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Uyaphi.com Africa Travel Newsletter
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| TRAVEL SPECIALS AND PROMOTIONS | ||
 CAPE TO VICTORIA FALLS OVERLAND SAFARI 21 days Book a scheduled departure of 10 September 2008 and pay a special rate of only €1,420.00 per person. Subject to availability. |
 SOUTHERN SUN: CLASSIC CAPE TO VICTORIA FALLS 21 days Book a scheduled departure of either 31 August, 28 September or 26 October in 2008 and pay only R5,300 per person. |
 CAPRICORN ADVENTURE OVERLANDING SAFARI 24 days Book any departure date between July and end November and pay only US$ 2,228.00 (July-Oct)/ US$ 2,096 (Nov) per person. |
| » MORE INFORMATION « | » MORE INFORMATION « | » MORE INFORMATION « |
| All rates above exclude Local payment portion. | ||
Warm African Greetings!
Welcome to the seventh edition of the Uyaphi.com newsletter. This year is speeding by and there is still so much to get done ... places to go, people to see!
Before we know it December will be just around the corner, so if you haven’t yet given it thought, now is the time to make some festive holiday plans.
This month we turn our attention to the festive season Africa style. While the northern hemisphere endures the freezing midwinter temperatures, December/January in Africa means lots of sunshine and the great outdoors. What better way to beat the winter blues than celebrate the festive season under the African sky?
In this newsletter we consider another of Africa’s up and coming destinations, Malawi. Often overshadowed by her neighbours Tanzania and Kenya, Malawi is a beautiful and diverse country whose locals have the reputation of being the friendliest in Africa.
We also bring you the festive season: South Africa style, and even take a look at what is happening at one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, Victoria Falls. The Zimbabwe side of the Falls has traditionally been the base for exploring the Falls in all her glory, and her lodges and bush camps still provide incredible value along with standards of service that have remained unaltered for decades.
And for those who have asked us how they can help the less fortunate communities they encountered on an African trip, we take a peek at our new Responsible Tourism section on the Uyaphi.com website. We are delighted to be part of a new initiative that helps the tourism sector give back to the communities in which they operate.
Happy Reading!
Regards,
The Uyaphi.com Team
Uyaphi.com’s service shines bright as the African Sun...
“..Just a short note to thank you for the arrangements in our trip to AFRICA we have the best time ever... the guides were terrific we saw a lot of animals particularly leopards and lions,
Also the tours in Johannesburg and Cape Town were very good , we will certainly think of your company when we plan our next safari and we will recommend you to our friends and family. ”
Jose & Claudia (Mexico)
In this newsletter:
- Uyaphi Featured Safari Destination:
Malawi, Warm Heart of Africa
- The 3 B’s of South Africa’s Festive Season: Beach, Bush and Berg
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Still Going Strong
- Uyaphi supports Responsible Tourism Initiative, Uthando South Africa
- Malawi Travel Special
Malawi, Warm Heart of Africa
The people of Malawi are quick to smile and their friendly nature leaves a lasting impression on all her visitors. This really is the “warm heart of Africa”, and a perfect destination for those looking to get off the beaten track and avoid the hoardes flocking to most of the established Safari destinations.
A Malawi holiday offers the visitor a perfect combination of game viewing, friendly faces and the pleasures associated with beach life. The vast wilderness around Lake Malawi provides superb settings for lodges and bush camps that are tucked into the shoreline alongside their own private lakeside beaches. Enjoy a varied menu of water sports or just while away the time watching the world go by. Safari Packages include sailing tours of the Lake combined with visits to nearby Game Reserves.
The Lake
The unique geography of this landlocked country (lying alongside Mozambique and Tanzania in East Africa) is due to Africa’s famous Great Rift Valley; this vast trough bisects Africa north–south, from Syria in the north, right into southern Africa. Malawi lies along this trough, in an area characterised by a string of freshwater lakes that feed the Nile and Africa’s other great rivers.
