Tuesday, February 16, 2010

MANTIS TO OPEN FIVE-STAR LODGE IN RWANDA’S PRIMEVAL NYUNGWE FOREST

Nyungwe, RWANDA (02/2010) Mantis, manager and marketing company of luxury boutique hotels and game reserves across South Africa and Europe, is making its first foray into Rwanda with a stunning five-star lodge scheduled to open on March 14th of this year. The Nyungwe Forest Lodge is set in Rwanda’s mountainous southwest, the largest remaining extension of uninterrupted montane forest in Central and East Africa, and one of the most ancient.

Mantis’ Nyungwe Forest Lodge is the only five-star accommodation within the Nyungwe National Park area. It lies in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed-canopy rain forest. Each of the lodge’s 24 sumptuous suites has a private deck affording views of the vast forest terrain. The lodge boasts a bistro with an outdoor heated swimming pool, a boma for al fresco dining and sundowners, a restaurant with private terrace, a tea lounge and bar, and a relaxation retreat comprising two treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi and a fitness center equipped with treadmill, cycle and weights. The lodge also offers state-of-the-art wi-fi and exclusive conference facilities accommodating up to 18 delegates. The main lodge is wheelchair friendly.

Suites are air-conditioned and appointed with a fireplace for cooler months, en-suite bathroom with shower, and a flat screen TV with digital satellite channels.

The architecture of the lodge is loosely based on traditional Rwandese buildings and, like them, is designed to blend with the landscape. To the extent possible local materials and construction methods have been used. The resulting spaces are comfortable and elegant, and celebrate the uniqueness of the site, an area so old it predates the last Ice Age. Known for its rugged terrain and complex mosaic of vegetation, from tall, dense forests to open, flower-filled marshes, the forest is home to more than 200 different tree species and a myriad of flowering plants. Found here are the African mahogany, Mulanje cedar, the evergreen Waterberry tree, the other-worldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids.

Nyungwe is an ideal area for walking and trekking, rife as it is with no fewer than 13 species of primates ranging from chimpanzees (man’s closest living relative) to acrobatic black and white colobus monkeys, from blue and golden monkeys to the baboon-like Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. Guests can walk to the Kamicanovu swamp or enjoy the extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leading through the forest to a variety of waterfalls and viewing points for beholding old mahoganies, ebonies, giant tree ferns, orchids and other epiphytes, brightly-colored birds, butterflies and some larger forest residents.

The Nyungwe Forest Lodge is an hour’s drive from the town of Kamembe on the shore of Lake Kivu.

Nyungwe Forest Lodge is managed and marketed by the Mantis Group.

Rate per person per night of US$400 includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, selected beverages and VAT.

For reservations, contact 041-407-1000 or email: reservations@mantiscollection.com or visit:
www.mantiscollection.com

JOIN LEGENDARY GUIDE ROBIN POPE ON REMOTE & REMARKABLE NYIKA, MALAWI SAFARI

South Luangwa, ZAMBIA (02/2010) Robin Pope Safaris, the vaunted Zambia-based luxury safari company, is offering a fabulous 11-day package to remote areas of Zambia and to the remarkable alpine wilderness of Malawi, where legendary guide Robin Pope will join safari-goers.

The safari begins in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas of Africa and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary on the continent. It ends in the Nankumba Peninsula, the southern end of Malawi’s beautiful namesake lake, poetically referred to as “Lake of the Stars.”.Along the way, Robin Pope Safaris will take guests to Malawi’s highland plateau of Nyika, known for its phenomenally broad vistas and herds of endemic wildlife.

Day 1 Arrive Lilungwe (capital of Malawi) Fly to Mfuwe Airport in Zambia. En route to Nsefu camp, experience colorful village life and travel through the South Luangwa National Park to catch sightings of its extraordinary game. Robin Pope owns the only two camps in this section of the park. Nsefu, on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, was the first game camp in Zambia and dates to the early 1950’s.

At Nsefu, each of six rondavals contains luxurious en suite facilities, large picture windows and new wooden verandas that afford spectacular views of the river. Lunch is followed by a siesta before the afternoon and evening game drives. Overnight at Nsefu.

Days 2 and 3 Drive or walk through the ebony groves, explore the Nsefu section of the National Park or take an all-day picnic drive to the salt pans. Overnight at Nsefu.

