Tanzania. Transfer to the Gemma Dell’Est Resort where you will be staying for 7 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International flights (departure from Johannesburg), hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, soft drinks and beer are included from 10h00 to 18h00 and all drinks (excluding champagne, premium brand spirits and bottled wine) from 18h00 to 24h00; all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated, tips, personal expenses, fuel, travel insurance, any visa fees, internet access, and airport taxes.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro1650 (fully inclusive) deluxe room

Honeymoon package: valid 1 Jan – 31 Jul 2009

• Welcome bed of flowers
• Welcome gift for the Bride & Groom
• Sparkling Wine & Canapés
• Fresh Pineapple Fruit Boat
• Love Birds Couples Cake
• A romantic 3-course Seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant or Beach Grill Restaurant
• Commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners

Honeymoon package 2009.

• Price per person USD125
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake.

Superior Honeymoon package 2009

• Price per person USD245
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake, a romantic 3-course seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant and a commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners.

Deluxe Honeymoon package 2009

• Price per person USD335
• This includes: welcome bed of flowers, welcome gift for the Bride and the Groom, sparkling wine & canapés, fresh pineapple fruit boat and a love birds couples cake, a romantic 3-course seafood dinner for 2 at the Sea Breeze a la carte restaurant, an Island Harmony Massage at the MVUA African Rain Spa and a Commemorative Honeymoon Certificate made especially for the Honeymooners.

more details

This itinerary is for those who are pressed for time. Transport is by 4×4 safari vehicle in and out of the reserves. You will visit Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Step out into the vast open plains of Tanzania and you suddenly feel very, very small. And so you should. You’ve just joined one of the largest, wildest animal populations in the world. Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, and flamingo – they’re all out there.

We offer 5 different price ranges: camping location (basic), wildlife location, Sopa location, Serena location and the luxury location.

Itinerary: 5 nights

Day 1: Fly to Dar Es Salaam. On arrival proceed through customs and immigration and make your way to the domestic terminal for your flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by our agents and transferred by road to Arusha (1/2 hour). Overnight stay at the Arusha Hotel (B&B).

Day 2: Depart from Arusha at 08h30 and drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Game viewing and packed lunch by the hippo pool. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel or camp of your choice (Full board).

• Camping location: Karatu Camp Site *
• Wildlife location: Lake Manyara Hotel **
• Sopa location: Eunoto Lodge***
• Serena location: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge ***
• Luxury location: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge *****

Day 3: Depart from Lake Manyara and drive to the Serengeti National Park for game viewing. Full board accommodation in the Serengeti National Park at the hotel or camp of your choice.

• Camping location: Karatu Camp Site *
• Wildlife location: Lake Manyara Hotel **
• Sopa location: Eunoto Lodge***
• Serena location: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge ***
• Luxury location: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge *****

Day 4: Final game drive in the Serengeti en route to Ngorongoro for the Crater Tour with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel or camp of your choice (Full board).

• Camping location: Karatu Camp Site *
• Wildlife location: Lake Manyara Hotel **
• Sopa location: Eunoto Lodge***
• Serena location: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge ***
• Luxury location: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge *****

Day 5: After breakfast drive back to Arusha. Overnight stay at the Arusha Hotel (B&B).

Day 6: Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport and flight out.

Prices include
International and internal Tanzania flights (ex Johannesburg), airport transfers, transportation to and from the parks in 4×4 safari vehicle with English speaking diver/guide with game drives and a Crater Tour. Camping fees and camping equipment see camping note below. All accommodation and meals as indicated. Not included
Visa fee, meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, Christmas & New Year holiday supplements, Serengeti balloon safari, travel insurance and airport taxes.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2008):

Price per person sharing:

Camping location: USD3000; EUR2000;
Wildlife location: USD3500; EUR2250;
Sopa location: USD3500; Euro2000;
Serena location: USD3700; EUR2400;
Luxury location: USD6300; EUR4050;

more details

Free night offer: Valid 3 Mar – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6.

The Acajou Hotel is comprised of mahogany log cabins sited around a swimming pool, situated on the Cote d’Or Beach.

