Friday, March 28, 2008

LODGE OF THE WEEK - SELINDA CAMP

















Selinda Camp overlooks the Selinda Spillway, a unique seasonal waterway which links the Okavango Delta with the game-rich floodplains of the Linyanti Swamps.
Wide dry grasslands dotted with small 'islands' of palm forest cover the area around the camp. It's a picturesque, open environment. You will often spot game a long way off, and it's perfect for following predators like wild dogs on hunting trails.

SELINDA CAMP OVERVIEW
No. of bedrooms: 9 Spacious luxury safari tents
Each tent has en-suite facilities, a stone bath being the highlight. The bathroom is uniquely "open air" with lots of natural light, yet is screened and virtually insect-proof. The tents are spacious and beautifully appointed with furniture and features that have been collected from around Africa. Four-poster mosquito nets and overhead fans are standard.
















Season: Open year round
Ideal length of stay: 3 nights – often combined with Selinda Walking Trails and Zibalianja
Central facilities:
The main lodge has recently been rebuilt (re-opened in March 2007)
The main area boasts a series of expansive decks that invite spectacular views of wildlife that are a visual constant of the camp. The design of the main area is such that there is never a barrier to these views: whether guests are relaxing in the lounge, having brunch under the uniquely designed thatched roof, or sampling the fine cuisine of a three-course dinner on the open "star deck". There is also an photo/art gallery built above a temperature-controlled wine cellar and curio shop. Guests can also enjoy a small plunge pool and the traditional campfire.
Game activities: The Selinda area is characterised by its game-rich floodplains which are host to a variety of bird life (300+species), antelope, zebra, cheetah, wild dog, lion and dry season elephant concentrations. Nocturnal species include serval, porcupine, springhare and possibly leopard. Daily activities revolve around morning, afternoon and night game drives with experienced, professional guides in custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers. Short walks from camp accompanied by a guide are popular..

Geographics
Accessible by: Fly-and-Road Transfer.
Flights:
When travelling to Selinda Camp you will arrive by means of a light aircraft.
To/from Maun: 45 minutes
To/from Kasane: 55 minutes

Management
Owner: Selinda is owned by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, award-winning filmmakers for National Geographic for over 25 years. They have spent many years spent filming in and around the Selinda area.
Marketed by Wilderness Safaris

Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Vegetarians and any particular requirements can be catered for on request. (advance notice is needed)
Meals follow a usual safari-camp format, with an early breakfast served around the fire before your morning game drive, a brunch on your return, tea and snacks at about 4.30, and a full 3-course evening meal at around 8pm. At dinner, you are offered a choice of two main courses,
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: No room service.
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a selection of red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra.

Children Policy
Age restrictions: Children over the age of 8 years are welcome.
Meals: Special meals can be organised for children on request.
Notes: Selinda Camp is very open with dangerous wildlife walking through the camp, so children will need close supervision by adults. Please follow the instructions and guidance of the lodge staff and management at all times.

Central communications
Power supply:
· Camp has 220v generator powered electricity that runs 8hrs per day when guests are out on activities. When guests return from daily activities, generator generally switched off (for peace in camp).
· 220v inverter system is used for lighting and other limited electrical use (no hairdryers) in each tent 24hrs/day.
· Video camera batteries can be charged in each tent 24hrs a day. Please bring a 220v adaptor for a three-pronged round plug and spare battery.

Communications: There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email Contact in an emergency is made via radio to Maun
TV & radio: There is no television or radio in your room.

Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Selinda Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after the dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers in all rooms.

Extras
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.
Money: There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex cards are not.

Friday, March 7, 2008

UPGRADES TO SAVUTI SAFARI LODGE



Savute Safari Lodge has been transformed into a beautiful and elegant lodge.
Savute Safari Lodge accommodates only 24 guests in local timber and glass suites with cool thatching, beautifully furnished in fresh colors. All chalets have private decks, a combined bedroom / lounge area and en-suite facilities, which sets the lodge apart from typical safari accommodation.
The signature blue furnishings have been replaced with more neutral tones and all the chalets and main areas have brand new sleek furniture which blends into the natural surroundings while still maintaining sheer luxury and sophistication.
Savute Safari Lodge re-opened to host guests on 10 February 2008.




RENOVATIONS TO CHOBE GAME LODGE SWIMMING POOL




Chobe Game Lodge will be renovating the main swimming pool area of the lodge in April/May of 2008. The pool area will be closed for renovations from 15 April 2008 to 31 May 2008.

The renovation to the pool will include the removal of the current brick paving and the re-marbelite of the pool. The current pool area will be changed into a natural rock pool with waterfall and splash pool under the waterfall. The new pool will have under water lighting (LED), rock coping around the pool area trees and general pool area. Additional rock features will be built and the pool area walls and stairs will be covered with natural rock cladding. A new new water articulation system with filters will be installed during this renovation.
Everything possible will be done to accommodate the guests over this period by trying to keep noise levels down and the lodge will provide 2 suite swimming pools as alternative venues for guests who are wanting to swim during this renovation period.
Due to the nature of the refurbishment work, Chobe Game Lodge are forced to renovate outside of the yearly rainfall cycle and therefore have to do this in the months of April/May.
The new swimming pool area will be a special attraction to future visitors to Chobe Game Lodge.

CAMP KALAHARI: OPENING DELAYED


Notice received from Uncharted Africa concerning the re-opening of Camp Kalahari:

Due to rezoning issues relating to the proposed fence alignment of CT 11 (the concession in which Jack's Camp & San Camp are located) we have been forced to delay the re-opening of Camp Kalahari until 15th April 2009. We are obviously disappointed that we have to delay this exciting project, but we have been assured by the Botswana Government that these issues will be resolved and that our opening date in 2009 is guaranteed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this new development - but it is beyond our control. And is, in the long term, in the best interest of the conservation of this very special area. All existing bookings at Camp Kalahari will be upgraded to the newly refurbished San Camp.
Camp Kalahari is going to be gorgeous!! And a great (affordable, exciting and stylish) Kalahari alternative to Jack’s and San Camp.