Sunday, March 30, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
My 'travel' nerves have subsided and now I’m left with an overwhelming emotion of excitement and the anticipation of landing on African soil. Tomorrow (Sunday), I’ll be boarding a South African Airways flight bound for Johannesburg (via Dakar - Senegal). For the next two weeks I will be in paradise.
Everyone is familiar with stories of people coming back changed from Africa. I don’t want to write poetic verse about the beauty & mystery of Africa but I’m sure that throughout my Blog for the next two weeks I’ll record a few epiphanies and spiritual awakenings. After all, the human species did originate in Africa; yet again, it is almost like a home coming to where we begun.
Packing: the only issue I’m fretting over. Aboard South African Airways flights between the United States and Johannesburg we’re allowed two pieces of luggage totaling up to 50 lbs. per piece. (This is known in airline terms as the Piece Concent). I’ll also be flying internally on Nationwide Airlines and British Airways/Comair internally and regionally within Southern Africa. These flights will only allow me one piece of checked luggage and one carry-on item. Nationwide’s weight limit is 44 lbs, while British Airways will allow up to 50 lbs. Needless to say this can get confusing for any passenger traveling on multiple carriers.
I weighed my baggage and decided, for ease and comfort, to take one piece totaling 41lbs. And a carry-on totaling around 14.5 lbs. I scraped most of my travel size toiletries because after all, I’ll be staying in modern hotels. There’s no need to pack for two weeks. I can get my laundry done. I’m set to go. I know what to anticipate upon check-in at JFK now so there’ll be no surprises.
My trip will take me through Johannesburg where I‘ll spend my first night at The Safari Club S.A. (a prominent property throughout our Safari Collections. The following day I’ll fly to the Kruger National Park and settle into Perry’s Bridge Hollow in Hazyview. The next day I’ll take a 3-hour Nationwide Airlines flight to Cape Town where I’ll spend four nights. I’ll call The Table Bay on the V&A Waterfront and the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice home for the remainder of the week. I need to see the Peninsula again and am dying to visit the townships on the outskirts of Cape Town.
On April 6th I’ll probably be up by 3:30am, awake with anticipation. My driver will collect me at 5:30am from my hotel (I will be getting detailed vouchers for all activities with detailed times of pick-up and directions upon my first contact with our friends and representatives in Johannesburg) and drop me off at Cape Town International Airport in time for my 7:30am British Airways/Comair flight bound for Johannesburg. It’s Sunday, so there will be no 'peak-hour' traffic and I anticipate the mornings transfer to all operate smoothly.
Upon arrival back in Johannesburg I’ll transfer to a Nationwide Airlines flight bound for Livingstone, Zambia. It’s NOT unusual to use multiple airline carriers to get to certain destinations in Southern Africa. My journey will take me into Zambia where I’ll pass through a very simple immigration process, get my Zambian visa stamped, and then I will be met by my driver who will take me into Botswana. Two nights at (the newly refurbished) Chobe Safari Lodge (a long time preferred property of the Original 2AFRIKA) where I’ll reconnect with friends and then I return back to Zambia for a night at the incredible Sun International property - The Royal Livingstone.
In southern Africa it’s not strange to fly into one country when you’re actually bound for another but don’t let that fool you into believing that you're merely crossing state lines. You’re still going through the immigration process multiple times so if it seems like you may hop back and forth between countries, you may, but the process will take all day and you won’t actually enjoy your time in your final destination.
For U.S. passport holders, all visas may be obtained upon entry into each respective Republic. I, as a Polish passport holder, had to only get my Botswana visa ahead of time. This process was last minute and with the help of the kind people at the Embassy of Botswana in Washington D.C. I was able to send in my passport and get it back in time for my departure.
Now I’m flying back to the Republic of South Africa via Victoria Falls International in Zimbabwe. Another visa that needs to be purchased. I arrive in Johannesburg around 3:00pm and head straight into the modern northern suburb of Sandton. Being a New Yorker I need to get my dose of staying in a modern city. I need to experience some traffic and noise. I’ll be staying at the Garden Court Sandton City but to think of it now, I wish I stayed at the Protea Hotel Balalaika - don’t ask why.
The next morning my driver will transfer me to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International and in particular to the Federal Air Departure Terminal for my flight bound for Madiwke Game Reserve in the North-Western Province of South Africa. Take a look at THE LEGEND OF QUEEN MATEYA on our South African Collection page - there you will see what I am going to be up to!
