If you have any questions or would like further information on anything contained within this blog or some general advice on travel to Africa please call us on: 0044 1227 753181 or email info@puresafari.com

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Kurland a haven for young and old

The Crags, Plettenberg Bay
Kurland nestles on a private estate on South Africa's spectacular Garden Route. For guests wishing to explore the area, Kurland is perfectly located. Literally on its doorstep are the Elephant Sanctuary (guests can walk with as well as ride these magnificent creatures); Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre (wild cats can be viewed in a natural setting); a primate reserve (offering guided walks with rangers); the spectacular and private Nature's Valley beach (Kurland will organise generous picnic baskets).

Sunday 27 September 2009

New addition at Singita Pamushana.

Singita Pamushana, Malilangwe Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Singita Pamushana is one of few safari lodges in Africa with access to a private dam. The addition of a new luxury range 3G aluminium pontoon boat will further raise the existing level of exceptional guest experience. The pontoon is fully decked out with lush marine leather bench seats, marine grade carpet, plenty of storage space and most importantly, a quiet four stroke engine, which allows great low impact game viewing from the water. Often referred to as ‘one of Southern Africa’s best kept secrets’, the lodge was recently included in CondĂ© Nast Traveler's ‘Hot List’ for 2009.

Friday 25 September 2009

Benguerra Lodge 2010 Closure

Benguerra Lodge, Mozambique
Benguerra Lodge will be closed from the 25th of January until the 26th of February 2010. This time will be used for general refurbishment and to give our fabulous staff a well deserved month's break after the busy Christmas and New Year season.

Sunday 20 September 2009

Destination Guide – Kenya

Kenya is one of the world’s great tourism destinations, known for its remarkable diversity of landscapes, wildlife and cultures. From sweeping savannahs to tropical beaches and coral reef, dense equatorial forests to mighty snow capped mountains and more, Kenya is a world unto itself.

Kenya is Africa’s oldest safari destination, attracting explorers, adventurers and travellers for centuries.


Time to Travel
Kenya is a fantastic year round destination with the vast majority of the year being hot and dry. The wet season, which usually runs from March to May, offers reduced rates and fewer crowds in what would normally be busy areas. Game viewing is also fantastic as the rain rejuvenates the planes and many animals take this opportunity to calf.

If you can choose when to visit opt for June to October as arguably the game viewing is at its best. Plus there is always the possibility of witnessing the great migration, one of nature’s greatest spectacles.


Currency
The official currency is the Kenya Shilling.

The written abbreviation is either KSh or using /= after the amount (ie 500/=)

Available Notes are 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shillings.

Available coins are 5, 10 and 20 shillings.

Visitors to Kenya should change foreign currency at banks, bureaux de change or authorized hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO.

Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies, safari companies and restaurants accept Credit Cards. Most Banks in Kenya are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Kenya.

Before departure, travellers are advised to convert any excess Kenya shillings into foreign currency at a bank or bureau de change before departure. Departure taxes can be paid in local or foreign currency.

Anyone wishing to take more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings out of the country will require written authorization from the Central Bank.


Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya. Guides, drivers, waiters and hotel staff can be tipped at your discretion.


Time
Kenya has a single time zone- which is GMT+3.


Electricity
The electricity supply in Kenya is 220/240 v 50hz.

Plugs are 3 point square.


Internet
Kenya has good Internet Service Providers.

Email and Internet services are offered by many hotels and lodges. In most towns, there are plenty of private business centres and cyber cafes offering email and internet access.


Telecommunications
Kenya has a good network of telephone, cellular and satellite connections. Work is under way to expand this network and introduce fibre optic cables.

Most hotels and lodges offer International telephone and fax services. In larger towns, private telecommunication centres also offer international services.

If you have a mobile phone with a roaming connection, then you can make use of Kenya’s excellent cellular networks, which covers most larger towns and tourist areas.

When calling Kenya, the International code is 254+ local area code.

Friday 18 September 2009

New member at Giraffe Manor

Nairobi, Kenya
Giraffe Manor recently received an addition to their resident herd of Rothschild Giraffes. It was a very exciting moment when Daisy II approached the Manor and stood in the garden to give birth to Daisy III. This amazing natural spectacle was enjoyed by guests at the hotel who watched from the sitting room and terrace. Daisy III is developing well and they are now awaiting the birth of another from mom-to-be Lynne!

Thursday 10 September 2009

Boardwalk to Karkloof falls completed

Midlands of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
One of the many activities at the award-winning Karkloof Spa is a trip to the spectacular 106 meter Karkloof Falls. The only access to the base of the falls is on Karkloof Spa’s property. A 9km game drive into the Karkloof Valley is followed by a short walk into the lush terrain to the wooded boardwalk. Hugging the narrow river valley up and over boulders for approximately 1km, one reaches a viewing deck at the base of the falls. A mere 24kms from Pietermaritzburg and 90kms from Durban International Airport, Karkloof Spa comprises a luxuriously spacious yet intimate boutique lodge and an extensive world-class Spa.