If you’re attending this year’s Indaba, be sure to get up to speed with the latest developments at these properties and tourism products.

Two brands become one

Last year, African Hotels and Adventure (AHA), the tourism property management business of Tourvest’s Accommodation and Activities division, acquired the Three Cities Management Company, adding 23 hotels to AHA’s portfolio. Visit the group’s stand at ICC O01 to find out more about its growing portfolio and the brand direction.

The group will also be unveiling plans for a soft refurbishment of the Thakadu River Camp in Madikwe Game Reserve, beginning in June, as well as the opening of Lesedi’s new conference facility in the Cradle of Humankind.

An update on the Victoria Falls airport

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe and Africa Albida Tourism will reveal the industry response to the new US$150m Victoria Falls International Airport as well as when large international passenger aircraft are expected to start flying in. The details will be revealed at the Africa Albida function on Saturday May 9, at 17h30 at ICC room 22.

Legend Lodges expands portfolio

Legend Lodges has recently extended its portfolio to the southern border of the Central Kalahari Game Park in Botswana with the addition of Phofu Eco Safari. Phofu offers luxury tented accommodation, catering for up to 18 guests. Activities include game drives, bush walks, excursions to the nearby water pans, bird watching and sundowners at a view point.

For more information on Phofu Eco Safari Lodge, visit Legend Lodges at stand ICC P23.

Wilderness Air Botswana expands fleet

Wilderness Air Botswana’s first new GA8 Airvan, A2 – RNO Tshukudu, has entered service, with the first flight on April 19. This aircraft is part of a fleet of seven Airvans secured by Wilderness Air Botswana, with all expected to be in service within the next 18 months.

For more information or for a demonstration of new technologies, visit the Wilderness Safaris stand (ICC H04).

The Oyster Box undergoes renovation

During the rebuilding of The Oyster Box, near Durban in KwaZulu Natal, time, energy and investment were focused on ensuring that the property incorporated eco-tourism practices to create an environmentally respectful hotel.

To find out more about changes to the property, visit The Oyster Box, exhibiting under The Red Carnation Hotels Collection, at stand ICC N14.

Amakhosi Safari Lodge refurbishment

All the river suites at Amakhosi Safari Lodge in Zululand will be fully refurbished this year, with work commencing in June.  

To find out more about the renovations, visit Amakhosi Safari Lodge, exhibiting as part of Portfolio, at stand ICC K11.

Montusi Mountain Lodge expansion

Montusi Mountain Lodge in the Northern Drakensberg has added two new Mountain Suites to its Garden and Family Suites offering. 

To find out more about the new suites, visit the Montusi Mountain Lodge at stand number ICC J11.

Fancourt Garden Route gets upgrade

Fancourt, in the Garden Route, has completed of a series of facility upgrades, including a makeover of the Proshop, the members bar and lounge, and the clubhouse lounge.

Fancourt will be exhibiting as part of Leading Hotels of the World’s stand ICC L16.

Monks Cowl Golf Resort adds adventure golf

Gooderson’s Monks Cowl Golf Resort has introduced a new 18-hole adventure golf course as well as a swimming pool with slides and a waterfall. The resort is four hours from Johannesburg and two-and-a-half hours from Durban in the Drakensberg region,

Find out more at the Monks Cowl Golf Resort represented by Gooderson Leisure at stand DEC 1A38.

Updates to Classic Portfolio

Classic Portfolio will be making the following announcements about properties in their portfolio at Indaba: 

The Safari Collection will update the trade on changes to Sala's Camp Masai Mara in Kenya and details about new quad bike safaris offered at Sasaab in Samburu Kenya.

Gibb's Farm in Tanzania, bordering the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, will introduce its new two-bedroom Bustani Cottage for families.

Legendary Expeditions has included Legendary Serengeti, a luxury mobile safari camp, as part of its offering. Together with Legendary Lodge and Mwiba Lodge, this mobile camp moves between three locations in the Serengeti.

For more information on these updates, visit Classic Portfolio at stand ICC P03.

Makeover for NH The Lord Charles

NH The Lord Charles in the Western Cape will undergo a significant makeover as part of a five-year plan. The property has 198 guest rooms and a large conference venue. The refurbishment project, which will unfold in phases, will focus largely on the lobby area and conference centre, but will also include upgrades to a 100 guest rooms.

To find out more, visit NH Hotel Group at stand number EJC  00321.

Oude Werf Hotel completes renovation

Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch has completed a multimillion-rand renovation. The extensive renovations include revamped bedrooms and bathrooms and an updated dining area, among other improvements.

To find out more, visit the Oude Werf Hotel at stand ICC P01 and will also be represented by Southern Spoor Marketing at stand ICC P10.

Cape Town Big 6 become the Big 7

The City Walk has joined the existing ‘Cape Town Big 6’, made up of Cape Point, Robben Island, Groot Constantia, Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstenbosch and the V&A Waterfront, to form the ‘Cape Town Big 7’, and will be exhibiting at the V&A Waterfront stand.

To find out more, visit the V&A Waterfront stand EAV 00912.

Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa expands

The Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa, bordering the Kruger National Park at Phalaborwa, is undergoing renovation and expansion. The hotel has extended its spa facilities, built a new entertainment zone for kids and is in the process of adding 10 self-catering units. Other additions include a squash court and a small gym.

Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa is represented by Southern Spoor Marketing, who will be exhibiting at stand ICC P10.

Vineyard Hotel will upgrade its rooms

The Vineyard Hotel, located in the southern suburbs in Cape Town, will be embarking on an upgrade programme this winter that will see 41 rooms and en-suite facilities redecorated and refurbished.

The Vineyard Hotel will be exhibiting at Indaba at stand ICC P01, and will also be represented by Southern Spoor Marketing at stand ICC P10.

Thanda Private Game Reserve adds a spa tent

Thanda Private Game Reserve has introduced a Spa Tent at Thanda Tented Camp. 

Thanda Private Game Reserve will be exhibiting on Classic Portfolio’s stands ICC O14 and ICC P03.

Drostdy Hotel has been restored

Newmark will be introducing the trade to the newly restored Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet, which included the restoration of the Stretch’s Court cottages, the Kromm’s Inn building, the De Camdeboo Restaurant and the Kromm’s cottages.

For more information, visit Newmark Hotels, Reserves & Lodges at stand ICC H09.

Portfolio expands

Portfolio is expanding into Southern and East Africa, with new establishments in Mozambique and by tripling its number of Namibian members since last year.

To find out more, visit Portfolio at stand ICC K11.

South Coast Tourism unveils new and updated products

In the past two years more than five properties on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast have collectively invested over R110 million into refurbishments and growth of new products. Some of the announcements being made at Indaba include the official re-launch of the Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh in April, following the completion of a R35 million renovation programme; and earlier this year, Margate saw the four-star DesRoches Hotel and Conference Centre being opened. The Gorge Private Lodge and Game Spa in Oribi Gorge also recently added a wine cellar, conference room and a few new rooms.

For more information, visit the South Coast Tourism stand DEC 1 A03.