The ultra-luxurious and private Mateya Safari Lodge will so kindly host me for two nights. This is where I’ll be reflecting about this experience and perhaps catch a glimpse of an ever elusive leopard. The privacy of Mateya allows us to take game drives whenever we want.
So that’s my journey in a nutshell.
I assigned myself a single seat towards the rear of the aircraft because I like my space. I asked for a diabetic meal as I tend to limit my carbohydrate intake. I’m going to Africa but that doesn’t mean that life stops and I have to stop doing what I normally do. Africa is modern, flows at its own pace, and to understand that, one opens oneself to a great experience.
PS: I’m taking my laptop with me so I can stay in touch with friends and family via Skype but am leaving my phone in NYC.
Once I land safely in Johannesburg and catch my breath after the 17 1/2 hour flight, I’ll write more.
Until then, as always, my warmest African wishes to you!
Dominik M. Zakrzewski
Director of Operations
2AFRIKA, INC.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC.’s Director of Operations ‘On Assignment’ in Africa
Sunday, March 30, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As is customary here at the Original 2AFRIKA, INC., we are always on the look-out for new and innovative Safari products for our valued passengers – and usually, we time these ‘on-site’ inspections to coincide with visits to properties that are already featured in our Safari Collection to be sure that the standard of requirements that we set have enhanced themselves to suit our Collection but most importantly, our passengers.
As I write today’s Blog, our Director of Operations, Dominik M. Zakrzewski has become airborne aboard South African Airways bound for Johannesburg where he arrives tomorrow – March 31st – Day One of an intensive 2-week training session, site-inspection and property evaluation.
Each day (or at least each day that he is internet accessible), Zakrzewski will be writing his evaluation reports on the day’s activities, emailing them to me, and I will be posting them. The title of this Blog will be ‘On Assignment in Africa’ – an update from the original 2AFRIKA, INC.’s Director of Operations, Dominik M. Zakrzewski.
I do hope that you will follow the trail and enjoy the newfound information that Zakrzewski has to share on a regular basis.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As is customary here at the Original 2AFRIKA, INC., we are always on the look-out for new and innovative Safari products for our valued passengers – and usually, we time these ‘on-site’ inspections to coincide with visits to properties that are already featured in our Safari Collection to be sure that the standard of requirements that we set have enhanced themselves to suit our Collection but most importantly, our passengers.
As I write today’s Blog, our Director of Operations, Dominik M. Zakrzewski has become airborne aboard South African Airways bound for Johannesburg where he arrives tomorrow – March 31st – Day One of an intensive 2-week training session, site-inspection and property evaluation.
Each day (or at least each day that he is internet accessible), Zakrzewski will be writing his evaluation reports on the day’s activities, emailing them to me, and I will be posting them. The title of this Blog will be ‘On Assignment in Africa’ – an update from the original 2AFRIKA, INC.’s Director of Operations, Dominik M. Zakrzewski.
I do hope that you will follow the trail and enjoy the newfound information that Zakrzewski has to share on a regular basis.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
Thursday, March 27, 2008
WHAT IS THE GREAT MIGRATION – an informational update from the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
Thursday, March 27, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The annual Wildebeest and Zebra Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Park Eco-System is indeed the biggest wildlife spectacle on Earth. It is one of the most unique natural events and normally takes place in the Serengeti National Park between the months of November and July of the following year. Many have termed this wildlife spectacle as ‘one of the greatest wonders of the world’.
The mass movement of these huge herds usually begins in May from the plains of the Southern Serengeti and heads north into the western corridor of Western Serengeti. When the northward movement begins, the herds encounter the first major obstacle – the crossing of the Grumeti River, which is infested with some of the largest crocodiles on Earth. Making the very best of this rare opportunity the crocodiles feast on the oblivious herds. This obvious obstacle has not been known to deter the herds’ determination to continue with the desired migration.
Being a natural phenomenon, there is obviously no fixed schedule for the migration which is determined according to rainfall patterns - the game either migrates due to the rainfall of the lack thereof. When a seasonal drought dries up the savannah grasslands and water supply in one area, the grazing animals move on to the next area along the Serengeti migration route where seasonal rains are falling.
