Revealing Elela Villa at Madikwe Safari Lodge

IT’S BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR OF ADDITIONS AT MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE

Hot off the press: We are excited to share the first images of the stylish ELELA VILLA, of one of the many upgrades, additions and enhancements at Madikwe Safari Lodge.

** Remember to check back via our TRADE ROOM for images in the next few weeks of all additions **

Throughout 2023, when many properties were still in post-covid recovery, Madikwe Safari Lodge has invested significantly in bettering its facilities, design, decor, as well as continuing to nurture and enhance their back of house operations, comfort and amenities for the lodge teams & staff. Testimony to their commitment to offer guests one of the very best safari experiences, not just in the Madikwe Reserve, but South Africa.

It’s no mean feat that all this has been achieved without disturbance to guests, thanks to a professional and carefully managed construction and lodge management team.

WHAT ELSE HAS BEEN ACHIEVED? ……. WHAT HASN’T!

All 3 lodges, Dithaba, Kopano and family friendly Lelapa Lodges have had a hugely successful year and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank & update you, our trade partners, on progress and final plans… I’m sure you will agree, so much has been achieved and we are more than ready to welcome your clients throughout 2024!

LELAPA:

• New Bar has been completed

• New Reception has been completed

• New Kitchen has been completed

• New guest toilets completed

• Brand new Children’s Eco House has been completed

• Gym – 85% completed and final touches to be made by mid February 2024

• Soft furnishing and upgrades completed

KOPANO:

• Elela Villa completed, brand new 3 bedroomed private villa with pool - final elements of private access and game viewer mounting ramp to be complete by Jan 2024.

  • Download the new images, Elela Villa Fact Sheet & Rack Rates from our TRADE ROOM or by clicking below

• Kopano - dedicated main pool in front of lodge completed (in addition to each suite having a private plunge pool)

• Kopano new Bar has been completed

• New Kopano kitchen has been complete, to ensure enhanced catering abilities to include private dining/catering at Elela Villa, 

• Soft upgrades and furnishings completed

DITHABA:

• Soft upgrades and furnishings completed

• New main pool, deck and rim flow pond completed (in addition to each suite having a private plunge pool)

SPA:

• The dedicated Spa has been completed and opened this week.

• Fully operational and furnished with our in house, stylish furniture, the delivery of the final touches and specially commissioned Spa furnishings will be completed by January 2024, due to a short supplier delay.

• Steam room to be complete in January 2024

FRONT OF HOUSE:  WIFI and phones connected to all new buildings and ready for a busy season ahead.

STAFF VILLAGE: No disturbance to guests, located away from the lodges, work is well under way and due to be finished in the coming weeks.

• Managers units x 3, New General Manager’s house, H.O.D accommodation x 9

• Staff clubhouse, recreation center, gym & boma for all staff & senior teams

Madikwe are committed to staff comfort & community, as it is this ethos that enhances the guest experience and the team’s fulfilment.

Bushtops Safari Camps - Happy Holidays!

festive news from bushtops safari camps…

Here are four seasonal gifts, offers and announcements to get you in the mood for a great break - and memorable 2024.

Webcam wonders

What do you do when an innovation proves popular? You make it even better –a great example being our new webcam at the Mara Bushtops salt lick. If you’ve not yet heard about it, this safe link takes you right up close, in the next best thing to a personal visit.

We launched the webcam a month or so ago, with lots of people enjoying a ringside seat to visitors including elephants, giraffes and masses of antelopes, warthogs etc (even a night-visiting hippo!). The enhancement is that the feed now incorporates sound, making the armchair safari experience even more enticing.

So take a look here, join the conversation via chat, or just let the sights and sounds of our wonderful Conservancy roll over you.

Designer extraordinaire

So much of what makes Bushtops distinctive starts with Andrin Schweizer, our architect. He’s recently remodelled our Serengeti Bushtops tents, creating sophisticated luxury under canvas. Here’s a taste of what he’s designed for us: we’re now (literally) all hands on deck, turning his inspiration into your perfect destination!