Lake Malawi is 360 miles long but its width never reaches more than 50 miles across. With a maximum depth of 2,310 feet, its tropical waters boast the most fish species of any lake on Earth. Because of the fascinating variety of endemic fish, Lake Malawi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. There are over 500 species found nowhere else on earth, most famously the brightly colored and patterned cichlids so popular in home aquariums. For scientists, the life in Lake Malawi is a crucial key to the study of evolution, comparable only to the Galapagos Islands.
The lake dominates daily life. Malawi shares its shores with neighbours, Mozambique and Tanzania. Fishing villages dot the coastline lined with palm, mango, avocado and banana trees. In between, miles of totally uninhabited golden sand beaches stretch out in the African sunshine for visitors to enjoy. The world’s first fresh water conservancy created in 1980, Lake Malawi National Park, is located at the southern end of the lake. Likoma and Chizumulu are the lake's only two inhabited islands.
The Ilala Ferry is the main transport on Lake Malawi, and its coming and going is a source of great activity in the lakeside villages. For more than 50 years, the 620-ton MV Ilala has traveled from the northern banks to the south and back, ferrying passengers and their diverse cargo. Adventurous tourists can catch a ride on the ferry, though accommodation is extremely rustic, as is the food.
· Featured Accommodation:
Mumbo Island Camp is an exclusive camp situated on an uninhabited island within the Lake Malawi National Park. Enjoy excellent service while you while away your time in one of the hammocks, or explore the crystal clear waters of the lake on one of their excursions.
Domwe Island Lodge is a rustic self-catering eco lodge in the same area.
Lilongwe and the Central Region
Most international visitors fly into Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital. It is conveniently situated in the Central Region, and forms part of the Central African Plateau on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. There are two distinct parts to the city. Old Town features bustling markets and many Asian shops alongside hotels and restaurants, while New Town houses the newer Government Buildings, Diplomatic Missions, International Aid Agencies and the curious architecture of the country’s Reserve Bank Headquarters.
· Featured Accommodation:
Nkwichi Lodge blends into the remote coastline on the eastern shore of the Lake. This is on the Mozambican side of the lake but the lodge is most easily reached from Lilongwe. Only accessible by boat, it offers you instant tranquility as you step onto the sandy beach.
Northern Malawi: The Plateau
The stretches on the north side of Lake Malawi are a hidden gem with much to offer the tourist. The area has the lowest population density in the country and an off-the-beaten-track appeal for those wishing to experience Africa at its most unspoiled. This is the highland area dominated by the dramatic Nyika Plateau, towering to 8,000 feet, featuring rolling landscapes broken by granite peaks.
Nyika National Park is the country’s largest national park stretching over 1,250 square miles of Plateau. It is a game spotter’s delight. The rolling grasslands are the favored roaming grounds of a host of antelope species and the park boasts one of the highest densities of leopard in Central Africa. Nyika is ideal for safari adventures such as trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. The lower-lying Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve is a birders paradise. It lies just south of the park, so it is possible to combine a visit to the two parks in the same trip.
· Featured Accommodation:
Kaya Mawa Lodge (which means Maybe tomorrow in the local Tonga dialect) offers lakeside luxury on the southern shores of Likoma Island in the far north of Lake Malawi. The Honeymoon house is tucked away on its own private island reached by boat or wooden walkway.
Chintheche Inn lies on the balmy coastline of the northern lakeshore. This is the lushest region of the country and the grounds boast impressive indigenous trees against the dramatic backdrop of the Viphya Mountains.
Southern Malawi
The southern third of the country is the most populated and developed region in the country. The area is dominated by the River Shire which snakes its way southwards from Lake Malawi into Lake Malome. The nearby Liwonde National Park promises superb scenery and game viewing opportunities. It features the largest elephant population in Malawi, and arguably the best bird watching in Southern Africa.