From July onwards, the herds migrate towards the Northeast Serengeti and onward to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. The only game which has evolved to survive without surface water for lengthy periods have adapted to the poor forage and remain in the Western Serengeti in the vicinity of the Kirawira area.
The biggest and most demanding and daunting tasks for the massive herds are when they have to cross the Mara River in the north of the National Park. At this point, much of the game does not survive; either they drown or are savaged by the crocodiles. On the opposite bank, the predators await. Clearly those who complete a successful crossing coin the term ‘The Survival of the Fittest’.
In November, when the grazing pastures have been exhausted in the North and in the Maasai Mara National Park, this army of grazers surges back to the now greener pastures of the Southern Serengeti and the South Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the areas neighboring Maswa Game Reserve.
SUMMARY ON THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION
The premium time to see the herds in the Serengeti National Park would be between the months of November and May – the rainy season. During the dry season of July thru October, most of the animals have migrated to the North and Western Serengeti. However, this does not mean that the Serengeti National Park is left completely empty. There are many animals which do not follow the migration pattern; they live and remain on the plains, especially the ‘big cats’ like lions and cheetah.
This circular cyclical miracle of the African bushveld repeats itself every year with the territorial cats waiting for their opportunity to feed on these herds who always seem unbothered by the loss of a few of their own during the ordeal.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The annual Wildebeest and Zebra Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Park Eco-System is indeed the biggest wildlife spectacle on Earth. It is one of the most unique natural events and normally takes place in the Serengeti National Park between the months of November and July of the following year. Many have termed this wildlife spectacle as ‘one of the greatest wonders of the world’.
The mass movement of these huge herds usually begins in May from the plains of the Southern Serengeti and heads north into the western corridor of Western Serengeti. When the northward movement begins, the herds encounter the first major obstacle – the crossing of the Grumeti River, which is infested with some of the largest crocodiles on Earth. Making the very best of this rare opportunity the crocodiles feast on the oblivious herds. This obvious obstacle has not been known to deter the herds’ determination to continue with the desired migration.
Being a natural phenomenon, there is obviously no fixed schedule for the migration which is determined according to rainfall patterns - the game either migrates due to the rainfall of the lack thereof. When a seasonal drought dries up the savannah grasslands and water supply in one area, the grazing animals move on to the next area along the Serengeti migration route where seasonal rains are falling.
From July onwards, the herds migrate towards the Northeast Serengeti and onward to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. The only game which has evolved to survive without surface water for lengthy periods have adapted to the poor forage and remain in the Western Serengeti in the vicinity of the Kirawira area.
The biggest and most demanding and daunting tasks for the massive herds are when they have to cross the Mara River in the north of the National Park. At this point, much of the game does not survive; either they drown or are savaged by the crocodiles. On the opposite bank, the predators await. Clearly those who complete a successful crossing coin the term ‘The Survival of the Fittest’.
In November, when the grazing pastures have been exhausted in the North and in the Maasai Mara National Park, this army of grazers surges back to the now greener pastures of the Southern Serengeti and the South Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the areas neighboring Maswa Game Reserve.
SUMMARY ON THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION
The premium time to see the herds in the Serengeti National Park would be between the months of November and May – the rainy season. During the dry season of July thru October, most of the animals have migrated to the North and Western Serengeti. However, this does not mean that the Serengeti National Park is left completely empty. There are many animals which do not follow the migration pattern; they live and remain on the plains, especially the ‘big cats’ like lions and cheetah.
This circular cyclical miracle of the African bushveld repeats itself every year with the territorial cats waiting for their opportunity to feed on these herds who always seem unbothered by the loss of a few of their own during the ordeal.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
CREATE YOUR OWN AFRICAN FOOTPRINTS – an informational update from the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As our highly anticipated Create Your Own African Footprints Collection evolves, I thought it important to give you more of an insight to what you may enjoy along the route. Here is an alternate thought for a Western Cape Winelands meander.
Butterfly World, the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa, opened its doors to the public in November 1996. The concept originated in the UK and such enclosed parks can be found in countries throughout the world. Each year these parks are visited by thousands of visitors and now thanks to the initiative taken by two Capetonian women, South Africans have the opportunity to experience nature at its best.
Butterfly World has a craft shop and the Schmetterling Coffee Garden and is open daily.