I DO!

Having sorted out the legalities at home, many couples head for Bushtops to complete their wedding ceremonials, combining the completion of nuptials with the ideal honeymoon. Some arrive alone, others with friends, family and/or their best man/woman. Either way, if you’re planning your super-special occasion, all our Camps are ready to add an unforgettable finale to your wedding celebrations.

Make it a special 2024

As we look forward to the New Year, most of us really need a break from the unrelenting flow of misery which seems to pass for the news these days. Take a look at our special offers and make a New Year’s resolution: it’s time for your Bushtops safari.

Our very best wishes from the entire bushtops team

We wish every one of you a happy holiday season – and we really hope to see you in 2024 in our visa-free country!

From January 2024, it will no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the world to get a visa to enter Kenya.

Another good reason to visit us at Bushtops!

Rare Earth Retreats - Wrapping up a year of growth

It has been a productive and eventful year for RARE EARTH RETREATS, with much growth and many positive changes. Having hosted an inspiring management conference, finalised their new Brand Strategy and upgraded their trade resources, they have also welcomed lots of new team members to the family in recent months.

Summer has finally arrived and a bumper season across all properties has begun, thanks in no small part to you, our trade family and your wonderful clients! We are so grateful for your support and look forward to a long, hot summer of sharing our soul-stirring safari lodges, award-winning wine estate and exquisite heritage hotel.

MAKULEKE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, THE OUTPOST:

Things are heating up in the northern Kruger and we don't just mean the temperatures! It has been an extremely busy season at The Outpost and Pel's Post, with exciting refurbishments, external training, a new fleet of game vehicles, lots of new faces and installation of a solar energy facility to improve the lodge's eco-credentials as well as the guest experience…

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PLETTENBERG BAY, WESTERN CAPE, THE OLD RECTORY:

Drum roll please! The Old Rectory gained a well deserved, hugely respected, international award – a place in the Top 10 of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2023 – we are delighted that the team’s efforts have been recognised on the international stage. As the hotel gears up for a very busy summer, we have welcomed a new GM and front-of-house team, converted the hotel to solar power, and are celebrating Plettenberg Bay's latest accolade as the no. 1 whale-watching destination in the country! …

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WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE, TSHWENE LODGE & EKUTHULENI LODGE:

Our lodges in the Welgevonden have been extremely busy this year, keeping Sindy and her extremely hard-working team on their toes! In addition to a soft refurb of both Tshwene Lodge and Ekuthuleni Lodge, changes at the properties include a new spa menu and external training from Healing Earth – our wellness partner across the group. There is also lots of exciting conservation news from the management team at the reserve, covering everything from orphaned rhinos to newborn cheetahs.

“Remember our special offers including Stay4/Pay3 at all Lodges and either Stay3/Pay2 or Stay4/Pay3 in Plettenberg as well as Honeymoon Offers. ”

— (T&C’s apply, contact your TO or DMC)

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Mara Bushtops Webcam - Go on Safari from Home

Mara Bushtops launches new Webcam to the Wild

Live Safari at Mara Bushtops Kenya

Kenya, 27 November 2023 – Mara Bushtops, the only safari camp in the Maasai Mara with a substantial natural salt lick directly in front of its camp, has just launched a new webcam with high speed internet ensuring a permanent live feed from one of Kenya’s wildlife hotspots. Watch all the action right here from the comfort of your home, and please be sure to subscribe as the links can change. Sound will also be added in the coming weeks.

A steady stream of wildlife visits the salt lick throughout the day and night, still visible after sunset via infrared technology, in search of the minerals needed for healthy bones. This creates a constantly shifting nature show, as gazelle jostle with warthogs, zebra and impala, topi and buffalo. Herds of elephant can be joined by up to 40 giraffe at any given time – with predators such as leopards and lions in attendance. What a privilege to have this permanent window to the wild! Most of the action occurs between 10AM - 4PM Kenya time (GMT +3) but viewers around the globe can also browse through the previous 12 hours of footage recorded in case they missed something.

