DESTINATION UPDATE | NOVEMBER 2018

< > > Destination Update | November 2018

Hello and welcome to our final Abercrombie & Kent East and Southern Africa Destination Update for 2018. We are very proud do announce that for the eighth year in a row we have won the award for Africa's Leading Luxury Tour Operator at the World Travel Awards. This would not be possible without your support so thank you for choosing Abercrombie & Kent for your clients African travels. This update contains some exciting news from new property openings to exclusive A&K activities and an update on logistics from aircrafts to hot air balloons. Our very best wishes for the upcoming holiday season and if you have any questions, comments or bookings please don’t hesitate to contact us. Kind regards, John

JOHN ROUND-TURNER REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR ABERCROMBIE & KENT EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA [email protected]

< > CONTENTS

BOTSWANA “If I have ever seen magic, it

• Updates Page 4 has been in Africa.” KENYA John Hemingway

• News | Updates | Offers Page 5

• Product | News Page 6 SOUTH AFRICA

• Product | News | Offers Page 7

• News | Offers Page 8

• News | Updates | Offers Page 9 ZIMBABWE

• Product | Offer Page 10

CONTACT US Page 11

< > Updates BOTSWANA

PLASTICS BAN POSTPONED SANCTUARY RETREATS LODGES CLOSED FOR Please note the Botswana plastics ban which would have come into effect on 1st November 2018 has been postponed UPGRADES until further notice. The postponement is being done to allow further engagement on the logistics of the implementation of Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero located just outside the Chobe the prohibition. National Park and Sanctuary Baines’ Camp located in a private concession in the Okavango Delta, are currently KASANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT UPGRADE closed for upgrades and refurbishments. The new look Earlier this year, Botswana’s Kasane International Airport’s Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero will reopen on 11 December 2018 upgraded terminal building was officially opened by President while Sanctuary Baines’ Camp will open on 23 December Seretse Khama Ian Khama. The original terminal building, 2018. Watch this space for images! which was built in 1991, has been expanded from 1,300 to 7,800 square meters (13,993 to 83,958 square feet). The Earlier this year a Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp reopened with runway and surrounding areas have also been extended and ten brand new luxury canvas tents while Sanctuary Sussi & provision has been made for airfield ground lighting and an Chuma reopened with new intimate spaces for private dining electrified boundary fence. and an outdoor bar that overlooks the Zambezi River.

< > Diani Beach voted Africa's Leading Beach Destination for 2018 KENYA

KENYA AIRWAYS LAUNCHES DIRECT DAILY NAIROBI - SANCTUARY OLONANA GEOFFREY KENT SUITE SPECIAL OFFERS NEW YORK FLIGHT On 28th October 2018, Kenya Airways made its inaugural direct flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi Following the relaunch of Sanctuary Olonana, the lodge has SANCTUARY OLONANA to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. announced it will open the Geoffrey Kent Suite on 18th STAY LONGER, PAY LESS Shaving off seven hours flying time when compared to flying March 2019. The suite features two en-suite bedrooms one Stay 3-4 nights & save up to 30% Stay 5-7 nights & save up to 35% through Europe, the new service will operate daily using the of which has an addition bedroom for children bringing the Stay 8+ nights & save up to 40% Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. KQ002 departs Nairobi at 22:55 to total number of rooms to three and a capacity for six people. The room features floor to ceiling windows which look out Valid all of 2019 arrive in New York City at 06:55. The return flight KQ003 onto a wraparound private deck and infinity pool overlooking departs JFK at 13:00 to arrive JKIA at 10:30. LEWA HOUSE the river. The suite has a private lounge and dining area OPENING SOON: LENGISHU, BORANA CONSERVANCY STAY 4, PAY 3 where meals freshly prepared by an in-suite chef will be Valid 07th January - 31st March, May, June, 16th Lengishu is a new exclusive-use house scheduled to open served. Guests will enjoy their very own private safari vehicle September - 31st October, 1st - 19th December 2019 on 1st December 2018 at the Borana Conservancy. It has and safari guide as well as a private access road separate to two master cottages and two family cottages each with its the main entrance. Photos and rates will be shared at a later EL KARAMA own sitting room and private veranda. The house can sleep date. The lodge is now taking bookings for the ultra-luxury STAY 4, PAY 3 12 guests with added accommodation for a guide or small Geoffrey Kent Suite. Valid throughout 2019 children. A swimming pool with views over the conservancy and a pétanque pitch are the other amenities offered at ANGAMA MARA STAY 4, PAY 3 house. Valid in June and September 2019 QATAR AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH DIRECT DOHA - MAHALI MZURI MOMBASA SERVICE STAY 4, PAY 3 On 9th December 2018 Qatar Airways will begin flying Valid for stays from 2nd January - 31st May 2019 directly to Mombasa four times a week. The flight, which will take just over six hours, will be operated with an Airbus OL SEKI HEMINGWAYS A320. The airline already has three daily flights to Nairobi’s STAY 4, PAY 3 Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Valid all year round including July and August 2019

