EWA Deluxe (and Budget) Safaris Whether you are traveling to Southern Africa for work or for pleasure, don't miss out on some of the most incredible wildlife and scenic offerings on our planet. EWA has been leading safaris to Africa since 1996 and can recommend the perfect safari for you. For full safari info contact bobutne@yahoo.com                                                                       Please note the special safari packages listed below. The prices offer excellent value for these five-star properties and remote locations. Budget safaris at bottom of page.

       

Cape Town,  Kruger Park/Sabi Sand reserve and Victoria Falls deluxe 5 star packages available from EWA at greatly reduced prices                    valid from 15 April – 15 September 2009.      Contact EWA for reservations. bob@ewatravel.com

PACKAGE A : Combines 3 nights at The Table Bay, 2 nights Mala Mala Game Reserve with 2 nights at The Royal Livingstone	$2,100 Per Person Rate – Sharing Luxury room	$3,400 Per Person Rate - Single Luxury room
PACKAGE B : Combines 3 nights at The Table Bay with 2 nights Mala Mala Game Reserve	$1,700	$2,400
PACKAGE C : Combines 2 nights at Mala Mala Game Reserve with 2 nights at The Royal Livingstone	$1,900	$2,900

Inclusions: • Accommodation as per the package description above. • The Table Bay Hotel - inclusive of breakfast and 1 dinner voucher to the value of R150.00 per person at The Atlantic Restaurant • MalaMala Main Camp – inclusive of all meals and snacks, game drives in open 4 wheel drive safari vehicles and laundry service. • The Royal Livingstone - inclusive of breakfast N.B. Rates are mid week (Sunday to Thursday), weekend supplement of R 330.00 per person sharing and R 655.00 single person

Exclusions: • Bar purchases, communication costs, and any items of a personal nature. • Laundry at The Table Bay and The Royal Livingstone • Visas, compulsory insurance and gratuities. • All travel, meet and greet and document/voucher costs.  Note: EWA Travel car arrange airfare to these locations.

THE TABLE BAY HOTEL The Table Bay Hotel, located on Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, straddles the antique breakwater and is an architectural masterpiece, capturing the essence of the enchanting Cape, the Victorian elegance of yesterday, combined with the contemporary design of today. It is in perfect harmony with the backdrop of Table Mountain, the historic working harbor and the yacht bay. The Table Bay offers a tranquil retreat away from the hectic pulse of the surrounding Waterfront and Cape Town's many hedonistic pleasures. The salt-water pool is heated to a constant temperature of 22 degrees and is surrounded by a mahogany pool deck with chaise lounges. Guests can also relax in the Jacuzzi or have a professional poolside massage. The Table Bay is a sanctuary for people who enjoy their food and wine. Whether it’s elegant dining on authentic South African cuisine by acclaimed chefs, informal ‘al fresco’ meals, or high tea with freshly baked scones, cream and preserves, The Table Bay will add delight to any occasion. The Table Bay Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has a total of 329 rooms which include single, double, luxury rooms and presidential suites. The exclusively designed rooms are welcoming and inviting, representing the epitome of luxury and supreme comfort. Expectations are exceeded at this magnificent 5-star Hotel.

MALA MALA MAIN CAMP Mala Mala Game Reserve, the first private photographic safari destination in South Africa, offers an authentic African experience. It is situated on the largest tract of land between the Sabi Sand Reserve and the world famous Kruger National Park. Mala Mala offers incredible sightings of Africa's wildlife - including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), as well as a multitude of smaller creatures, in an environment that remains reflective of a time when man had yet to arrive. How better to experience this wildlife wonderland than through the Mala Mala rangers who are employed for their knowledge of the African bush and their ability to communicate with people. They are highly qualified, formally trained men who are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of ecology. Apart from conducting informative game drives, the ranger is the guests' host for the duration of their stay and can impart knowledge of Africa that enthralls, enlightens and entertains. The Mala Mala magic is not only the bush experience: Superb service remains the focus of all staff. Understated luxury and tranquility are synonymous with each of the 18 rooms at Mala Mala Main Camp (including a disabled unit and family rooms). Each room is furnished with every amenity, including "his" and "hers" bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, mini bar, room safe and a private deck with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding bush. Guests can relax in the Buffalo lounge which leads onto a large wooden deck that provides elevated views of animals watering in the Sand River. There is a swimming pool, a complimentary laundry service, wine cellar, bush gym, bar, library and safari boutique.

THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE For the more discerning traveler in search of luxury, extravagance and sheer indulgence, there can be no better place than the Royal Livingstone. Set in the lush riverine belt and touching the banks of the great Zambezi River, this earthly paradise provides a serene haven at the most magical place in Africa. Every detail of this 5-star luxury hotel captures the opulence and elegance of times gone, while echoing the stunning diversity of the African bush. The Royal Livingstone Hotel comprises 173 spacious en-suite guestrooms each with its own private verandah, stretched along the river bank in a series of private villas. A butler service is available between 07:00 and 23:00. This unique river frontage offers a matchless experience of both adventure and great tranquility A magnificent sun deck overlooks the Zambezi as it flows relentlessly to the Falls. Named after Britain’s Queen Victoria, the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, provide this Sun International Resort with a magnificent backdrop on the banks of the Mighty Zambezi River in Zambia. The Falls span the entire width of the river, a distance of 1 700 meters, and plunge 108 meters down the sheer rock face, creating a spectacle that leaves visitors from all over the world in awe of its power, grace and beauty.

Terms and Conditions - Valid from 15 April 2009 – 15 September 2009 MalaMala Ranch (Pty) Ltd: Check-in time is 12h00 and check-out time is 11h00. Any variations on these times must be advised prior to guests’ arrival at the camps and any variations are at the sole discretion of the Camp Manager. The Table Bay: Check-in time is 14h00 and check-out time is 11:00. Any variations on these times must be advised prior to guests’ arrival at the hotel and any variations are at the sole discretion of the Hotel Manager. The Royal Livingstone: Check-in time is 14h00 and check-out time is 11:00. Any variations on these times must be advised prior to guests’ arrival at the hotel and any variations are at the sole discretion of the Hotel Manager          No reservation is secure / confirmed until a deposit is received to secure the booking. EWA reserves the right to automatically release accommodation being held unless a deposit is received within the stated period for each reservation. EWA will charge the following cancellation fees should a confirmed reservation be cancelled within the following period: -          50% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 60 days prior to arrival.          100% cancellation fee if cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival.         All guests shall settle their extras accounts in full prior to departure from the camps / hotels.         All participants should be covered by a travel insurance policy to protect against unforeseen cancellation, delays, injury, loss or any other prejudice of whatsoever cause.

Other safaris offered by EWA:

Day 01 & 02: Okavango Delta  Upon arrival at Maun International Airport you will be met by a member of our andBEYOND team and assisted onto the scheduled light aircraft transfer to Nxabega Airstrip where you will be transferred to the camp site. Explore the crystal-clear channels, islands and waterways by mekoro (dug-out canoe), and enjoy game-viewing walks on the islands. Spend two nights at our andBEYOND campsite in a private concession area bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Day 03 & 04: Moremi Game Reserve  You will be transferred by light aircraft to Khwai – North Gate region of Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Set-aside in 1963 by the Batawana tribe, the Reserve is rated as Africa's most beautiful wildlife sanctuary. Spend your days on extensive and interpretive game-drives, and two nights camping in the Reserve. Day 05 & 06: Chobe National Park - Savute  Travel to Savute (5 – 6 hours overland game drive) – excellent for lion and other predator viewing – where you will spend two nights camping next to the dry Savute Channel. Depending on the time of the year, huge animal concentrations are attracted to this area. Day 07 & 08: Chobe National Park - Serondela  From Savute, move up to northern Chobe (4 – 5 hours overland game drive) where you will camp for two nights in the Serondela area of the National Park. This is the heart of elephant country, and you may spend many hours watching the huge herds in and around the waters of the Chobe River on game drives or private boat cruise. Northern Chobe is renowned for its large variety of bird and animal life, beautiful scenery and magnificent sunsets. Day 09: Victoria Falls  It is a short drive from Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where you will welcome the chance to wash off Botswana's dust. Enjoy the facilities at Matetsi Water Lodge after a tour of the Falls (entrance fee to the Falls is included in the safari fare). Overnight accommodation is at Matetsi Water Lodge in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, refreshments on game drives, scheduled activities and laundry are included. Matetsi Water Lodge is situated on the

