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.
1.New vessel for Dyer Island Cruises
Dyer Island Cruises in Gansbaai, Western Cape, has invested R5 million (€307 000) in a new vessel, Dream Catcher, which arrived in September last year. It accommodates 50 passengers and is ideal for use in the unique Dyer Island ecosystem, home of the Marine Big 5.
For more information, visit the Sharkwatch SA at the Adventure Zone stand (ICCU28A) or the SAYTC stand outside (ODC04).
2.Kapama expands, adds wellness centre
Kapama Karula on the Klaserie River, in Limpopo, has added seven superior suites.
The lodge comprises 12 suites, two of which are purpose-built for families. They measure 100 sqm and have an en-suite bathroom, featuring indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers basins and a large bath. Glass sliding doors open on to a private outside deck area with a full-size heated swimming pool and sun loungers for relaxation, with views over the Klaserie River and the reserve’s wildlife.
The Karula Wellness Centre will open to guests in May. It has four treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, a well-equipped gym, relaxation area, relaxation pool and a separate steam room. It also includes a Rasull steam room where guests can enjoy Kapama’s Royal Rasull treatment, and two Hydro baths for the rejuvenating Pinotage bliss treatment.
Visit the Kapama stand, ICCO 05, for details.
3.Imvelo Safari Lodges opens new extension
Little Gorges, with views of the Zambezi River 250 metres below, is the latest addition to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ portfolio in Zimbabwe.
The lodge has five tented bedrooms and a stone-under-thatch central dining and entertainment area.
Four rooms have twin double beds and the fifth a king bed, under mosquito nets, with mini bar fridge, fans, hairdryers and all the other amenities currently offered at Gorges Lodge. Rooms comprise 60 sqm of living and veranda space. Bathrooms are cut back into the terrain, constructed from brick under canvas, with shower, twin basins and separate toilet.
For more information visit Imvelo Safari Lodges stand (DEC2B06).
4.Shamwari Game Reserve refurbishes camp
Shamwari Game Reserve in Eastern Cape, South Africa has refurbished its seasonal Explorer Camp and is offering a two-day ProPhoto Safari. This can be booked alongside lodge accommodation. In addition it has launched a new website – www.shamwari.com.
For more information visit the Shamwari stand (ICC Q012)
5.Sanbona camps upgraded
Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa has upgraded all three lodges.
For details, visit Shamwari’s stand at Indaba (ICC Q012).
6.Renovated Kalahari Anib lodge reopens
Kalahari Anib lodge in Namibia reopened in April following renovations.
A total of 21 freestanding chalets have been converted to comfort rooms, both double- and family-units, overlooking the savannah and watering hole. The 30 standard rooms, which surround the lodge courtyard, have undergone a revamp with new furnishings and facilities.
For details visit the Gondwana Collection’s stand (ICCO 01).
7.Major upgrade for Sun City
Sun International’s Sun City in North West province, is being given a R1bn (€61m) upgrade. The five-year project started in 2013 and will see the four hotels, conferencing, entertainment zones and food and beverage offerings upgraded by 2017.
For more information on the upgrade, visit the Sun International stand (ICCR01).
8.Van Loveren Vineyards to open new venue
@Four Cousins, dedicated to the Four Cousins of Robertson will open its doors in September at the entrance to the town of Robertson. The venue in the Van Loveren Family Vineyards, will consist of a tasting room, a restaurant and a craft beer brewery.
For details visit the Van Loveren Vineyards stand (ICC Q08).
9.Durban hotel renovated
Renovations to Hilton Durban’s executive rooms and suites, including the presidential suite and business lounge, which began in early January are scheduled to be ready for Indaba 2016 in May.
For more information, visit the stand at Indaba (ICC N01).
