NEW SISTERS OF AFRICA SPA LAUNCHED WITH PROPRIETARY HEALING TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia (08/2013) - A new spa called Sisters of Africa, featuring proprietary spa and beauty treatments and products based on age-old Zambian healing techniques, has been launched at Islands of Siankaba, the “green” luxury lodge set on two islands in the Zambezi River, just 24 miles from famous Victoria Falls. All guests receive a complimentary five-minute foot or neck massage to help them relax and unwind.

Sisters of Africa founder, Bessie Mwale, said the Spa was created to bring “true tranquility to the body, mind and soul.” The treatments are offered in the lodge’s poolside Spa, inside guest rooms or alfresco on the chalet’s “porch”. “What is more relaxing than being in the middle of the glorious Zambezi River surrounded by the natural music of the birds, the water and the light scent of the trees?” says Mwale.

The Signature Treatment is the Sisters of Africa Massage (US$75, sixty minutes), using warm or cold cloths to help stretch and heal aching muscles, a technique traditionally used in Zambian villages with the purpose of removing toxic energy and relaxing the body through a sisterly touch. The Siankaba Aromatherapy Massage (US$75, sixty minutes) uses oils extracted from the
Mongongo (euphorbia) and Baobab trees, oils that help slow aging and improve skin tone. 

Beauty treatments include the Zambian River Island Facial, where skin is cleaned with steamed towels and pure, distilled Zambezi River water, then deeply nourished with Mongongo oil and wild African ginger. A gentle massage to improve blood and nutrient circulation follows. The Arabica Coffee Body Polish contains a thick layer of cocoa butter, pure coconut oil and freshly-grown Zambian Arabica Coffee to help intensely cleanse the skin while removing dead cells to prepare the skin for Africa’s sun-kissed weather. The Back and Neck Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) or the Foot Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) can be combined with other full body massage treatments (US$115, ninety minutes).

Zambia-born Sisters of Africa founder Bessie Mwale worked her way through beauty school in South Africa to achieve a Beautician’s Diploma. Wanting to return to her country of origin after gaining work experience outside of Johannesburg, Mwale seized on the opportunity offered by Islands of Siankaba to become a consultant for their spa treatments and to run her own Spa at 
the lodge.

“I want to inspire other African women to follow their dreams as I have mine,” says Mwale. 

For information or reservations: info@siankaba.net; Visit: www.siankaba.net

THE ISLANDS OF SIANKABA: THE ZAMBEZI RIVER'S OASIS IN THE TREES

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA (08/06)--Located 24 miles upstream from one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ Victoria Falls, and just 30 miles from the magnificent Chobe National Park, the Islands of Siankaba’s River Lodge offers style and elegance in a distinctively African setting. Overhead walkways in a tree canopy connect seven secluded chalets and the restaurant, which has earned a reputation for ‘haute-cuisine in the bush.’ Each chalet is completely private and offers a unique view of the mighty Zambezi River which flows below the private balconies. The treetop chalets feature views of the calm 
river right from the king-sized beds and lavish bathtubs. The Islands of Siankaba sleeps just 14 guests and makes for a picturesque, romantic getaway or a relaxing reprieve for travelers on safari or on an extreme-sports adventure. 

This carefully crafted river lodge comprises two densely forested islands. The Islands are linked by a suspension bridge. On the larger of the two islands there is a dining room, lounge, bar, and swimming pool; the chalets are nestled on the smaller island to the south. All of the tented chalets are made from teak and custom-made canvas. The Islands are named after the local head man of the Siankaba area which is across the River from the Lodge.

The environmental policy of the lodge is to make a minimum negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. In this tradition the design and layout of the lodge incorporates its natural surroundings and the structures blend flawlessly with the bush. The overhead walkways enable guests to leave no impact on the flora below.

A trained masseuse on site offers a range of spa treatments in the privacy of the chalet or outside on the verandah with the soothing sound of the river flowing below and the tweets of birds nesting in the trees.

In addition, the Islands of Siankaba offers many activities such as guided bird-watching tours, nature hikes, tours of Victoria Falls either in Zambia or Zimbabwe, sunset cruises, mokoro trips, island nature walks, picnic lunches, village trips including a visit to the nursery school, and mountain 
bike rides through the village. Many other expeditions can be arranged such as trips to Chobe National Park, elephant-back safaris, bunji jumping, white water rafting, micro lighting, helicopter flights, gorge swinging, tiger moth flights, game drives, and jet boating.

Whether looking for a romantic hideaway, a relaxing post-safari retreat, or in search of one of the many adrenalin buzz adventures available in the area, guests will experience uncompromising levels of service and hospitality during their stay at the Islands of Siankaba. 