The Lower Shire Valley is a broad flat plain which supports most of the country’s agriculture, including vast sugar estates. Blantyre is the largest city in Malawi and is also the commercial centre. This is the lowest lying area of the country and temperatures are generally hotter without the cooling effect of the higher altitudes. Curiously, the south is home to Malawi’s highest peak, Mount Mulanje, which rises to nearly 10,000 feet and is situated just 70 miles from the lowest point at the junction of the Shire River.
· Featured Accommodation:
Mvuu Wilderness Lodge offers exclusive accommodation in spacious, luxurious tents in Liwonde National Park, Malawi's premier wildlife reserve.
Mvuu Camp is situated just south of Mvuu Lodge on the banks of the Shire River.
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The 3 B’s of South Africa’s Festive Season:
Beach, Bush and Berg
Beach, Bush and Berg
The festive season in South Africa falls in the middle of summer. While those in the northern hemisphere huddle indoors under warm layers, in South Africa the December months lure the populace out onto glorious sun drenched beaches, the sultry bushveld or more shaded mountain slopes. This is the height of summer holiday season but fortunately the country is vast enough to absorb increased numbers of holidaymakers without getting overcrowded.
Christmas in South Africa sees no snow, so the festive season is celebrated out of doors. While the traditional Christmas trappings of turkey, mince pies and plum pudding are still tradition in many households, the festivities are enjoyed in warm outdoor weather.
At first the hot festive season weather feels out of place to one used to northern climes, but the balmy temperatures and festive atmosphere soon wins you over. Here are some suggestions for the ultimate festive season getaways - South African style.
Beach
Cape Town
Cape Town is a gem lying on the southern tip of Africa with a balmy Mediterranean climate and virtually no rain in the summer months. The long sunny evenings are a great way for getting into the festive spirit, so it’s no surprise that Cape Town has become a favoured location for foreign film crews looking to escape the northern winter.
Cape Town lies on a peninsula, which means that there are an amazing variety of beach locations to choose from, from well serviced to wild and untamed, all with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Explore the trendy Atlantic seaboard, on the west side of the peninsula and closest to the CBD, featuring beautiful bays sheltered from the prevailing south-easter wind. The palm-lined strip of Camps Bay beach is a popular sundowner destination where you can sip an ice cold drink while you enjoy the sun setting over the sea. Though the sea temperature on the Atlantic seaboard is extremely cold, the beaches are the place to be if you enjoy beautiful people watching.
False Bay is a huge bay lying on the east side of the peninsula. It features suburbs with quaint historic village atmosphere and is the decidedly more laid back side of Cape Town. The water here is warmer and the gentle waves make it the best choice for young children. Alternatively, for the classic view of Table Mountain lying across Table Bay, head north towards Blouberg Beach.
The Dolphin Coast
The Dolphin Coast lies on the subtropical KwaZulu-Natal coastline, so summer weather is hot and steamy. This makes for perfect beach weather and there is an excellent choice of destinations to choose from. Dolphins are regular visitors to this coastline all year round. While you’re there, head inland for a few nights to take in the Natal Battlefields route and re-live the historic clashes between British, Zulu and Boer armies. The inland temperatures are a little milder and provide a welcome relief from the sultry beach weather.
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape coastline provides yet another selection of spectacular coastal settings. Try St Francis Bay which lies just down the coast from Jeffrey’s Bay, home of the world famous surfing wave Supertubes. St Francis Bay is well known for its gracious white walled thatch homes set along quiet canals. The village nestles in between sand dunes, nature reserves, beautiful beaches and the Kromme River that is navigable for 10 kilometres.
Bush
Kruger Park
The Kruger National Park is the oldest Game Reserve in South Africa featuring 2 million hectares of unspoiled bushveld and a plethora of game. November/December is the ideal time to see the birth of all the young animals. Spotting wildlife with their young, from the largest of creatures to the smallest, is a delightful experience. Be warned, the Kruger climate is subtropical so temperatures can reach a scorching 104F in summer.
