News Snippets from Southern and East Africa
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Ethos Marketing and all our lovely hotels, resorts and lodges in Southern and East Africa. For the latest new snippets including new properties in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa please read below!
Hot off the press!! Serena open new hotel in Tanzania’s capital
We are delighted to announce that Serena Hotels officially took over the helm of The Royal Palm Hotel in Tanzania’s Capital this week (previously managed by MÖvenpick) and relaunched it on 1 December 2011 as the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel. This acquisition will see a long term goal of Serena’s realised – the completion of its circuit in Tanzania. This 230 room hotel will be positioned as the premier upmarket five star hotel in Dar and brings the Serena portfolio up to 25 properties. The hotel is an oasis in the city centre with beautiful gardens and views over the city centre, the gardens with adjacent golf course and the shore of the Indian Ocean, just 10 minutes from the airport. Images can be downloaded from http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/Dar-es-Salaam-Serena-Hotel
The Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel is the latest addition to the TPS, Serena Hotels Group, which is the tourism arm of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), an international development agency. TPS, Serena Hotels has expanded from 4 units in the early 1970s to a collection of 25 luxury hotels, resorts, camps and safari lodges offering quality accommodation in 6 Countries in Africa (Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda and Rwanda).
Serena’s new Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp in Kenya
Serena Hotels opened a brand new 5 star tented safari camp in July 2011 in Kenya’s magnificent Soysambu Conservancy in the famous Great Rift Valley. Located around 2-hours drive from Nairobi, this 48 000 acre, pristine wildlife sanctuary is home to many unique wildlife and bird species. The camp comprises 24 tents and the exquisite Flamingo Suite all reflecting the understated elegance of a by-gone era and fringing the peaceful and serene Lake Elmenteita. Activities include walking safaris, day and night game drives, cliff top sundowners, or the undisputed magic of watching birdlife from lakeside hides. Not to be missed experiences nearby include a visit to Kariendusi pre-historic archaeological site, a boat trip to view the hippos on neighbouring Lake Naivasha, a day trip into Lake Nakuru National Park with a delicious picnic or for the ultimate views of the Great Rift Valley splash out and go hot-air ballooning. This camp would make an ideal Lakeside extension for those looking for a relaxing and tranquil retreat following a safari rather than the typical beach extension. For more info please visit www.serenahotels.com. New images can be downloaded from http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/Lake-Elmenteita
Introducing Serena’s new Sales & Marketing Director
We are delighted to announce that Rosemary Mugambi was recently (1 November) promoted from Group Sales Manager to Sales and Marketing Director – the first lady to hold this position. We wish outgoing Michael Opondo well in his new venture and look forward to working closely with Rosemary in her new role.
Rosemary is a well-known member of the Serena family having been with the company for 23 years! Back then Serena Hotels had just 5 hotels in Kenya – a far cry from its 25 properties in no less than 5 countries today. Rosemary joined as a management trainee after graduating from Hotel School (Hotel Management) and has a wealth of experience in many different roles - giving her an invaluable understanding of the industry. Rosemary was the first-ever lady lodge Manager for Serena (based at Samburu Serena Safari Lodge) which she describes as “The most exciting years of my life with enough experiences to fill a book if I ever get round to writing one”. She was also based at the flagship Serena Beach Hotel & Spa where she held various positions including Human Resources Manager/ Food and Beverages Manager and Rooms Division Manager. She then moved to Head Office in July 2007 and has held the position of Group Sales Manager until now. Rosemary feels that her biggest achievement is “being part of the team that has moved Serena from being Serena Kenya with 5 properties to the premier hotel group in the region, yet the growth has not affected the consistency in quality of product and service”.
Free night either side when you travel on The Blue Train!
Fantastic news – The Blue Train has confirmed that it will be extending its popular “Two is Better than One” Package to include the Winter Season in 2012.