“Wild Luxury” experience under canvas

@ Mara Bushtops

About Bushtops

Owned and managed by the third generation Stuart family, Andy and Claudia have established three unique camps in East Africa that offer a superlative “wild luxury” experience under canvas.  Their first camp, Mara Bushtops, located in a private concession on the fringe of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park, overlooks a natural salt lick which attracts diverse wildlife from miles around.  Perfectly positioned along the pathway of the annual wildebeest migration, they also have two camps in Tanzania, namely Serengeti Bushtops in the northern Serengeti and Roving Bushtops, very unique mobile camp which moves seasonally between the central and southern Serengeti, in sync with the famous wildebeest migration.

Bushtops Safari Camps offer some of the most luxurious and immersive safari experiences in Africa, with a deep commitment to conservation and sustainability.

'Sip' Back and Relax - Lanzerac wins 2 Top Awards

The final quarter of the year saw awards season bouncing back. With so many South African properties being recognised for excellence in their respective fields, Lanzerac has also been proudly flying the flag.

 WORLD SPA AWARDS:

Early in October, the World Spa Awards 2023 was announced and Lanzerac walked away as the winner in the Day Spa category for both South Africa as well as Africa’s Best Day Spa 2023.

We were in good company and considering the competition, this is no small feat – world-renowned spas such as Babylonstoren and Santé Wellness Retreat competed in the same category. But for this , the 9th edition of the competition, Lanzerac Spa, pipped them all to bring home the coveted award.

 30TH WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS:

As the 30th World Travel Awards announced their winners for Africa and the Indian Ocean at the Atlantis ,The Royal in Dubai, UAE.

The annual gala event draws leaders & professionals from all over the continent and the Indian Ocean to gather in celebration of the Travel Industry.

In South Africa’s Leading Wine Region Hotel category, the competition is truly the epitome of luxury winelands hospitality, including Babylonstoren, Delaire Graff Estate, and previous winners Leeu Estates. Lanzerac was immensley proud to have walked away with the award for the 5th year in a row.

Winning awards year after year is a testimony to an establishment that has stood the test of time for over 330 years. With roots as deep as history itself, dating back to 1692, Lanzerac has earned its position as a legendary landmark and prominent Stellenbosch icon.

The gatekeeper of the Jonkershoek valley welcomes guests, year round and we look forward to seeing you and your clients at the various offerings on the Lanzerac Estate, during 2024. Lanzerac is the perfect blend of modern convenience and traditional, relaxed luxury. A destination within itself and one of the original wine estates in not only Stellenbosch but the Cape.

Steeped in history with a variety of dining options from fine dining to a charming deli cafe selling estate wines and locally produced fair. Wine tours and tasting are a must, taking place daily and for those that have over indulged, a comprehensive spa, gym and 'Vitality' cafe boast incredible vistas over the vineyards and mountains beyond - pedicure and champagne with a view anyone? We haven't even mentioned the range of activities, sights and experiences that await you beyond the gates... picnics, mountain biking, hiking, festivals and concerts.

For more information contact us or visit our TRADE ROOM

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TP's latest partnership Bushtops Safari Camps

We are delighted to be working with such fabulous camps in both Tanzania & Kenya - Bushtops Safari Camps

Each of Bushtops’ camps (one in Kenya’s Masai Mara and two in the Tanzanian Serengeti) combines the most magnificent wildlife viewing with sumptuous facilities and personal service – creating havens of peace, reflection and excitement.

Wonderfully situated for glorious wildlife viewing all year-round, including the annual wildebeest migration, Bushtops’ camps are magical places for reconnecting with what really matters, through unforgettable experiences.

From witnessing the great migration, to walking safaris, al fresco dining and balloon safaris. Camp fire starlight evenings and immersive Masai Cultural experiences - Bushtops offers so much more than the daily game drives and attentive, luxury accommodation.