Rates for the Luxury Chalets range from $445 to $460 per person sharing per night. Rates forthe Honeymoon Suite range from $500 to $515 per person sharing per night. Rates depend upon the season and include accommodation, all meals, return airport transfers, local drinks and house wines, and activities as noted above. 

For more information, visit www.siankaba.net or email info@siankaba.net

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS ACQUIRES STANLEY SAFARI LODGE AND OFFERS “BEST OF AFRICA CIRCUIT”

MFUWE, Zambia (06/2013) Robin Pope Safaris’ (RPS) recent acquisition of Stanley Safari Lodge makes it possible to see a trio of Africa’s greatest sights, all on one incredible tour. Robin Pope Safaris’ Best of Africa Circuit will take visitors through Livingstone, Zambia, home of Victoria Falls, on to game-rich South Luangwa National Park, and then to beautiful Lake Malawi in Malawi. The itinerary includes three nights at Stanley Safari Lodge, followed by three nights at Luangwa River Camp, and culminates in four nights at Pumulani Lodge.  Rates start at US$4456 per person and include all transfers between the properties, as well as full board, local drinks, all activities (except motorized water sports) and laundry. Offer is valid from April to November.

The trip begins in Livingstone, Zambia, where visitors can see Victoria Falls. In addition to being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the falls features the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Its spray, billowing up to 1300 feet, can be seen 30 miles away.  After visiting the falls, guests can enjoy lunch or high tea on Livingstone Island, river tours on the Zambezi, and sunset cruises. Wildlife enthusiasts can take elephant rides and game-viewing treks to see the rare white rhino. Canoeing, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and micro lighting are available for thrill-seekers.

After thoroughly exploring Livingstone, guests are taken to the South Luangwa National Park, which many consider to be the best wildlife sanctuary in all of Africa. Located at the end of the Great Rift Valley, and bordered by the Luangwa River, the pristine park is home to 60 different species of animals and over 400 species of birds. Guests can explore all of the natural riches that the park has to offer on safari and even visit the Chipembele Wildlife Orphanage.

Animals aren’t the only inhabitants of the region, however: RPS will take guests to Kawaza Village to interact with locals and engage with their culture.

What better way to conclude the journey than a trip to the beach at Nankumba Peninsula? Revered as one of the lake’s most beautiful shores, these pristine white sand beaches are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will stay at the ruggedly opulent Pumulani Lodge in Malawi. With all imaginable water sports available, there’s enough to entertain even the biggest fitness buff. In the immortal words of Candide, this truly is the best of all possible worlds.

For more information, contact:  info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit www.robinpopesafaris.net

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 On arrival at Livingstone International Airport a representative from Stanley Safaris will meet and transfer you to the lodge (20 mins), where you will settle into your accommodation. Stanley Safari Lodge is located on the hills overlooking the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in a bush location. Accommodation is in 10 uniquely designed chalets that are constructed of teak and local stone. Some are open-fronted; others closed and designed in Colonial-style brick and tile. Each features a plunge pool and private balcony ensuring spectacular views overlooking the Zambezi River. STANLEY SAFARI LODGE

Days 2 & 3 There is a wide range of activities on offer in the area that can be booked through the lodge.  These include trips to see the falls, town museums and markets and sunset cruises. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline-filled activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and micro lighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The day will end with a relaxed dinner and perhaps drinks in the wine cellar. STANLEY SAFARI LODGE

Day 4 Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred by vehicle to Livingstone Airport to connect with your onward flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. A guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you at Mfuwe Airport for transfer through colorful village life to Luangwa River Camp. The ten-bedded camp is situated opposite the Luangwa Wafwa (a game-rich area of the park) in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area. It offers all the creature comforts of a lodge yet with all the intimacy, tailored activities and flexible mealtimes you come to expect from a bush camp. The camp is unique with its décor of locally crafted and handmade accessories. The main area is elevated between 3 and 9 ½ feet on wooden decks, affording great views to the park and river. The swimming pool is sunk into the deck, linked by a waterfall. Seating areas are all elevated and open plan with a bar area as well as a dining and reading area. Depending on your arrival time, you may settle in for some lunch, a siesta, then set off on an afternoon activity. There is an option to turn back after sundowners or continue to see what nocturnal animals you can spot, returning to camp by 8pm. LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

Days 5 & 6 The next couple of days will be spent as you wish. You can opt to go walking activity or game drive; or even both.  Those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are crafted into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village to experience an authentic Zambian village, interact with the locals and even sample a local meal. Nothing is set in stone; you can discuss your specific interests with your guide. LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