Great care was taken with landscaping the stunning indoor garden, which gives as much pleasure, with all its water features and exotic plants, as the beautiful butterflies flying freely around you. Colorful butterfly-friendly birds complete the lovely tropical garden picture.
The location of Butterfly World on the Route 44 near Klapmuts, just off the N1, is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main Wine Routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
There are no time limits on a visit to Butterfly World, and visitors are welcome to take photographs or videos of these beauties. Refreshments and light meals are available from the restaurant and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.
Inside the flight display house, displays depict the life cycle of the butterfly, and if visitors are lucky, they might see a butterfly emerging from its pupa.
The park is open every day of the year except December 25th. Opening times are 9:00AM – 5:00PM with the exception to the months of June, July and August (the winter months) when the hours change to 10:00AM to 4:00PM.
There are no formal guides, but if a request for a guide is made at ticket sales, a personnel member will be provided to assist you in maximizing your experience. Bookings are not essential but are preferred when a large group is visiting, to ensure personal attention.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As our highly anticipated Create Your Own African Footprints Collection evolves, I thought it important to give you more of an insight to what you may enjoy along the route. Here is an alternate thought for a Western Cape Winelands meander.
Butterfly World, the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa, opened its doors to the public in November 1996. The concept originated in the UK and such enclosed parks can be found in countries throughout the world. Each year these parks are visited by thousands of visitors and now thanks to the initiative taken by two Capetonian women, South Africans have the opportunity to experience nature at its best.
Butterfly World has a craft shop and the Schmetterling Coffee Garden and is open daily.
Great care was taken with landscaping the stunning indoor garden, which gives as much pleasure, with all its water features and exotic plants, as the beautiful butterflies flying freely around you. Colorful butterfly-friendly birds complete the lovely tropical garden picture.
The location of Butterfly World on the Route 44 near Klapmuts, just off the N1, is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main Wine Routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
There are no time limits on a visit to Butterfly World, and visitors are welcome to take photographs or videos of these beauties. Refreshments and light meals are available from the restaurant and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.
Inside the flight display house, displays depict the life cycle of the butterfly, and if visitors are lucky, they might see a butterfly emerging from its pupa.
The park is open every day of the year except December 25th. Opening times are 9:00AM – 5:00PM with the exception to the months of June, July and August (the winter months) when the hours change to 10:00AM to 4:00PM.
There are no formal guides, but if a request for a guide is made at ticket sales, a personnel member will be provided to assist you in maximizing your experience. Bookings are not essential but are preferred when a large group is visiting, to ensure personal attention.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
Monday, March 24, 2008
CREATE YOUR OWN AFRICAN FOOTPRINTS -AN INFORMATIONAL UPDATE FROM THE ORIGINAL 2AFRIKA, INC. FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, KENNETH R. HIEBER
MONDAY, MARCH 24TH 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As our highly anticipated Create Your Own African Footprints Collection evolves, I thought it important to give you more of an insight to the properties that we’re using in the Collection to enable you to make an informed decision.
Currently available on our website in AN EXTREME ES’CAPE, the Mitchell Street Village Guest House is a luxury guesthouse offering exceptional value in Hermanus, and is only a 1 hour, 15 minute drive from Cape Town or the Western Cape Winelands. Here, you can immerse yourself in the unique accommodation of the country house bed and breakfast retreat and relax in the beautiful Walker Bay surrounds.
Hermanus, nestled on the sea cliffs in the Western Cape, is world famous for its land based whale watching. Its natural beauty will leave you wanting to come back for more. There is an onsite 18-hole golf course at the guest house, and the numerous cliff path walks and nature reserve trails are sure to impress even the most well traveled visitor.
Other activities and facilities at the Mitchell Street Village Guest House would include a Continental and full English breakfast service, 2 swimming pools – one black which is usually wonderfully warm and a reviving blue one. The gardens and courtyards are large enough for guests to have their own space yet intimate enough to feel part of a boutique experience.
Crayfish dinners (in season) can be arranged by prior notice and served in a venue of your choice around the guesthouse.
HERMANUS ‘CREATE YOUR OWN AFRICAN FOOTPRINTS’ will be launched this week as a free-standing product for passengers who might already find themselves in the beautiful Western Cape Province.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As our highly anticipated Create Your Own African Footprints Collection evolves, I thought it important to give you more of an insight to the properties that we’re using in the Collection to enable you to make an informed decision.
