Following 3 years of meticulous restoration, the Oyster Box re-opened its elegant doors at the end of September. Perfectly situated on the ocean’s edge overlooking the iconic lighthouse of Umhlanga in Kwazulu Natal, the hotel will once again offer the finest in luxury experiences.

Extraordinary lengths have gone in to preserve the original character and allure of the hotel while carefully incorporating state-of-the-art technology to bring this timeless legend into the 21st century. Leading practices in eco-tourism have also been integrated to create a truly environmentally aware hotel.

The range of accommodation options will suit the needs of every guest, while exquisite design and décor detail, breathtaking ocean views as well as an luxuriously designed spa create an environment that is ideal for personal retreats, private meetings and a variety of celebrations.

Visitors to the hotel are ensured of a truly up market 5-star experience, adding even greater beauty to the hotel’s historical grandeur since its initial opening in 1954.

Award winning Sabi Sabi Private game reserve offers more than world-class standards in luxury accommodation and exceptional wildlife encounters. Since its opening 30 years ago it has formed partnerships with local communities and guests staying at the reserve can now gain more insight into authentic village life by taking part in a tour of the neighboring communities.

Many of the homes, schools, community centres and sports facilities that form part of the tour have links to Sabi Sabi, either through staff, with family members working or living there, or those who have been supported by the company. Some residents have opened their homes to the tour and welcome visitors for refreshments.

Community members also have the chance to showcase their crafts such as beading, grass weaving and carving. Guests are also able to hear the strains of the local choir practicing or drummers learning a new beat. These entertainment groups (singers, drummers and dancers) are a regular feature of Sabi Sabi.

A favourite stop on the tour is the local Sangoma (herbalist) who enjoys special stature in village life and is regularly called on for advice, healing and blessings. All proceeds from the tour go back to the community.

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa Conference Centre, already respected for its impressive environmental and social awareness ethos, is Africa’s first conference centre to run on certified ‘Green Power’.

The Green Power strategy in the conference centre is a key component of the hotel’s overall plan for more sustainable operations and carbon emission reductions which is supplied by GreenX Energy (www.greenxenergy.com)

Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s) are also provided by GreenX Energy which enables clients to declare their event as a certified Green Power event.

Vicfalls Airways is a new recently launched Zimbabwean airline that is expected to commence operations in November 2009.

The airline will operate both domestic and regional routes including Harare-Johannesburg, Harare-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls, Harare-Blantyre, Harare-Lusaka and Harare-Maputo as well as London- Gatwick and Mauritius as possible routes.

With the Soccer World Cup tournament around the corner and increasing renewed interest in Zimbabwe as a travel destination, it seems the opportune time for Vicfalls Airways to start operating. The inaugural flights will be operated using B767-300ER and B737 Second Generation aircraft, pictured on the right.

Just opened - the new 4-star Protea Hotel Moon Mountain lodge will offer the ultimate experience in the Namibian Wild.

Located just 40 km from the main gate at Sessriem en route to Sossusvlei, the newly built lodge’s extensive range of services will guarantee guests nothing short of a memorable experience.

The 12 individually designed luxury chalets and 5 honeymoon suites all have plunge pools and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape. The main complex has a bar, a 42 seater restaurant, library, media room and elevated sun deck.

This exclusive escape from the city will give guests a chance to experience the magical scenery by day and the gentle sounds of the African bush at night.

Kuoni Private Safaris in Cape Town has secured unique accommodation on two luxury cruise liners (MS Noordam and Ms Westerdam) for supporters, fans and corporate travellers to the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

This premier international football tournament will be held for the 19th time from 11 June to 11 July 2010 and is the first time that it will be hosted by an African nation.

The cruise liners will be stationed in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth or Durban, according to the game schedule. Different cabin categories are available and can be sold in different packages - an ideal and innovative alternative to the shortage of available hotel rooms during the event.

Additionally, Kuoni Private Safaris arranges tailor made packages, transport and excursions for and during the World Cup 2010 event. These include transfers to and from the airport, bookings of restaurants, shows, private tours, helicopter flights, private boat charters as well as excursions and safari programmes.

The offers by Kuoni Private Safaris are solely focused on accommodation and local services and will not include any match tickets. For more information, please contact Robin Mcleod.

On Saturday, 10 October 2009 the Kuoni Private Safaris offices in Cape Town were transformed as staff and their families gathered together for our very first Family Day.

The weather was perfect and along with the upbeat music and playful banter from children of all ages, the atmosphere was set for a fun and entertaining day.

As staff mingled, their children quickly made friends and played happily together while being kept amused with face painting, a colour corner, games, a jumping castle and candy floss! Besides the small children, other family members were also made welcome by staff and introduced to each other.

Office tours were also part of the fun as groups were taken through the office so our families could see where we spend our working week! The aroma of barbequed sausages signaled it was time to eat and the food corner suddenly became very popular!

All in all the family day was met with great enthusiasm from staff and those who accompanied them, making our first Family Day a great success!