Day 7 After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lilongwe. The flight time to Lilongwe is approximately 50 minutes. On arrival at Lilongwe’s Kamuzu Airport, you will be met by our staff, who will assist with immigration procedures and the payment of airport taxes. Then onto your road transfer to Pumulani. Pumulani is situated on the West side of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi – romantically called “The Lake of Stars”. The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style, but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground, affording optimal views. The central dining and bar area is high above the lake with the most spectacular views and leads onto an expansive deck. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. The lake shore bar offers light snacks as well as refreshments. Meals will be served in the dining area, on the beach or by arrangement on your private deck. The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but there are enough activities available to keep guests busy. PUMULANI

Day 8 Enjoy the first full day of relaxation at Pumulani. Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer can take a dive in the infinity swimming pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake. For those seeking activity we offer many water sports such as snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and tubing (all motorized activities are excluded). At the end of the day, climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset. PUMULANI

Day 9 Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colorful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life, we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being among the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them. OR you can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or enjoy many other activities. PUMULANI

Day 10 Your last day at the lodge. Today you have the opportunity to continue to relax in the beautiful surroundings, play on the lake, or take a walk to the local village for an insight into Malawian village life, while locals explain their traditions and rituals. PUMULANI

Day 11 Today you will be transferred back to Lilongwe in time for the connecting flight back home. END OF SAFARI

NEW STAR ON ZIMBABWE BORDER: VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE

In a move that signifies the positive changes in Zimbabwe, five-star Victoria Falls River Lodge opened its doors in April 2012. This is the first luxury lodge to open in several years and the first private game lodge to be set in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. The boutique lodge is built on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, and is close enough to Victoria Falls to see the spray of the “Smoke that Thunders.”

With uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets, each of the seven luxury tents’ locations is carefully chosen for its own unique views of the river and for the surrounding trees that provide maximum privacy (three of the tents are suitable for families). Sit back on your private deck and spot one of the 415 bird species recorded in the park – or opt for in-room massage, manicure and pedicure services.

Designer and co-owner, Amanda Bosch, envisioned and outlined the layout of Victoria Falls River Lodge in the sand on site – the location chosen because of her affection for a particular dead Leadwood tree and its beautiful color. In fact, a dead Leadwood tree is incorporated in every room.

Amanda’s vision became a crescent-shaped lodge (with no sharp edges) set in front of a towering Baobab tree and back from the river to encourage elephants to keep their natural evening route as smaller game graze in front on the lawn. The main lodge has an open plan design with a beautiful thatched roof and allows guests to easily migrate from the lounge to the bar to the dining area within the structure.

As a five-star lodge, fine dining is made possible by a Blue Ribbon designed kitchen. Bruce Bromberg, American celebrity chef, personally designed the space, continuing his nature of setting culinary trends and igniting passions. He is most noted as a founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, which has accumulated a slew of awards from top US publications for the past decade. Victoria Falls River Lodge’s menu caters to all tastes and includes a variety of local traditional dishes prepared by its expert Zimbabwean Chef.

In this remote location, you have two safari options: river cruise along the Zambezi or the ultimate bush experience within the expansive park where you are located. A safari by water is a perspective not many have the opportunity to experience – and the closest you may get to a hippo in the wild. Or, explore the 150,000 acres that make up Zambezi National Park and track the elephant herds as they move silently through the bush (by car or on foot). And, because the lodge is so close to Victoria Falls and the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, the activity options of a typical safari lodge are doubled. Choices include rafting, the bungee jump, bridge swing, canoeing the Zambezi wine route, tours of the Falls, helicopter flights, a boma dinner experience (sample some local Mopani Worms), village tours, sunset steam train trip and a guided tour of the town of Victoria Falls (note: some activities may be an additional cost).

Then return back to the spacious lodge for a dip in the swimming pool or a nap on the relaxation deck. Victoria Falls River Lodge is child-friendly with special activities and tours for children, as well as the option of child minding services. Children are invited to participate in local activities like grass weaving, bread-making and fishing. And, family tents offer an additional tented room, with one single and one double bunk bed, allowing three children to sleep comfortably. (Children 0-3 years old are accommodated at no extra cost, but are not permitted on game drives.)

Known for its many years of turmoil, Zimbabwe has opened up to the world as an up-and-coming destination. Its economy is on the upswing, especially since it now has the US dollar as its currency. And, Zimbabwe’s government has identified the revival of tourism as a factor for its economy, and is focusing on the tourism sector with renewed fervor.