Currently available on our website in AN EXTREME ES’CAPE, the Mitchell Street Village Guest House is a luxury guesthouse offering exceptional value in Hermanus, and is only a 1 hour, 15 minute drive from Cape Town or the Western Cape Winelands. Here, you can immerse yourself in the unique accommodation of the country house bed and breakfast retreat and relax in the beautiful Walker Bay surrounds.
Hermanus, nestled on the sea cliffs in the Western Cape, is world famous for its land based whale watching. Its natural beauty will leave you wanting to come back for more. There is an onsite 18-hole golf course at the guest house, and the numerous cliff path walks and nature reserve trails are sure to impress even the most well traveled visitor.
Other activities and facilities at the Mitchell Street Village Guest House would include a Continental and full English breakfast service, 2 swimming pools – one black which is usually wonderfully warm and a reviving blue one. The gardens and courtyards are large enough for guests to have their own space yet intimate enough to feel part of a boutique experience.
Crayfish dinners (in season) can be arranged by prior notice and served in a venue of your choice around the guesthouse.
HERMANUS ‘CREATE YOUR OWN AFRICAN FOOTPRINTS’ will be launched this week as a free-standing product for passengers who might already find themselves in the beautiful Western Cape Province.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS KENYA RESTORATIONS CONTINUE - AN INFORMATIONAL UPDATE FROM THE ORIGINAL 2AFRIKA, INC. FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, KENNETH R. HIEBER
MONDAY, MARCH 24TH 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya have announced that restorations at The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club will continue as scheduled and are due to be complete in late 2008. Nevertheless due to the unprecedented shock to travel confidence since the elections last December, The Ark Lodge and the Aberdare Country Club will be closed in the interim. Fairmont’s other properties in East Africa which include the Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont Zanzibar are fully operational and The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club remain open during their restorations.
The Ark Lodge and the Aberdare Country Club will remain open until mid-March, as they still have a number of guests and thereafter a core crew of colleagues will be retained on site.
“The political and social situation in Kenya over the last few months has had a severe impact on our business with an incredible amount of cancellations in each of our units and few new bookings for the coming months,” said Sean Billing, Managing Director, East Africa Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “While the quality of the attractions and services remains, the negative attention focused on Kenya in the worlds media will cause disruption to tourism for months and possibly years to come. What was to be the best year ever, will be a very disappointing and challenging one for our entire industry.”
Despite the uncertainty in the pace of recovery in the tourism sector restorations continue at The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club. The Norfolk is well into its seventh month of the US$ 12 million dollar restoration that will be completed by August 2008.
Mount Kenya Safari Club is 40% through the US $15.5 million dollar restoration of William Holden’s greatest legacy, which will see the Club returned to its former grandeur. Unlike any other resort in East Africa, Mount Kenya is set to return to the position of jewel in Kenya’s crown.
The Fairmont Mara Safari Club, which completed restorations in October 2007, has undergone significant expansion and has produced an exceptional product to compliment the incredible game viewing and the warm, hospitable service which makes the Club a unique, distinctive and a memorable experience for all guests.
“We are confident in the future of our business given our investment in our people, our properties and the Fairmont brand. Kenya is one of the world's greatest destinations and we must continue to position it as such even while uncertainty remains on the ground,” added Billing.
Until further notice from the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya, the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. will divert its passengers from The Ark to the Serena Mountain Lodge. It would help if passengers were to comprehend precisely why we reserve the right to alter any itinerary in our collection for then situations such as this would not be overwhelmingly alarming.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya have announced that restorations at The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club will continue as scheduled and are due to be complete in late 2008. Nevertheless due to the unprecedented shock to travel confidence since the elections last December, The Ark Lodge and the Aberdare Country Club will be closed in the interim. Fairmont’s other properties in East Africa which include the Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmont Zanzibar are fully operational and The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club remain open during their restorations.
The Ark Lodge and the Aberdare Country Club will remain open until mid-March, as they still have a number of guests and thereafter a core crew of colleagues will be retained on site.
“The political and social situation in Kenya over the last few months has had a severe impact on our business with an incredible amount of cancellations in each of our units and few new bookings for the coming months,” said Sean Billing, Managing Director, East Africa Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “While the quality of the attractions and services remains, the negative attention focused on Kenya in the worlds media will cause disruption to tourism for months and possibly years to come. What was to be the best year ever, will be a very disappointing and challenging one for our entire industry.”