Day 4 Following breakfast, guests are transferred back to Mfuwe Airport for a charter flight to Nyika National Park in Malawi. Here they will meet the legendary Robin Pope, who will be their guide for the next four nights. Guests have the option of participating in an activity or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the Nyika. Stay at Chelinda.

Days 5 – 7 Guests enjoy a rare African alpine experience at high altitude on the Nyika Plateau within the Nyika National Park in Malawi -- panoramic views of rolling hills, isolated ridges and open grasslands, and access to rich pockets of endemic wildlife including Burchell’s zebra, Roan antelope, common reedbuck, eland, bushbuck, warthog and leopard. Activities include day and night nature drives, nature walks, mountain biking, fly-fishing for trout, and birding (some 400 bird species can be found around the camp). Stay at Chelinda

Day 8 Transfer via charter flight to the shores of Lake Malawi. Drive to Pumulani, a lodge comprising ten villas nestled into the hillside. Each villa is unique in shape and style; all contain a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. Front sliding doors open onto the elevated deck affording optimal views of the lake. A lake shore bar offers light snacks and refreshments. Meals are served in the dining area, on the beach, or by arrangement on a guest’s private deck. Stay at Pumulani.

Day 9 – Relax at Pumulani. The remote beach setting is ideal for soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear blue waters of the lake or taking a dive in the infinity swimming pool. Water sports run the gamut from snorkeling, fishing, sailing and kayaking to water-skiing, wake boarding and fun tube riding (motorized activities are excluded). At day’s end, board the dhow and sail into the sunset. Stay at Pumulani.


Day 10 – Choose a special picnic tour of one of the islands (not included in rate) as the boat scoots along the shores of Lake Malawi National Park, a World Heritage site since 1984. Spot fish eagles and other birds. The lake is so clear observers can see marine life from aboard the boat. Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake, home to more than a thousand species of fish including hundreds of species of colorful cichlids. Diving courses are offered at the best diving spot. For those interested in seeing the real Malawian village life, guided walks through a local village are offered. Malawians are renowned for being among the friendliest people in Africa.

Day 11 – Transfer back to Monkey Bay airstrip for a light aircraft flight to Lilongwe in time for return flight home.
Nyika Safari with Robin Pope
• Itinerary Nsefu 3 nights, Chelinda 4 nights (Robin Pope leads this portion), Pumulani 3 nights.
• Includes All transfers by road and air starting and ending in Lilongwe, all accommodation on a full board basis, all drinks other than premium wines and spirits, all activities, laundry
• Excludes Mfuwe airport departure tax at $25, gratuities, visa fees where applicable + international flights
• Rates USD$ 7720 per person - minimum 4 people for trip to take off
• Valid Oct 2010 – set departures i.e. 4th Oct and 8th Oct
• Extra nights normal rate applies
For more information contact: reservations@robinpopesafaris.net of visit our website: www.robinpope.net

Friday, February 5, 2010

Witness Wonky Tusk's Honky Tonk Stomp Through the New Mfuwe Lodge






JONATHAN SCOTT AND PHIL BERRY OF THE BBC GUIDE
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ZAMBIA SAFARI


Witness Wonky Tusk’s Honky Tonk Stomp Through the New Mfuwe Lodge
SOUTH LUANGA, ZAMBIA (03/09) – Two of Africa’s top wildlife experts, BBC’s Jonathan Scott and legendary BBC guide and wildlife expert Phil Berry, are leading a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa Park November 3 – 10, 2010. Their rich knowledge of this area will be especially exciting to participants who will find the safari to be a learning experience as well as a wildlife experience.

With accommodation at Bushcamp Company’s newly renovated Mfuwe Lodge, a special walking safari with Phil Berry, top photographic tips from Jonathan Scott, animal migrations, and the opportunity to capture images of Wonky Tusk and her elephant family passing through the lodge’s reception area, it’s a trip not to be missed. This seven day excursion cost only $6,995 per person, double occupancy.
Guests will receive special treatment from the moment they arrive in Lusaka, including assistance through immigration and a connecting flight to the remote area of Mfuwe. Once settled in their chalet and after afternoon tea at the lodge, they’ll head into the wild with Jonathan and Phil for their first wildlife encounter.