The parks have not been visited in depth for some time, and are waiting to be explore once again (notably, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Matusadona National Park). And remember, Zimbabwe’s side has the best view of the Falls when water levels are low. To top it off, Zimbabwe has always had the best guides, with the continent’s most stringent regulations to gain a guiding license. Your safari guide will make or break your experience, so ensure it’s a great one by going to Zimbabwe.

Rates for Victoria Falls River Lodge start at $435 per person sharing per night and include a daily choice of game drives in Zambezi National Park or a sunset river cruise, bird watching on Kandahar Island, access to the Tree Hide, daily transfers to Victoria Falls town, a tour of the Falls, meals, local beverages and transfers to/from Victoria Falls Airport.

For more information, visit www.zambezicrescent.com. For reservations and a custom itinerary, visit www.zambezicrescent.com/EN/make-a-booking.html or email reservations@zambezicrescent.com.

TONGABEZI PUTS ON THE DOG WITH NEWLY-BUILT, SUPER-DELUXE CHALET ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia- Tongabezi, an eco-luxe safari lodge on the Zambezi River upstream of Victoria Falls, announces a brand-new luxury chalet, with the working name “Dog House,” slated to open in early June of this year. Aside from luxurious appointments, the new chalet is luxuriously large – 3,875 square feet!

(Sadly, the former Dog House suffered a fire last year and was razed. The quirky name resulted from a portion of its proceeds helping to save the Wild Dog, one of Africa’s most endangered species).  

Beautifully sited on the Zambezi River, the “Dog House” comprises two very large bedrooms, a dining/living area between the bedrooms, a double-sided fireplace and a small, infinity plunge pool edging the river.  Because the bedrooms are raised nine feet, they appear to be floating over the water. Rooms are air conditioned, but guests who prefer the open air can pull back the glass sliding doors.  The “Dog House” can be used as a two-bedroom suite or, by closing off one bedroom, as a one-bedroom suite.  Like all the houses at Tongabezi, the new chalet comes with a valet.

Tongabezi’s managing director Ben Parker and his designer Christie Halsted came up with the concept for the new House. It is being built by Schlomo Hanoni and his team (the same team that rebuilt sister property Sindabezi in 2010).  “Building beside a river is no mean feat,” says Parker, “because at certain times of the year, the river rises.  It’s a constant battle to get the infrastructure into the ground, before it’s flooded out.”  As one consultant to Tongabezi put it when the builder succeeded in getting ahead of a rising river, “Zambezi – 0; Tongabezi – 1”.

In keeping with Tongabezi’s “green” ethos, the timber is supplied from sustainable forests in the Copper belt near Ndola.

Still and sparkling water is bottled through the Vivreau system (saving 20,000 plastic bottles and 2,000 tin cans every year). All water used is run through a purification plant and used for irrigation.

All-inclusive rates are $620 per person per night in low season, $720 per person per night in high season. Inclusions:  accommodations, meals, drinks and house wine, laundry service and most activities. Exclusions:  international airfare; premium-brand drinks, sparkling wine, liqueurs.

For reservations contact:  reservations@tongabezi.com; or visit:  www.tongabezi.com

LIVE ALOFT IN TONGABEZI’S NEWLY REBUILT ECO-LUXE TREE HOUSE

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia- Tongabezi Lodge, a romantic, five-star eco-friendly lodge on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, has rebuilt its renowned Tree House. Constructed around the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, the elevated Tree House spreads out over a sustainable pine deck offering spectacular views of the Zambezi River, the river after which Zambia is named. Part of the house is suspended over the water, giving the sensation of floating.

“We think this is the perfect hideaway for honeymooners or privacy-seekers,” says managing director Ben Parker. The secluded sanctuary, set against a basalt rock bed, lies at the end of a hidden path that winds along the cliff face. A whimsical sign “Maybe Later” serves as the door and advises visitors the Tree House is closed, come back later.

The king-sized bed with an air conditioned canopy is swathed in filmy mosquito netting. A perfectly–positioned, claw-footed bath affords views of the river while bathing, and beauty not viewed directly, can easily be imagined – the Anatolian carpets, Asian chests and West African artwork all evoke dreams of the exotic. The extensive space can be used for private dining and lounging.

A whole host of activities are included in the rates: canoeing on the Zambezi, an Island lunch, a candlelit dinner on a floating Sampan, a visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; sunrise and sunset boating; visiting Victoria Falls, guided bush walks, tour of the Livingstone Museum; fishing, game drives and shopping at the local market to buy wonderful bracelets, fabrics or artifacts. (Please note: park and museum entrance fees are extra.)

Fully-inclusive rates from $620 (depending on exchange rate) per person per night. For more information contact: www.tongabezi.com