The Capricorn Region – Limpopo
The Capricorn Region is one of South Africa’s foremost malaria free safari destinations. This little known corner of Africa, northwest of Gauteng and fringing the Botswana border, features a fantastic selection of game reserves. What was once a wilderness that attracted adventurers, gunrunners and outlaws of old has recently been declared a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.
Train
Make the festive season one to remember: enjoy South Africa on a trip of a lifetime. One of the world’s most luxurious trains, Rovos Rail, takes you on a stylish and leisurely journey through Southern Africa's most spectacular destinations.
Click here for more Safari Destination ideas.
Berg
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg Mountains offer some of South Africa’s most dramatic mountain scenery. This 200-kilometre long mountain wonderland is a World Heritage Site and provides a spectacular setting for a festive season getaway. The Drakensberg experiences hot summer days and refreshingly cool evenings, so this is a lovely time of year to visit. Be warned, though summers are warm, snow has been known to fall in the mountains in every month of the year so be prepared in case it’s a freak white Christmas!
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Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe:
Still Going Strong
Still Going Strong
Victoria Falls town is situated in Zimbabwe on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. The town is located at the eastern end of the Victoria Falls themselves so this has always the premium destination for viewing one of the earth’s greatest wonders. Undoubtedly, the Zimbabwe side offers the best views of the Falls.
Victoria Falls Airport lies just 18 kilometres south of town, servicing international flights from Johannesburg and Namibia. Despite the political uncertainty that has plagued the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans, Victoria Falls continues to operate as a microcosm of its own. Daily, guests from a myriad of countries around the globe, pass through the arrivals hall of Victoria Falls Airport.
The Victoria Falls community is entirely dependant on tourism. They are keenly aware of the need to ensure that visitors continue to have a positive, safe and memorable experience of one of the world’s most sought after attractions. Tourism continues unabated and Victoria Falls town remains the hub for tourism in the region.
Uyaphi’s Recommended Destinations in Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Hotel
Established in 1904, the Victoria Falls Hotel promises serenity and seclusion in elegant lounges reminiscent of the hey day of the British Empire. Enjoy elegant dinners, high tea on the terrace and the private pathway to Victoria Falls just a 10 minute walk away.
Ilala Lodge
Ilala is the closest hotel to the falls. The Victoria Falls National Park borders the front of the property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background. Distinguished yet affordable accommodation in a gracious and secluded ambiance.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Set high on a plateau that forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge boasts an onsite waterhole for superb game watching opportunities. Enjoy stunning sunsets and magical views of unspoiled countryside. A complimentary shuttle transports guests to the Falls and town centre.
The Stanley and Livingstone
Experience true grace and style on a 6,000-acre private reserve bordering the Zambezi National Park just a 10 minutes drive from the falls. The swimming pool provides welcome respite during the heat of the day, and guests can laze around the pool or enjoy cocktails within full view of the surrounding wildlife.
Matetsi Water Lodge
Matetsi consists of 15 kilometres of private Zambezi River frontage situated just 40 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. 3 romantic camps are set on the riverbank under a canopy of lush, riverine trees. Enjoy leisurely riverboat cruises on Matetsi 's private stretch along the mighty Zambezi River, captained by a knowledgeable river guide.
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Uyaphi supports Responsible Tourism Initiative, Uthando South Africa
The tourism scene in South Africa has gone Responsible. Uyaphi staff recently attended the launch of an exciting new initiative that provides us with the opportunity to make a difference to the community in which we operate.
Uthando South Africa is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town. This unique initiative is providing the platform for the tourism industry to assist and contribute to the development of disadvantaged communities of Southern Africa.
The launch of Uthando South Africa was a lively affair that took place at the South African Museum in Cape Town recently. Participants from many of Uthando’s arts related projects were there to entertain the crowd with their talents, from gumboot dancing youngsters to the Jikaleza Dance Project and the classical delights of the Hout Bay Music Project. All present agreed that the energy and enthusiasm of the performers was most inspiring.