Botswana Explorer Safari by &beyond Africa 10 day camping safari ·        Journey of discovery ·        Private exclusive campsites ·        Guaranteed window seat ·        Victoria Falls ·        Variety of habitats ·        Private boat cruise on the Chobe River ·        Mekoro in the Okavango Delta   banks of the spectacular Zambezi River just 40 kilometres (twenty five miles) upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Set under Mangosteen and Waterberry trees, Matetsi Water Lodge comprises three small, exclusive camps, each with six elegant suites and beautiful open thatched dining areas overlooking the River.  Day 10: Departure  After breakfast at Matetsi Water lodge, you will be road transferred to Victoria Falls International Airport  Botswana Explorer Safari details and prices

 

Budget Specials

3 Nights Kruger National Park Guided Tour from $750 per person sharing. Perfect package to Kruger forbudget-minded international travwelers (upgrades available to private lodges). 3-Night package including accommodation, vehicle with guide and meals as mentioned and all park fees. Valid from 1 April to 30 September 2009

Faces of The Namib Desert Guided Self-drive 4x4 Excursion $900 per person sharing. (min 12 pax) A world of infinite horizons, dramatic desert scapes and a diverse wonder of unique Namib Desert fauna and flora. 5 Days and 6 nights to discover the secret treasures of the Namib Desert (pre and post tours can be arranged through our office). Set departure dates 24 to 29 May (2 spaces left). Contact EWA for additional dates.

Tanzania extraordinary package Fly to Zanzibar, visit the historical Stone Town, and sail by Dhow to Fumba and swim with Dolphins at the southern most tip of the island. ZAR 17,805.00 per person sharing Valid from 15 June — 15 December   Last minute Botswana guided self-drive tour Limited space available, accompanied by a very knowledgeable guide in a group of 4x4 enthusiasts. ZAR 4,250.00 per person sharing Set Departure 5 — 17 July 2009   Botswana self-drive last minute availability (Unguided) Space available for the adventurous. ZAR 1,700.00 per person sharing Departure date 19 July — 30 July 2009   Angola guided Self-drive From Ruacana to Rundu in 13 Days! A once in a lifetime experience. ZAR 8,700.00 per person sharing Departure 27 July — 8 August 2009 Limited space available!

 

Safari News:

SOUTH AFRICA

New Product

Dwyka Lodge, Sanbona - Dramatically situated in a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine and surrounded by awe-inspiring rock formations, the luxurious & secluded Dwyka Tented Lodge exudes an atmosphere of pioneering adventure in this vast landscape. Accommodation is in 9 luxury tents, which all have en-suite shower & freestanding baths, aswell as an outdoor shower and private deck with a plunge pool. There is a wine cellar, gift boutique and Relaxation Retreat for guests to enjoy between the game activities.

Gondwana Lodge, Sanbona – resembling a typical thatched Karoo homestead offering 12 generously proportioned luxury suites, each with endless views over the plains, Abysberg-mountains and beyond. Children of all ages will be entertained with an exciting “Kids on Safari” program.

The Hyde, Cape Town – set in the heart of cosmopolitan Sea Point, The Hyde is ready to wrap you in wall-to-wall luxurious style all of its own. Cape Town’s newest hotspot knows all about working and playing hard, and caters to your most discerning needs by delivering the small things that make a big difference. There are 36 serviced self-catering apartments, with an in-house gym and rooftop pool deck.