ADOPTION CENTER AT THE OL PEJETA OLARE MARA KEMPINSKI CONSERVANCY STAY 3, PAY 2 The Ol Pejeta Conservancy will be unveiling an adoption Valid from 3rd January - 30th June & 16th centre that will give guests an opportunity to learn more September - 19th December 2019 about and adopt Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos left in the world and Diego, Scarg and Otis, the SARUNI SAMBURU STAY 4, PAY 3 anti-poaching dogs that keep them safe as well as Baraka, Valid 3rd January - 28th February & June - October the blind rhino. Ol Pejeta was recently voted Africa’s Leading 2019 Conservation Company at the 2018 World Travel Awards. FINCH HATTONS LUXURY TENTED CAMP

STAY 3, FLY FREE Valid from 02nd January - 30th June 2019

< > News | Product RWANDA

PLASTICS BANNED IN RWANDA Please note plastic bags are not allowed in Rwanda, as part OPENING SOON: MAGASHI CAMP, of it’s environmental protection policy. Passengers entering AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK the country are NOT permitted to carry any plastic bags. If Situated in the north-eastern part of Akagera National Park found carrying a plastic bag upon entry, one will be supplied overlooking Lake Rwanyakzinga, Magashi Camp is a six with an environmentally friendly alternative at a cost of $2-$6, room classic tented camp due to be opened in paid by the passenger, on their arrival at the airport. mid-December 2018. NEW A&K ACTIVITIES IN Akagera, Rwanda’s only savannah park, hosts a wide range we have recently completed developing some new activities of wildlife including all of the Big Five as well as over 500 in Kigali that will give your clients unique access to the species of birds. It is located only two and a half hours drive people and commerce of the city. from Kigali and combines well with Volcanoes National Park Our first tour is to the Question Coffee Shop - your clients will and Nyungwe National Park for a great Rwanda safari become a coffee connoisseur and learn how to grow, roast, experience. grind and brew a delicious cup of Rwandan coffee. The second excursion is to The Women's Bakery. This project was set up to teach Rwandan women how to run a sustainable business - your clients will learn how to make delicious local bread as well as have some great one on one time with the ladies. Our final tour is visiting a fashion designer in Kigali. The Rwandan fashion world is diverse and colourful and your clients will walk away with an understanding of where the designers came from as well as a shirt of their very own.

< > Cape Town #12 in Travel & Leisure’s World Best 15 Cities for 2018 SOUTH AFRICA

WHAT IS NEW CHEETAH PLAINS, SABI SAND SINGITA CULINARY SCHOOL The completely newly built lodge is opening 1st December Singita Kruger National Park recently opened a brand new 2018 and features exclusive-use, luxurious bushveld state-of-the-art demonstration studio where guests staying ROCKFIG SAFARI LODGE, TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE houses, each comprising of a main house with four private RockFig Safari Lodge, which opened on the 1st November at Singita Sweni or Singita Lebombo can enjoy prearranged guest suites. 2018, features just six chalet suites, making it ideal for cooking classes. A professional, qualified chef leads the

exclusive-use bookings for families or groups of friends. cooking class and guests are free to replicate their favourite Each main house boasts two lounges, dining areas, outdoor Each suite features indoor and outdoor showers, bath and a dishes on the chef’s menu. Classes should be booked at boma, wine cellar and a heated swimming pool as well as a private veranda ideal for private dinners. The main area least 24hrs in advance to allow the chefs enough time to private game viewing vehicle and designated field guide for features an open-plan kitchen, fireplace and lounge area, prepare. Classes may be scheduled seven days a week, the duration of your stay. The four king-bedded guest suites perfect for shared meals. Activities include game drives, subject to availability. each have their own private deck, dressing room, lounge, guided walking safaris and bush dining. Maximum four double rain shower and bath overlooking the splendid Afri- guests per vehicle and guaranteed private guide and can Bushveld. vehicle.