It has 24 standard, 4 deluxe and 4 superior rooms all of which are sea-facing and tastefully decorated. All rooms have air-conditioning, balconies with sea view, en suite bathrooms with shower, in room telephone, satellite TV, safe, mini bar and hair-dryer. Inter-leading rooms are available. Superior rooms have safes and tea & coffee making facilities.

Other  facilities
Restaurant, cocktail lounge, swimming pool and beach bar, a boutique, a gym with the latest equipment, a massage room and an internet lounge. The hotel is within walking distance of a casino, small restaurants and water sports facilities.

Please note:

• Minimum stay is 4 nights during high season 23 DEC – 05 JAN.

Itinerary: 7 night

Day 1: Depart from Johannesburg International Airport for your flight to the Seychelles. On arrival at the airport in Mahe, our agents will meet you and assist with the check in for your flight to Praslin Island. Transfer to the Acajou Hotel where you will be staying for 7 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport and check in for your return flight to Mahe and flight back to Johannesburg.

Prices include
International flight (departure from Johannesburg) and internal flights, hotel accommodation and meals as indicated, all airport-hotel transfers.

Not included

Meals not indicated, drinks, tips, personal expenses, internet access, travel insurance and airport taxes.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009):

• Euro 1628 (standard room, bed and breakfast)

Specials:

• Free night offer: Valid 3 Mar – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6.
• Honeymoon special: Valid 1 May-31 Jul 2009 and 1 Sep-31 Oct 2009. Minimum stay is 4 nights. 10% discount per couple on the accommodation. A complimentary bottle of rum and 20% discount on a massage.
• Special long stay offers: Valid 1 May – 31 Jul 2009. Pay for 5 nights and stay for 6 or pay for 12 nights and stay for 14.
• Specials cannot be combined.

more details

Rwanda is a sultry land of inland lakes, rain forests and rolling hills.It is well-knownfor its opportunities to trek Mountain Gorillas, which are found in the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). This park lies on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mountain Gorillas of which there are estimated to be 650 extant individuals of which about 350 are in Rwanda – making the Ginsenyi area home to the highest concentration of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Itinerary: 3 nights

Day 1: Fly to Kigali, the lively Rwanda capital. At the airport our English-speaking agents will meet and assist you with formalities. Transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel (B&B).

Day 2: Early transfer by private car to the Volcanoes National Park (about 90 minutes drive from Kigali). The Volcanoes Park is currently the best place anywhere in Africa to go gorilla tracking, while also supporting a number of other localised mammal, bird and plant species. This 13 000 hectare national park protects the Rwanda sector of the Virunga Mountains, a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes which straddle the border with Uganda and the DRC. Between 2,500 and 3,500m, where an average annual rainfall of 2,000mm is typical, the bamboo forest is interspersed with alpine grassland and marsh; a landscape dominated by other worldly giant lobelia and senecio plants. Wear thick trousers, long-sleeved shirts to protect one from vicious nettles. Pack warm clothes, raincoat and hiking boots. Approximately 300 mountain gorillas exist in the Volcanoes Park. Tourists are permitted to spend no longer than one hour with the gorillas, and it is forbidden to eat or smoke in their presence. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.

Day 3: Another opportunity, perhaps, for a second visit to the Gorillas (optional, so not included in the  tour price). In Rwanda there areseven habituated gorilla groups that can be viewed by tourists. Each group can be visited by a maximum of 8 people per day. Alternatively visit the famous Dian Fossey’s tomb and the Karisoke Gorillas research centre (extra payment of USD 50) or just visit the village, markets and local communities. Lunch is served at the lodge before your return drive to Kigali. Overnight stay at the Kigali Serena Hotel (B&B and lunch).

Day 4: If time allows, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Transfer to the airport and flight out.

Prices include
International flight (departure from Johannesburg with Rwandair Express), all accommodation and meals as indicated, all excursions with car and English speaking driver/guide, guides in the reserves, one gorilla permit and entrance fees to the Museum and Nyungwe Forest (Chimpanzee permit), mineral water while trekking in the forest, porterage and airport-hotel return transfers.

Prices exclude

Extra permits, meals not indicated drinks, tips and personal expenses, travel insurance, airport taxes and visa fees.

Below is an approximate price per person sharing (October 2009)

±Euro2350 Johannesburg ±Euro1800 from Kigali

more details