Refurbishments

The Bay Hotel, Cape Town - During May to September 2009 The Bay Hotel is transforming and putting on a new coat with exciting new projects that will transform and enhance the current offering. They will be extending the pool deck;  adding flat screen TV’s, personal bar fridges and new airconditioning units to the rooms; adding pergolas to the patios of the ground floor Premier Mountain Views and the Penthouse, Suites, Luxury and Premier Mountain View rooms will be individually styled and transformed allowing for an enhanced offering. Work will commence at 09h00 until 17h00 daily, Monday to Saturday - inconvenience and noise factor to guests will be kept to the minimum.

The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town – some rooms will undergo soft décor refurbishments and all guest bathrooms will also be upgraded complimenting the newly refurbished rooms. The Café will be undergoing extensive refurbishments in June and July. As a result of this work the Cafe will be closed for the months of June and July. Guests will be accommodated for breakfast, lunch and dinner in the fine-dining Azure Restaurant, which boasts panoramic Atlantic views, faultless service and elegant style. Alternatively, guests can unwind at the stunningly refurbished Leopard Room Bar and Lounge and enjoy light snacks, salads and sandwiches. The award winning Sanctuary Spa will be closed for a week from the 29th of June 2009 to the 5th of July 2009 inclusive for a soft refurbishment and annual maintenance. Hotel guests can still have treatments in their room and in the outdoor gazebos during the scheduled closure and the list of treatments is available on request.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town – From May 2009 to end August 2009 the hotel will be undergoing refurbishments - the interior décor improvements include upgrading all rooms on the first and second floor, converting the currently larger double rooms into executive and junior suites and also re-decorating the corridors on both floors. No building construction is necessary during this upgrade phase and therefore noise levels and inconvenience to guests will be at a minimum.

Tilney Manor, Sanbona – will be closed for refurbs until 20 December 2009. Guests currently booked at the lodge will be moved to either Gondwana Lodge or Dwyka Tented Lodge.

NAMIBIA

New Product

Camp Kipwe – Twyfelfontein. Introducing the opening of Camp Kipwe (formerly Francolino Fly Inn) 4km from Mowani Mountain Camp. Opening date 01 August 2009. Accommodation is in 8 twin rooms (16 guests) with outside bathrooms. The rates include nature drives and excursions to Twyfelfontein. Hotair-Balooning will be available from December 2009

BOTSWANA

New Product

Camp Kalahari - a beautiful camp nestled in the breathtaking Kalahari, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Tucked away on Brown Hyena Island, amongst the mottled shade of acacia and mokolwane palms is the charming Camp Kalahari. Here, guests can take in the stark beauty of the Kalahari region from the comfort of one of six Meru-style tents. Each tent boasts a lovely ensuite bathroom with a flush w.c. Guests can tuck into mouth-watering Pan African menus, served in the beautiful dining room. A well-stocked library and convivial sitting areas add to guest delight. The Camp offers a wonderful selection of adventures that range from guided walks with Bushmen trackers and scenic nature drives to excursions to Green’s Baobab (one of the famous historical baobabs in the region) and the opportunity to interact with friendly meerkats.  

Updates

Uncharted Africa has announced that San Camp will be opening in 2010. No 2010 rate increase and all ages are welcome.

Nata Lodge will be opening its doors as of 01^st August 2009 after the lodge burnt last year.

 

KENYA

New Product

Mutamaiyu House, Laikipia – a gracious manor house, the private home of Nicky and Gaby Hahn, which offers its guests a unique opportunity to live their own African dream: participating in ranch life and vital conservation work within one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas including the big five. Mutamaiyu House has 6 spacious luxury cottages, each with its own fire place, built to take full advantage of the spectacular views.