MARA BUSHTOPS

Mara Bushtops is a byword for the highest standards in luxury safaris. We enjoy the perfect location, with a vast private game Conservancy surrounding the Camp and the Masai Mara game reserve on our doorstep. Our restaurant overlooks a salt lick which attracts a near-constant stream of wildlife – and when the excitement becomes too much, it’s time to visit our multi-award-winning Spa. This is wild luxury at its finest.

Mara Bushtops has been designed to blend into its surroundings, minimising our visual and environmental impact, whilst providing every comfort to our guests. 12 spacious and fabulously appointed luxury tents (think of a 5-star hotel room, under canvas) can be found by following private paths from a shared space, to secluded havens of privacy and calm.

Mara Bushtops is set within our own 6,500 acre private wildlife reserve – the Bushtops Wildlife Conservancy (Isaaten). By working to an agreed plan, everyone gains: us, you, flora and fauna, and local Masai herders alike. Access to the Conservancy is exclusive to the Masai and Bushtops guests, who benefit from private night and off-road game drives, walking safaris direct from the Camp, sundowners, sunrises on the Sekenani hill and visits to the nearby Kakiya cave.

SERENGETI BUSHTOPS

No one ever forgets seeing Serengeti Bushtops for the first time, or the wonders to come. One of the world’s most comfortable safari destinations, in one of Africa’s most stunning locations, the Camp emerges from the heart of vast plains, surrounded by timeless vistas. Here, our guests don’t just visit nature: they are immersed into it, whilst revelling in luxurious facilities, a genuinely warm welcome and an abundance of thrilling wildlife. This is the perfect gateway to the Serengeti and the boundless wonders of the African Bush.

Under Serengeti Bushtops canvas lies the finest in seductive luxury and fifteen of the largest, most impressive tented en suites imaginable. None of the tents are overlooked, but all look over the Serengeti. Each faces the sunset and is open on two sides, giving you an extraordinary panoramic view of nature’s living masterpiece.

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ROVING BUSHTOPS

The wonderful thing about Roving Bushtops is that it enables us to set up camp in the part of the vast Serengeti plains best suited to changing conditions, migration patterns and the best game viewing opportunities. We tend to move between two locations in any year, giving us access to the unimaginably vast 10,000 square mile (15,000 square kilometre) Serengeti ecosystem, of which almost two thirds forms the national park.

Our smallest destination has just eight tents, but maintains the exceptional standards set by all Bushtops camps. Each of our unique wheeled tents provides exclusive comfort and a haven of peace at the heart of your Serengeti adventure. Pinch yourself, to confirm you’ve truly reconnected – to paradise!

Your tented space is actually a stunningly-appointed five-star ensuite haven, under canvas.

During the day it is open on three sides, letting you gaze out at timeless, endless vistas, interrupted only by birdsong. Relax, or ask your personal butler to arrange a hot tub in the sunken bathtub, a massage on the deck, or a meal in the privacy of your tent.

Then, after a day’s adventures, slip under fresh linen in your king size bed before being lulled to sleep by the timeless music of the Serengeti.

Welcome Babanango Game Reserve

A huge welcome to babanango game reserve who joins Travel Promoters as a portfolio partner

Babanango Game Reserve, located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, is a showcase for one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in Southern Africa in recent years. Set among the breathtaking topography of the upper White Umfolozi River Valley, the reserve occupies a vast wilderness area of over 20,000 hectares that is steeped in Zulu history and layered upon geological features that date back to the beginning of time.

The reserve has four discrete lodges which cater to personal preferences. The unfenced Madwaleni River Lodge sets the standard for timeless luxury. Set on the banks of the White Umfolozi River in the centre of the reserve, guests will delight in the comfort and opulence reminiscent of a bygone era of indulgent travel.

The unfenced Zulu Rock Lodge, located in the northern part of the reserve and perched on an ancient granite mountain is defined by its free-standing villa-style rooms with expansive views.