Scheduled daily flights available between Johannesburg and Offering guests unrivalled game viewing opportunities, Hoedspruit Airport and daily direct flight from Cape Town to combined with state-of-the-art architectural design, the Hoedspruit Airport. finished houses promise exceptional safari luxury of the highest standard, complete with private game viewing vehicle, designated field guide, gym and spa therapist.

SPECIAL OFFER

SAFARI & VICTORIA FALLS = TWO FREE NIGHTS Book three nights at Lion Sands River Lodge, Ivory Lodge, Narina Lodge or Tinga Lodge and receive two free nights at the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel. Valid for bookings and travel from 1st November 2018 and 31st March 2019 (Excludes 21st December 2018 to 4th January 2019)

< > News | Offers TANZANIA

TANZANIA AIRPORT AUTHORITY INTRODUCES BALLOON SAFARIS IN NDUTU IN THE NGORONGORO SPECIAL OFFERS SECURITY LEVY Serengeti Balloon Safaris will be flying in Ngorongoro Effective 1st November 2018, Tanzania Airport Authority will Conservation Area at Ndutu from 20th December 2018 to SANCTUARY RETREATS charge a security levy to all passengers boarding aircrafts at 31st March 2019. This flight is timed to make the most of the STAY LONGER, PAY LESS major domestic and international airports in the country. The migration in the area and enables those guests staying in Stay 4 - 6 nights & save up to 30% Stay 7+ nights & save up new fee will be used to improve airport security through Ndutu/Naabi Hill/Kusini to be able to experience the to 40% installation of high-tech equipment and safety devices. migration from the air. The launch site is flexible according to Serengeti: Sanctuary Kusini, Sanctuary Kichakani Passengers flying international airlines such KLM, Emirates, conditions and location of the herds and the crew will liaise Ngorongoro: Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp Kenya Airways among others will be charged $5 while those with A&K guides on the evening before the flight. Tarangire: Sanctuary Swala, boarding domestic flights including , Coastal Minimum passenger numbers apply. Aviation, Auric Air and others will pay $2 security fee on top FOUR SEASONS SERENGETI of the flight ticket price. STAY 4, PAY 3 SERVICES TO BOOST FLEET ON Stay four nights and enjoy the 4th night free SERENGETI - SERVICE Valid 3rd January to 30th June 2019 On 1st December 2018 Regional Air Services will introduce a Dash 8 for its Serengeti - Zanzibar route. The 52 seater SINGITA SERENGETI Dash 8 will be better placed to serve the five airstrips the STAY 6, PAY 5 airline services in the Serengeti for this service. Book six nights at a combination of Sasakwa Lodge, Faru Faru Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Explore and Mara River Tented Camp and receive one of the nights complimentary. Valid16th January - 19th December 2019

ANDBEYOND GRUMETI SERENGETI TENTED CAMP STAY 3 NIGHTS, GET FREE FLIGHTS Spend 3 or more nights at andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp and flights are free. This offer includes scheduled return flights between Grumeti / ; Grumeti / Lake Manyara; Grumeti / Serengeti airstrips Valid from: 11th January - 31st March 2019 | 1st - 15th May 2019 | 1st September - 20th December 2019

SERENGETI BUSHTOPS & ROVING BUSHTOPS STAY 4, PAY 3 Valid from 6th January to 18th April and 1st November to 20th December 2019.