Almanara Resort, Mombasa South Coast - located south of Mombasa on the East Coast of Kenya, Diani Beach rests between the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and open plains of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. Stretching 25 kilometres along the coastline, the palm fringed paradise offers a harmonic getaway all year round. Tucked away offering the utmost privacy and seclusion, Almanara Resort boasts a spectacular main house and six fully serviced villas. Each fully air-conditioned Villa offers a large dining and living area decorated with local artwork and bespoke furniture. Your dedicated chef and maid will provide both local and international cuisine accustomed to your desire. Fully inclusive guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner indoors or on their spacious outdoor verandah. Wonder down to the centrally located swimming pool, where the sunken bar offers BBQ snacks along with a variety of beverages throughout the day. Stroll just a little further and pearl white sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Daily tidal movements result in a picturesque image that truly typifies the modern luxury getaway.Almanara Resort has six fully air conditioned villa, each with 3 bedrooms (two doubles and one twin bedroom). All bedrooms have spacious ensuite bathrooms with all the amenities. Each villa offers a large dining room and living area decorated with local artwork and bespoke furniture. The living area has a large flat screen television with satellite & DVD player. As well there is an office with computer, printer and wifi access. All villas have private rooftop terraces where you can relax during the day and enjoy the evening skies.

AfroChic Boutique Retreat, Mombasa South Coast - with it’s beautiful furnished landscaped garden and it’s free form crystal clear swimming pool with Jacuzzi, is situated right on the edge of the white Diani beach. Diani Beach on the south of Mombasa Island is regarded as the best stretch of beach on the Kenya coast. From the international Moi airport of Mombasa, which is served by several flights AFROCHIC can be reached with an interesting drive of approximately one hour, including the few minutes ferry crossing of the channel to the harbour. AFROCHIC is only five minutes away from Ukunda airstrip, for private charters and daily flights to the Masai Mara. Accommodation consists of 10 individually designed bedrooms including a large Executive Suite. All rooms, with large double beds, have a balcony and magnificent view to the Indian Ocean except the “Queen of Sheba Room” that overlooks the lush garden and the fish pond. All en-suite bathrooms have a bidet and a large shower with two rooms having also a bath tub. Each room is equipped with satellite television, DVD player, safe, mini-bar and tea & coffee facilities. Some rooms contain a comfortable sofa-bed that can accommodate a third person. The “Zanzibar Junior Suite” has a comfortable sofa bed to accommodate third person and an additional large single bed, few steps up, on the internal wooden gallery. The En-Suite bathroom has a Whirlpool bath tub facing the ocean, large shower and bidet. The “Punda Milia” Executive Suite has a comfortable sofa bed to accommodate third person and an adjoining single bedroom. The En-Suite bathroom has Whirlpool bath tub, large shower, double wash basin and bidet.

Tijara Beach, Mombasa South Coast – this is an exclusive retreat set on a seaside bluff in 5 acres of colourful gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean. At the foot of the cliffs on which the resort perches is its own private beach.  A magnificent fresh water pool and ‘al fresco’ dining area complete this enchanting resort. Owned and managed by Ian & Larissa Manson Hart, this secret hideaway provides an upmarket service whose intimate and personal attention gives everyone the feeling of being at home. Only four spacious luxury cottages, each sited on its own cliff head with large open decks offer breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean. Insect proof king size beds with exclusively handcrafted Swahili furniture reflect the warmth and character of the local architecture.

TANZANIA

New Product

Kilindi is a new 15 unit piece of functional art currently under construction along a picturesque-perfect stretch of Northern Zanzibar. Designed by Neil Rocher (Shompole, Luangwa House amongst others) in conjunction with some long-serving Tanzanian specialists, Kilindi brings a welcome dash of pizazz to the island. Standing watch over the time-honoured Dhow Routes, along a crescent of coral-bright sand, each of the fifteen pavilions embrace cascading rain-water pools lush tropical gardens and domed private spaces of rest, indulgence and well-being. The style will be henceforth known as Zanzibaroque, homage to the unique synthesis of the island's endemic social and historical culture. The domes collect the rainwater, the sleeping areas straddle its storage, and the pools circulate it. They call this logically-eco, rather than eco-logical, because it seemed the obvious thing to do. They have a soft opening from March to 1^st June and then “real” hosting begins from 2nd June on wards.

Updates

Sanctuary Lodges have announced that the planned opening of Swala Camp on 01 June 2009 will be delayed until further notice. They have sighted “unforeseen circumstances as the reason for the delay. All guests that are booked at the camp in June will be moved to an alternative camp in the Tarangire National Park.