Uthando provides a fundraising infrastructure. Money generated by Uthando is channeled into a broad range of projects seen to provide substantial and enduring value to the most destitute and marginalised communities in South Africa. The stated aims of Uthando South Africa are twofold:
“To provide funding and assistance to grassroots, community based, sustainable, innovative and empowerment projects in the most destitute and marginalised communities in South Africa
... and to provide tourists with an authentic introduction to the social problems confronting so many South Africans, and the innovative and truly inspirational ways in which these problems are being handled.”
Uthando South Africa offers scheduled field trips so that benefactors and donors can visit the projects being funded, and meet the people whose lives are being improved by the initiative. These tours take place daily and aim to provide participants with an opportunity to have meaningful interactions with their visitors. Proceeds from the tours go straight back into the affected community.
Should you be interested in partaking in one of the field trips, donating to a project or just learning more about the Uthando initiative, please contact Verity Bester
Uyaphi.com supports the Uthando initiative. Clients and guests can elect to donate a nominal amount when booking any services through Uyaphi.
All donations are given directly to Uthando for the projects. If there is a particular project you would like to support, please let your consultant know.
Click here to view some of Uthando’s current projects.
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Malawi Travel Special
To celebrate the introduction of this exciting new destination onto the pages of Uyaphi.com we are offering newsletter subscribers a unique opportunity to experience Malawi for themselves.
Malawi is a refreshing and friendly destination that offers you an African adventure off the beaten track. Take in some of Africa’s finest Game Reserves then head off to the Lake to cool off at one of our secluded lakeside retreats.
Book your Malawi holiday with us and receive 5% discount off your total bill.
Click here to view our Malawi Safari Packages.
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· Why Book with Uyaphi.com?
1) Our Africa travel consultants have the knowledge and expertise in all the products and destinations we offer.
2) We are accredited by SATSA and ATTA.
3) With our offices based in Cape Town, South Africa, should a problem arise, we will be able to respond to the relative issue in the same time zone as you are located. We are contactable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4) Since all products and services are pre–paid through Uyaphi.com you are never surprised with any additional costs, with this in mind you can budget properly for your Africa safari.
5) We do not charge Visa & Mastercard surcharges.
· Our Client Feedback
“... I wanted to let you know that the travel itinerary you helped me with for the Uganda Gorilla Trek, Botswana Safari and Victoria Falls went very well. I appreciated the service provided and felt safe. It was an amazing trip. I also really enjoyed seeing Cape Town and traveling by car on the Garden Route and in wine country. South Africa is a beautiful country. I hope all is going well for you and Uyaphi. Take Care and all the best this holiday season!”
Joan (United States)
“... Thanks very much for organising our holiday – we really loved it. The safari was fantastic and Zanzibar was very relaxing! Nothing to complain about at all!”
Sophie (United Kingdom)
“... Sorry for delay in our feedback to you. All these days since our travellers had returned home were saturated with bright impressions, emotions and great photos. According to N. and A. this trip gave them the deepest feeling of satisfaction, great pleasure of fishing, rafting and unforgettable memories for the rest of their lives...”
Tatiana (Russia)
“... I had an excellent time thankyou and the Walking Safari and Jatinga Lodge were both marvellous experiences. Thanks again for all you did to help make our holiday the success it was...”
Richard (United Kingdom)
“...Thanks to you and your colleagues at Uyaphi, we had the holiday of a lifetime... everything went smoothly. The car hire and the Transfer company worked immaculately. We would like to warmly recommend to you and your colleagues all the accommodation you directed us to...”
Gavin, Fiona, Alix and Lizzy (United Kingdom)
More Client Feedback
· Featured Hotels
THE WINDERMERE
Set in the beach suburb of Humewood, enjoy one of Port Elizabeth's most enviable locations, being a short walk from Kings Beach and Blue flag status Humewood beach.