CHADA KATAVI & GREYSTOKE MAHALE Stay 7 nights and only pay for 6. Valid all 2019

< > News | Updates | Offers UGANDA

“The ambience is great , food is amazing, great wine selection, the staff are oh so friendly”. Hotel No. 5 Entebbe

ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIPORT UPGRADE AIRKENYA/AEROLINK INTRODUCE MARA/ENTEBBE The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has been carrying out DAILY SERVICE expansion works at Entebbe International Airport as part of Effective 1st June 2019, Airkenya and Aerolink will introduce a 20 year master plan that will run until 2033. a Mara - Entebbe service that will make it easier for guests The Authority is increasing the counters in both departure to experience the Big 5 in Kenya and the gorillas in Uganda. and arrival halls with one counter dedicated to passengers The flight departs the Mara at 0845 to arrive Entebbe at with special needs. After the terminals are completed, the 1130 via Kisumu so clients can clear customs & airport’s parking space will be increased to cater for more immigration. vehicles. SPECIAL OFFER

In addition, the Authority has embarked on new cargo UGANDA WILDLIFE AUTHORITY INTRODUCES TWO facilities including: the construction of a new cargo terminal, SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP - STAY NEW GORILLA FAMILIES access roads to the new cargo terminal, a new taxiway for LONGER, PAY LESS Due to overwhelming demand for gorilla permits, Uganda the cargo planes and their aprons, extension of the current Stay 4 - 6 nights & save up to 30% Wildlife Authority (UWA), has increased the number of gorilla airplane parking spaces, strengthening the existing runway, Stay 7+ nights & save up to 40% families for tracking from 15 to 17 following the successful among others Valid throughout 2019 habituation of the Katwe group in Buhoma and Christmas group in Nkuringo in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

< > Named in Lonely Planet’s TOP TEN countries to visit in 2019! ZIMBABWE

This nomination could not be more well deserved. After years of being off the grid Zimbabwe has once again come into the spotlight. The country offers a wonderful and diverse safari experience - from open plains to expansive lakes and tumbling rivers and of course not forgetting the iconic Victoria Falls. The value for money that your guests will get for an incredible luxury lodge experiences is always surprising for many people. A Zimbabwe safari can easily be combined with Botswana, South Africa or Zambia for a fantastic Southern Africa experience. December to March is the wet season in Zimbabwe and is a time of plenty for the wildlife with a multitude of babies being born. April and May is the transition into the dry season which is also when Victoria Falls is in full flood. The dry THE STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE HOTEL, season lasts from June to November and during this time the VICTORIA FALLS reduced water availability means wildlife concentrates around the remaining sources. The Stanley & Livingstone, Victoria Falls' first luxury boutique hotel opened on 1st November 2018. The intimate hotel OLD DRIFT LODGE, VICTORIA FALLS features just 16 Suites and is the perfect base from which to explore Victoria Falls, while also being an oasis in which to A seven kilometre stretch of river flows between the camp simply relax. and the town of Victoria Falls, making Old Drift Lodge the closest lodge within the Zambezi National Park to Victoria The hotel restaurant serves delicious meals, prepared using Falls. Old Drift Lodge offers family friendly accommodation, local, fresh and healthy ingredients, specially paired with with each air-conditioned suite decorated with stylish excellent South African wines. A Private Travel Concierge is furnishings, fitting of the bygone eras, which blend in available for any on-site assistance guests may need. This is seamlessly with the natural environment. also the perfect family hotel as the Mack & Madi kids'

programme will surprise and delight youngsters of all ages. Guests are accommodated in ten double suites and four The hotel offers complimentary, shared transfers between family suites. The spacious canvas en suite rooms all have a the Hotel and Victoria Falls Intl Airport and Harry Mwanga private lounge, viewing and “sleep-out” deck, indoor and Nkumbula Intl Airport and between the Hotel and Victoria outdoor showers, plunge pool and an outdoor bath. Falls town.

The activities offered at Old Drift Lodge emphasise the rich Opening Offer: Book three nights at Stanley & Livingstone natural environment, focusing on the abundance of wildlife Boutique Hotel and only pay for two! that roam through the Park and swim the Zambezi River. Valid for bookings and travel from 1st November 2018 to These include game drives, river safaris, walking safaris and 31st March 2019. a guided tour of Victoria Falls.

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CONTACT US

KENYA TANZANIA Tel: +254 20 6950 000 Tel: +255 27 250 8347/8 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

SOUTHERN AFRICA UGANDA Tel: +27 11 438 4500 Tel: +256 776 852 090 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

RWANDA Tel: +250 788 310 261 Email: [email protected]

LETS SOCIALISE

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