Despite the uncertainty in the pace of recovery in the tourism sector restorations continue at The Norfolk and Mount Kenya Safari Club. The Norfolk is well into its seventh month of the US$ 12 million dollar restoration that will be completed by August 2008.
Mount Kenya Safari Club is 40% through the US $15.5 million dollar restoration of William Holden’s greatest legacy, which will see the Club returned to its former grandeur. Unlike any other resort in East Africa, Mount Kenya is set to return to the position of jewel in Kenya’s crown.
The Fairmont Mara Safari Club, which completed restorations in October 2007, has undergone significant expansion and has produced an exceptional product to compliment the incredible game viewing and the warm, hospitable service which makes the Club a unique, distinctive and a memorable experience for all guests.
“We are confident in the future of our business given our investment in our people, our properties and the Fairmont brand. Kenya is one of the world's greatest destinations and we must continue to position it as such even while uncertainty remains on the ground,” added Billing.
Until further notice from the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya, the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. will divert its passengers from The Ark to the Serena Mountain Lodge. It would help if passengers were to comprehend precisely why we reserve the right to alter any itinerary in our collection for then situations such as this would not be overwhelmingly alarming.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
FINE DINING IN CAPE TOWN -an informational update from the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber
Monday, March 10th 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Africa, Cape Town, March 2008: The Square Restaurant’s Gourmet Wine Dinners already boast a popular reputation. Yet, this April, the restaurant – located at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa - is set to launch their 2008 series with the renowned French Sommelier Georges Pertuiset.
Joining the representatives from the estates of Klein Constantia and Meerlust on Friday, 25 April 2008, and those of Ken Forrester and Waterford on Saturday, 26 April 2008, Pertuiset will open each dinner with a discussion on the represented wines of the evening and regale with stories of his experience as a Sommelier in France. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner and wine, with each course designed by Executive Chef Alex Docherty to complement the selected wines. These wine dinners are priced at R245.00 per person (approx. $35.00).
Additional Wine Dinners in the series are priced at R175.00 per person (approx. $25.00) - except for the final evening on 3 October 2008, which will be a five-course dinner priced at R245.00 per person (approx $35.00). Each Wine Dinner will include a discussion with a member of the represented wine estate.
Dates of the additional Wine Dinners in the 2008 series are:
May 02nd - De Wetshof
June 06th – Steenberg
June 27th - Graham Beck
July 18th - Durbanville Hills
August 01st – Boschendal
August 29th – Warwick
September 19th - L’Ormarins
October 03rd - Constantia Valley Wines
For bookings or further information on The Square Restaurant’s Wine Dinners at The Vineyard Hotel & Spa call (27) (21) 657 4500 or email eat@vineyard.co.za.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
South Africa, Cape Town, March 2008: The Square Restaurant’s Gourmet Wine Dinners already boast a popular reputation. Yet, this April, the restaurant – located at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa - is set to launch their 2008 series with the renowned French Sommelier Georges Pertuiset.
Joining the representatives from the estates of Klein Constantia and Meerlust on Friday, 25 April 2008, and those of Ken Forrester and Waterford on Saturday, 26 April 2008, Pertuiset will open each dinner with a discussion on the represented wines of the evening and regale with stories of his experience as a Sommelier in France. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner and wine, with each course designed by Executive Chef Alex Docherty to complement the selected wines. These wine dinners are priced at R245.00 per person (approx. $35.00).
Additional Wine Dinners in the series are priced at R175.00 per person (approx. $25.00) - except for the final evening on 3 October 2008, which will be a five-course dinner priced at R245.00 per person (approx $35.00). Each Wine Dinner will include a discussion with a member of the represented wine estate.
Dates of the additional Wine Dinners in the 2008 series are:
May 02nd - De Wetshof
June 06th – Steenberg
June 27th - Graham Beck
July 18th - Durbanville Hills
August 01st – Boschendal
August 29th – Warwick
September 19th - L’Ormarins
October 03rd - Constantia Valley Wines
For bookings or further information on The Square Restaurant’s Wine Dinners at The Vineyard Hotel & Spa call (27) (21) 657 4500 or email eat@vineyard.co.za.
For further information on this informational Blog post or any other Safari in the Original 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/
The Original 2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.
If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with the Original 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com
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