» Read more
THE SANDS AT ST FRANCIS
Nestled in the seaside village of St Francis Bay, a splendid luxurious African Beach House offering uninterrupted views of the majestic Indian Ocean and endless stretches of pristine coastline.
» Read more
SIBUYA GAME RESERVE
A 2300 hectare, Malaria Free, Big Four reserve conveniently situated near Kenton on Sea in the Eastern Cape along South Africa's Sunshine Coast, just 130 kms from Port Elizabeth and 150 kms from East London.
» Read more
PRINCE’S GRANT
Set amongst the grand old sugar estates on the North Coast just forty-five minutes drive from Durban and an hour from the premier game reserves of Northern Natal, Prince's Grant Golf and Country Estate is the jewel in the crown of this prime, unspoiled stretch of coastline fringing the Indian Ocean.
» Read more
THE BOATHOUSE LODGE
Between fields of Natal "Green Gold", golden beaches and the warm Indian Ocean lies the coastal village of Ballito. It is here, on the beach front, that you will find the Boathouse.
» Read more
LYNTON HALL
One of the most famous aspects of Lynton Hall is its individually appointed rooms ... While many have returned to the estate for its superb cuisine, most of the guests return again and again because "their" room provides a sense of comfort and luxury in the grand old traditions of a manor house.
» Read more
TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL
Twelve Apostles Hotel is situated in De Oudekraal Bay, outside Camps Bay at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Hotel is surrounded by indigenous vegetation, with Table Mountain and Twelve Apostles Mountain range as its backdrop.
» Read more
THE LONG BEACH
A five star waterfront retreat right on the beach in the picturesque lobster-fishing village of Kommetjie, a short thirty-minute drive from Cape Town.
» Read more
COLONA CASTLE
Established to offer the discerning visitor a comfortably elegant base from which to explore the interesting and beautiful Cape Peninsula. Colona is situated on the warm False Bay coast, within easy reach of the airport and Cape Town city centre.
» Read more
SHISHANGENI LODGE
Situated on a 15,000 ha private concession in the south-eastern section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa, the borders of this pristine area are the perennial Crocodile River to the south and Mozambique in the east.
» Read more
HOYO HOYO TSONGA LODGE
In the heart of the Imbali private concession Kruger National Park, Hoyo Hoyo allows one an unrivalled African expedition in five-star luxury in the footsteps of these original adventures.
» Read more
CAMP SHAWU
Small and intimate with only five suites, paints a picture of the 'real Africa' as described by famous explorers of colonial times.
» Read more
CLIFFTOP LODGE
An exquisite five-star bushveld hideaway, a unique resort, where service is understood and luxury is elegantly understated. The setting is breathtaking and provides a beautiful, african backdrop for a world of easygoing elegance.
» Read more
MABULA GAME LODGE
Set against a backdrop of lush green mountainous vegetation, the natural design and architecture of Mabula Game Reserve falls softly on the eye, as it superbly blends in with the natural surroundings.
» Read more
KWAFUBESI TENTED CAMP
Mabula Game Reserve proudly presents - Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp - the meaning of Kwafubesi being 'Place of the Giant Eagle Owl'. Kwafubesi, completely independent from the Main Lodge, is situated approximately 8 kilometers away in a spectacular location overlooking a wide open plain.
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AFRICAN ADVENTURE SAFARI
This Africa Train Safari, Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam is a classic african rail journey by Rovos Rail, this epic 13-day journey travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and is destined to become one of the most famous train journeys in the world.
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THE CAVERN
A holiday resort offering you Drakensberg accommodation in the KwaZulu Natal region. Named after the “Cannibal Cavern”, it is situated on 3000 hectares of private mountain reserve adjacent to the Amphitheatre Royal Natal National Park - a World Heritage Site.
» Read more
MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE
Experience genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.
» Read more
DRAKENSBERG GARDENS
In the foothills of the scenic Southern Drakensberg, which forms part of the uKhahlamba World Heritage site, is Drakensberg Gardens Golf and Leisure Resort.
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