The newly renovated Mfuwe lodge is nestled among huge ebony and fig trees which shade a lagoon in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. This unique lodge boasts 18 thatched chalets, each with a private deck overlooking the lagoon and its resident hippos. The package includes accommodation, meals and drinks, an hour massage at the Bush Spa, daily morning and evening safari drives, visits to local conservation and community projects, game activities with expert guides and wildlife talks with Phil, Jonathan and representatives from local conservation organizations before the morning drives. It also includes drinks, laundry, park fees, airport transfers, round trip domestic flights, taxes and service.

South Luangwa National Park, home of the Bushcamp Company, is one of Africa's last unspoiled wilderness areas. The camp’s guests will discover the magnificence of the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo -- exotic birds and other wildlife. The concentration of game during November is the most intense in Africa. It’s the time of year when the Mango trees bear fruit and the famous Wonky Tusk and her family parade through the open-air reception area of Mfuwe looking for the fruit.

Excellent photo opportunities are plentiful during dawn and dusk game drives when game is most active and lighting is soft for those special shots. Phil and Jonathan will also lead guests on foot in search of interesting wildlife and share tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot. Guests may also look forward to receive a one on one tutorial from Jonathan on photography.

Jonathan Scott is a multi award-winning wildlife photographer based in Kenya and TV presenter of the BBC series “Big Cat Diary” and “Elephant Diaries”. Phil Berry is one of Zambia’s most prominent naturalists and guide. He has help establish Zambia National Tourist Board’s walking safari camps in Luangwa and ran the anti-poaching field operations for Save the Rhino Trust.

Children over the age of 12 are welcome at the Bushcamp Company. For more information call +260-6-246041, e-mail at info@bushcampcompany.com


Zambia, often described as the “real Africa” is considered one of the most peaceful and safest countries on the Dark Continent. Populated by warm, friendly people and countless big game and exotic bird life, Zambia is awash in a brilliantly colored landscape of shimmering lakes, verdant wetlands and rainforests, dramatic mountain cliffs and river gorges, and tumbling waterfalls – including Victoria Falls, which spills mightily from the legendary Zambezi River.


The Bushcamp Company is a member of Zambian Horizons, a network of safari camps scattered among the North Luangwa, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Livingstone regions of Zambia. The primary focus of Zambian Horizons is spreading awareness and providing information to the public and the press about Zambia’s lush natural beauty, vast wildlife populations, stunning wilderness areas, and magnificent reserves. For more information on Zambian Horizons and their impressive collection of safari camps, visit www.ZambianHorizons.com or contact by E-mail at info@ZambianHorizons.com.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

SNOW MONKEYS AND SKI SAFARIS IN JAPAN

Shigakogen/Yudanaka/Hakuba, JAPAN – Japan, the new skiing frontier, boasts some of the world’s best resorts and superb power snow conditions. Ski across the Nagano prefecture of Japan, where east and west Japan merge, with the exceptional Maloob Active.


Travelers begin their adventure with four days at Shiga Kogen, the world’s largest ski resort and home to the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games snowboarding and alpine skiing competitions. Guests will stay at the convenient Hotel Khuls Shiga Kogen, situated right at the base of Mount Yokote near Shiga Kogen’s highest ski lift.


Then, travelers will enjoy a night at Yudanaka, staying in traditional Japanese accommodations at the Yudanaka Issanokomichi Biyunoyado hotel. The town offers some of Japan’s most popular open-air hot springs, where tired skiers can relax and rejuvenate. The nearby Snow Monkey Park offers some of the best sightings of the native Japanese Snow Monkeys as they loiter by the area’s volcanic hot springs in weather as cold as 5°F.


The final four days will be spent at Hakuba, which boasts some of the best of Japanese skiing. With 437 acres of terrain and 3514 feet of vertical descent, the Happo One resort boasts powder snow across 13 pistes and 33 lifts. Guests will stay at the luxurious Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, a comfortable modern chalet with esthetic salon, natural hot springs, and free WiFi.


For those seeking a little more than a classic ski adventure, Japan offers a wide range of exciting activities, ranging from mountaineering and caving to cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and white water rafting.


This ten-day Japanese ski adventure starts from $2,565 per person for double occupancy. The price includes all shared accommodations, all breakfast meals, all tours and transfers, English speaking assistance where necessary, and all lift tickets. As Maloob Active specializes in customized ski safaris, prices may vary according to duration, dates of travel, and standard of accommodation. Maloob Active’s Japanese ski adventure is recommended from November through March. For more information or to book, please call 516 622 2279 or visit the website at www.baobabexpeditions.com.