Protected by a perimeter fence and nestled in the South of the reserve, the secluded Valley Lodge is ideal for families and intimate groups. For guests seeking a ‘back-to-basics’ wilderness experience, with either catered or self-catered options, Matatane Camp is the perfect destination for couples, families or groups. The rugged mountains and valleys provide refuge for an extraordinary diversity of birds, plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals, including the elusive aardvark and aardwolf. With the recent return of the African elephant, Babanango Game Reserve is Big 5. With highly knowledgeable guides and a range of activities to choose from, visitors to Babanango Game Reserve can be assured of an unrivalled safari experience. Significant historical battle sites, such as Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, are located close by.

A unique project in rural Zululand where sustainable conservation, eco-tourism and community development intersect. The majority of the land incorporated into the reserve (74%) is owned by three community trusts (Emcakwini, Esibongweni, and KwaNgono). The commitment from these three trusts is integral to the long-term conservation success.

In turn, the allocation of land-lease income, conservation levies and other benefits from Babanango Game Reserve are vital to the economic well-being of the surrounding communities. A partnership between the game reserve and the community trusts is reinforced by commitments from the reserve to employ and upskill local community members. An animal ownership agreement ensures that the progeny of all animals will be jointly owned by the community trusts and the reserve.

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa joins Travel Promoters

Travel Promoters is excited to add Fairlawns to it’s portfolio

Fairlawns is a welcome addition to compliment and enhance our existing partnerships - underpinning our focus on ‘properties with personality’.

As a team, we like to think we carry a personality of our own and are fortunate to enjoy strong, respected and mutually passionate relationships with every team member in our portfolio. Fairlawns embodies everything we respect and love about the hospitality industry.

It’s these relationships that enable us to not only reach new audiences, but enhance existing trade links.

Established in 1997, Fairlawns features individually decorated  suites including a two bedroom Tree House Studio and two bedroom Maison Spa Suite, as well as Villa Moji, a self contained two bedroom private residence all surrounded by 5.5 acres of gardens.

The perfect place to recuperate after a long flight or between destinations, guests can choose to relax in the Balinese Spa Garden, enjoy traquil private, outdoor massage and treatment areas as well as a variety of dining and fine cuisine offerings.

Under the leadership of Managing Director, Michael Kewley, “Fairlawns was one of the first five-star boutique hotels to be opened in Johannesburg. It has grown from a staff complement of 13 to just over 100 today. Originally the Oppenheimer Estate, Fairlawns still exudes a park-like ambience with huge trees and prolific birdlife.”

Two New Collections join Travel Promoters this June

Travel Promoters is delighted to announce their latest partnerships

Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape

The Clarendon Collection in Cape Town.

Lalibela Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

Lalibela comprises of six safari lodges including the 5-star rated Kichaka Lodge and exclusive use Mills Manor as well as Inzolo Lodge, Lentaba Lodge, Tree Tops Lodge and Mark’s Camp.

The malaria-free reserve is home to prolific wildlife including all the Big Five and boasts one of the densest populations of free roaming lions in South Africa.

Conservation and community are at the heart of everything Lalibela do.

“We’re delighted to be expanding our TP portfolio, following a successful series of trade shows in South Africa, and look forward to bringing these unique ‘properties with personality’ to our trade partners in the UK,” said Founder, Ailsa Tavares.

The Clarendon Collection, Fresnaye & Bantry Bay, Cape Town

Villa Normandie

The Clarendon Collection comprises two boutique hotels, The Clarendon Fresnaye and The Clarendon Bantry Bay as well as the luxurious exclusive-use Villa Normandie. All three properties are located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after areas, in the “sweet spot” where Table Mountain meets the Atlantic Ocean - within minutes of the V & A Waterfront and the glorious beaches at Camps Bay and Clifton.

Family owned with a personal touch, two fabulous boutique hotels plus a luxurious private, sole use villa are the prefect accompaniment to the existing partners in the Travel Promoters Portfolio.

Clarendon Fresnaye

Clarendon Bantry Bay

Madikwe Safari Lodge - Luxury Redefined

Luxury Redefined

Discover a world of elevated luxury with an array of upgrades coming soon to Madikwe Safari Lodge. Immerse yourself in the exceptional charm of the African wilderness, where state-of-the-art amenities and meticulous enhancements come together to create unforgettable safari experiences. Stay tuned for the grand reveal, and let Madikwe Safari Lodge redefine your journey into the wild!

