Monday, November 22, 2010

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS WILL OPEN EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LODGE IN VIRGIN FOREST OF SOUTHERN MALAWI


MAJETE, Malawi (11/2010) Robin Pope Safaris, the classic safari company known for its specialized and walking safaris, will open a luxury lodge called Mkulumadzi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve of Southern Malawi next July 15.

Set on a lush riverbank within a virgin forest, Mkulumadzi will comprise eight spacious chalets, each with private viewing decks offering dramatic and unimpeded views over the confluence of two major rivers, the Mkulumadzi and the Shire. Interiors are elegant and uncluttered. Contemporary comforts such as an environmentally-friendly cooling system and luxurious bathrooms are blended with rustic Leadwood balustrades, a natural pole pergola and a facade that opens up to reveal the breathtaking view. Each chalet’s vegetated 'green roof' not only ensures extra camouflage, but has a natural cooling effect on the building. The main lodge will be an open-fronted space maximizing the beautiful river views and taking advantage of some cool shade on the forested banks. Activities range from swimming in the pool and dining under the stars, to river cruises, game drives and walking safaris.

The vision for Mkulumadzi is for visitors to be as active or as idle as their inclinations. They can track rhino in the bush, hike to the peak of Majete Hill, take a cultural tour of local villages or simply lounge on the shaded riverbank listening to the grunt of hippos wallowing in the water.

Mkulumadzi is owned and managed by Robin Pope Safaris, which was founded in 1986, and which has earned a reputation as Africa’s leading safari company. Standards of accommodation, hospitality, guiding and catering are second to none. Because of their prior success in operating lodges in Zambia and Malawi and their record of investing back into local communities, Robin Pope Safaris were awarded an exclusive private concession within Majete Wildlife Reserve to build Mkulumadzi.

MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE

The Reserve encompasses some 175,000 acres of unvisited, unexplored, and unspoiled wilderness, a vast region of mature miombo woodland and granite-topped hills contrasting with picturesque river valleys and dense, pristine forest. It is the habitat of the elusive black rhino as well as elephant, buffalo, Nyala, sable, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Lion, leopard and cheetah will be reintroduced in 2012 as part of a pioneering conservation project. Once that happens, Majete will again be home to the Big Five.

Numerous species of birds grace Majete, including a breeding population of Rock Pratincole that inhabits rocky islands in the Shire River; Pels Fishing Owl in the riparian forest of the river systems; Arnotts’ chat; the White-breasted cuckooshrike and Racket-tailed Rollers.

Majete is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Granted protected status in 1955, it was nonetheless subjected to extensive poaching in the 1980’s and 1990s. But a concerted joint effort since 2003 by the African Parks Network and the Malawi government – including the reintroduction of endangered species – has turned it into a model of sustainable development and biodiversity.

Rejuvenation of the reserve began with law enforcement. Scouts received new equipment and training, and a 100-mile electrified fence was erected around the perimeter to protect local villages form marauding elephant, buffalo and hippo. Elephants in the reserve were captured, darted and collared, and a new GPS mapping and monitoring system allows scouts to record each patrol on a handheld device, noting vital information such as wildlife sightings, water sources and illegal activities.

Infrastructure was improved with the clearing of 150 miles of new roads and the erection of new buildings, notably a Heritage Centre for visitors. Restoring Majete to its former beauty is not merely an exercise in attracting tourists, though: the aim is to benefit the people of Malawi and, in particular, the 130,000 villagers living in local communities in

ROBIN POPE OFFERS NATURE LOVERS EXCLUSIVE NEW




MAJETE, Malawi (11/2010) Robin Pope Safaris, the classic safari company known for its specialist and walking safaris, is offering a 10-night safari to the most unspoiled areas of Zambia and Malawi. Guests will spend four nights in the South Luangwa National Park, three nights at Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi and three nights at Pumulani on Lake Malawi.

South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, and is one of the last pristine wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game and more than 400 species of birds.
Majete Wildlife Reserve encompasses some 175,000 acres of unvisited, unexplored, and unspoiled wilderness, a vast region of mature Miombo woodland and granite-topped hills contrasting with picturesque river valleys and dense, primeval forest. It is the habitat of the elusive black rhino as well as elephant, buffalo, Nyala, sable, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

Pumulani on Nankumba Peninsula is recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of Lake Malawi and borders Lake Malawi National Park, a World Heritage Site, established to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area.

SABI SABI’S SELATI CAMP OPENS NEWLY REBUILT IVORY SUITE



MPUMALANGA, SOUTH AFRICA (11/12/10) – Following four months of construction, Selati Camp’s Ivory Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi, an internationally renowned private game reserve in the greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa, is open and ready for guests. The suite has been closed because of an accidental fire in July of this year.

Upgrades at the newly redesigned Ivory Suite include an even larger bathroom, complete with a magnificent chaise lounge, oversized stone bath and large walk-in shower. Huge sliding glass doors lead to an outdoor shower, accompanied by an intimate patio and private plunge pool, all of which enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding bushveld.

Renowned South African designer Stephen Rich was recruited to recreate the beauty and sense of history for which the original suite was famous. Rich used antiques, Persian rugs and decadent fabrics in the suite, complemented by authentic railway memorabilia, to create an old world ambiance. The heart of the suite is the carved-wood bed covered in heavy linen and draped with sheer netting.