We are thrilled to announce an array of remarkable upgrades at Madikwe Safari Lodge, elevating your experience to unparalleled heights of comfort and luxury. Our culinary offerings have been enhanced with a completely rebuilt, state-of-the-art kitchen, ensuring a delectable dining experience. At Lelapa Lodge, we have expanded our facilities by adding convenient guest toilets and a newly constructed check-in area, streamlining your arrival process. The Lelapa bar area has also been transformed, boasting a stylish renovation perfect for savouring refreshing beverages in a chic ambiance. Bask in tranquility at the brand-new pool area at Kopano, crafted to offer a soothing oasis amid the mesmerising African bushveld. Additionally, indulge in the epitome of luxury with our new 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom villa, designed to create an intimate haven for relaxation and entertainment. Rediscover the exceptional charm of Madikwe Safari Lodge, where our recent upgrades provide an even more unforgettable and luxurious safari experience.

NEW SPA

Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of Madikwe Safari Lodge's brand-new spa, boasting wilderness-facing treatment rooms, lavish change rooms, a refreshing plunge pool, and an invigorating steam room for the ultimate relaxation experience.

NEW GYM AT LELAPA POOL

Experience the exhilaration of working out in the heart of the African wilderness with the launch of Madikwe Safari Lodge's state-of-the-art gym. Enjoy breathtaking views of the watering hole, where you can witness nature's finest moments as animals gather to quench their thirst. Our gym features both indoor and outdoor shower facilities, allowing you to fully embrace the pristine surroundings. Additionally, the viewing deck and comfortable change room provide you with a seamless, inspiring fitness journey unlike any other. Transform your workout routine into a truly unforgettable adventure at Madikwe Safari Lodge's exceptional new gym.

NEW ECO-HOUSE at LELAPA

Welcome to the Eco-House at Madikwe Safari Lodge, a captivating kids' activity center designed to immerse young explorers in the enchanting world of the African bushveld. At the Eco-House, children engage in a diverse array of activities and arts and crafts, enriching their understanding of nature while providing parents the opportunity to unwind in tranquility.

Our passionate team ensures a delightful, safe, and educational experience for kids, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the wonders of the African wilderness. Visit Madikwe Safari Lodge and let your little adventurers embark on a journey of discovery while you indulge in well-deserved relaxation amidst the beauty of the bushveld.

Lanzerac 360° Panoramic Virtual Tour

Lanzerac like you’ve never seen it before

Lanzerac recently launched the very first High Definition 360˚ Panoramic Virtual Tour of any hotel in South Africa. It was produced through a long process with partners Gecko Digital Global, and the end result is nothing short of spectacular.

“After 330 years you would think that we would know every (is it not ‘every hook, nook and cranny’) nook and cranny of this exquisite Estate,” says General Manager, Emile Langenhoven, “but once you immerse yourself in this High Definition 360˚ Panoramic Virtual Tour, which includes some of the most breathtaking drone footage ever captured of the Jonkershoek Valley, you find yourself experiencing Lanzerac in a whole new light.”

Since its 330-year celebrations last year, Lanzerac has been working hard to make good on their promise that

“the best is yet to come”. One of those projects has been the making of the High Definition 360˚ Panoramic Virtual Tour which was launched just in time for their 331st birthday celebrations on 28 February 2023.

The making of this ‘first’ was a long and detailed process which included meticulous planning, followed by many hours of filming and extensive editing. It proved to be an exciting and creative journey too. The Gecko Digital Global producers left no stone unturned in capturing Lanzerac in the most beautiful way, including teetering off a ladder in the middle of the swimming pool to get the shot they were after!

The Lanzerac 360˚Showcase allows first time travel partners and guests alike to experience a taste of what they are signing up for in order to allay any doubts and amp up the anticipation levels. And, of course, it serves as a beautiful digital souvenir for past guests who will always have their memories, and now, a world-class way to share them with family and friends.

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