Guests staying in the Ivory Suite are treated to their own ranger and private Land Rover for safaris.

Intimate, exclusive and wildly romantic, Selati Camp is ideal for couples looking to escape back in time to an era of colonial elegance and safari adventures. Named after the historical Selati Railway line that ran through the eastern section of the private reserve and a legendary female chief of the ancient Tebula tribe, the camp’s old world charm, design and spirit strikes a contrast to the modern game lodges found in the area today.

The Ivory Suite at Selati Camp starts at $1,179 per person per night. For more information please visit the website at www.sabisabi.com, or call Warren Green at (804) 767- 8770 or email warren@warrengreenandassociates.com.

MANTIS’ HOTEL LE FONTANELLE OFFERS FABULICIOUS

TUSCANY, Italy (11/2010) Hotel Le Fontanelle, a five-star converted farmhouse in the Chianti region of Tuscany near Siena, is offering a Turn of the New Year Package to those romantics who want to welcome in 2011 with a touch of Classico, fine food, and fabulous views.

The package starts on December 31, 2010, and includes two nights’ accommodation inclusive of a Tuscan buffet breakfast served in the hotel’s La Colonna Restaurant.


On December 31, guests will be warmed up with champagne and canapés served near a roaring log fire in the cozy Lounge Bar. They will savor a six-course Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner with wines paired for each course selected by Le Fontanelle’s resident sommelier. All will raise a glass at midnight to toast the turn of the year.

On January 1, guests will ease into the New Year with a 50-minute aromatherapy massage at the onsite spa. They can take in the cultural delights of nearby Siena with two complimentary tickets to the town’s historic museums.

The day will wrap up with a sumptuous, three-course dinner including complimentary champagne.

Rates are per room based on double occupancy: Classic Room $2545; Deluxe Double $3145; Junior suite $3552 (prices exclusive of 10%VAT). Valid for two nights from December 31 2010 to January 2 2011, subject to availability. Call +44 (0) 1483 425465 or email ukoffice@mantiscollection.com quoting Mantis Tuscany.

*****


Thursday, November 11, 2010

STUNNING MANTIS SKI RESORT IN FRENCH ALPS REDUCES WINTER CHALET RENTALS BY AS MUCH AS $5600

VAL D’ISERE, France (11/2010) Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, one of the Alps’ most exclusive ski resorts and one of Europe's hippest, is offering extremely favorable chalet rental rates over the winter. There are five luxurious, catered ski chalets to choose among, depending on the size of the group. All are located in the peaceful and private area of La Legettaz in Val d’Isere, and are ideal for family, group or corporate ski holidays. Bookings must be made before November 30, 2010.


December 19 – 26, 2010 Christmas in the Alps

Two of the chalets, La Bergerie and Kilimanjaro, are ideal for family getaways. By booking now, guests get $3232* off the list price at $30,618 for Bergerie which sleeps 10 or $27,725 for Kilimanjaro, which sleeps eight.
December 12 – 16, 2010 a pre-Christmas break in the Alps

The largest of the five chalets is Le Chardon, which has 10 bedrooms. It is available for four nights from the 12th to the 16th of December priced at just $15,510, while Chalet Lafitenia, which sleeps 12, is available for four nights, priced at $9306.

December 12 – 19, 2010 Experience the “all new” Chalet Mistral

Chalet Mistral, which sleeps 14 people, has had a makeover this summer. It is available on a per room basis, based on two people sharing, at $1608 per person for the week.

February 6 – 13, 2011 Post Holiday Savings

Chalet Mistral – save more than $5655! Call +44(0)1483 425465 or
Email ukoffice@mantiscollection.com for more details.



As a small company, Le Chardon goes out of its way to help guests organize their skiing holiday. They understand that the notion of "luxury" is not only exhibited within the design, style and amenities of the chalets; it is in the peace of mind that they deliver. Whether in the gourmet food and fine wines served, through the ease of in-chalet ski rental service, the pre-arranged lift pass delivered with the first breakfast; or an evening soak in the chalet hot tub to relieve tired legs, Le Chardon pampers its guests.

A personal concierge service makes life at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges effortless. From arranging airport transfers complete with champagne picnic, to lunch reservations at the best mountain restaurants, no stone is left unturned in the build up to, and during the stay. Always happy to deal with any special request, no matter how large or small, Le Chardon wants guests to relax in the knowledge that the day has been tailor made especially for them.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

RARE WHITE LION CUBS BORN AT SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Western Cape, South Africa (11/2010) These two cutie pies, rare male and female white lion cubs, were born at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the result of Mantis Group’s pioneering white lion breeding project. Because of their beauty, rarity, and arresting appearance, white lions have been almost poached out of existence. Overcoming inherent setbacks in such an ambitious project, Mantis has successfully bred a pride of white lions, which freely roams the Reserve. In spite of their cuteness, the cubs’ mother left them on their own, unprotected and unfed and, doubtless, bothered and bewildered. The Mantis Wildlife Team tried to effect reconciliation with their mom to no avail, so the cubs were taken to Shamwari Game Reserve’s Animal Rehabilitation Centre in the Eastern Cape. Here they’re getting professional veterinary and husbandry care to ensure their survival.