In fact, this package could also now be called Three is Better than One – because now Blue Train guests can choose between 3 partner hotels for their free night either before or after the journey on The Blue Train between Pretoria and Cape Town. Partner Hotels include 131 on Herbert Baker or the Sheraton in Pretoria and the Westin in Cape Town. All hotels include B&B and a free transfer to the station. Full details are available on http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/blue-train-value-add-2/
Ever prepared a gourmet meal for sixty people on a moving train? Executive Chef, Esther has been doing just that for 14 years now! We wanted to know how she does it! If you do too be sure to visit our recent blog interview. http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/2011/10/10/cooking-on-the-blue-train/
Kylie does the Blue Train “Locomotion”
Australian superstar Kylie Minogue recently wow-ed South African audiences with her Aphrodite Live World Tour. During her visit she did the “locomotion” in style – travelling on the World’s Leading Luxury Train – The Blue Train, from Pretoria to Cape Town. “What a beautiful way to arrive in Cape Town,” said the star. “To end this epic adventure in such a beautiful place is just magical.” If you should be so lucky as to be visiting South Africa soon – be sure to book your trip on this iconic Rail Journey! Visit www.bluetrain.co.za / or email info@ethosmarketing.co.uk for the latest schedule, packages and rates!
Photo compliments of Travel Edge in South Africa / www.traveledge.co.za (available on our image gallery in high res)
Golf Champions head for Fancourt in January 2012
Fancourt recently announced that the European Tour’s first-ever true ‘tournament of champions’ event has been confirmed for South Africa’s number-one golf course, The Links at Fancourt to be held from 19 to 22 January 2012. The event holds the prospect of the finest field ever assembled for a European Tour event on African soil, chasing the €350,000 first prize. With a prize fund of €2million the Volvo Golf Champions is the first solely-sanctioned European Tour event of 2012, and offers the circuit’s most valuable purse on the African continent. Players already confirmed for the event include local superstars, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Retief Goosen. The international contingent includes Colin Montgomerie, Matteo Manassero, Tom Lewis, Thomas Bjorn, Paul Casey and the current open champion Darren Clarke, while Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Rory Mcllroy and Miguel Angel Jimenez are eligible to play, and are still to confirm their attendance.
The Links at Fancourt was recently voted number one course in the country, and was designed by South African golf legend Gary Player. For the full story please visit http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/fancourt-hosts-volvo-golf-champions/
The Manor House at Fancourt
There are many reasons to visit Fancourt on South Africa’s popular Garden Route – including a brand new one!
- It now boasts an exclusive 18-suite, 5-star boutique hotel called “The Manor House at Fancourt” - which has the added charm of being a National Monument! The original 140-year old Manor House has been meticulous remodelled to reflect its heritage and the classic tradition of a bygone era, whilst offering the indulgence and sophistication of a world-class, 21st century hotel. Guests have full access to the Fancourt Estate’s facilities as well as complimentary airport transfers, complimentary access to the lounge at George Airport, 24-hour butler service, a heated pool, bar, library and lounge – and newly transformed fine dining restaurant Henry White’s.
- Voted Africa’s Leading Golf Resort at the 2009 World Travel Awards,
- Member of “ Leading Hotels of the World” and “Great Golf Resorts of the World”
- The Links is rated South Africa’s Top golf course 2011 (Golf Digest) and in the World’s Top 100 Courses for 2011 (Golf World) and will be hosting the Volvo European Tour in 2012!
In other news, Fancourt also recently announced the appointment of Brett Castleman as Hotel General Manager. Castleman brings with him more than 10 years’ international hotel management experience, most recently gained as General Manager of the five-star Sea Cliff Resort & Spa in Zanzibar, which he opened with his team in 2010. For more info visit www.fancourt.co.za
Motswari Private Lodge to welcome international guests in January 2012
Hot off the press is Motswari Private Game Reserve’s smaller sister camp on the reserve (popular with locals as the self-catering Shlaralumi Camp) is now opening to international visitors as the fully-catered Motswari Private Camp. The lodge has just had a complete make-over and is looking fantastic – yet close attention has been given to retaining its authentic bush camp feel. It now has a new entertainment area, pool, air-conditioning and lovely new bathrooms. The camp sleeps 10 people in 5 en suite rooms with outside shower. As Motswari Private Camp, guests have their own private Butler, Chef, Housekeeper and guide – so it is a fully serviced/catered and very exclusive experience! It is available for group bookings from mid January 2012. Children are welcome from any age, but under 4 years old will not be accepted on game drive and from 4 to 6 years old their admission onto the game drive vehicle will be at the discretion of the ranger. The camp has its own website - just launched www.motswariprivatecamp.co.za
The camp enjoys the same traversing as Motswari – 12 000 hectares and is overseen by the GM, David King at Motswari. There is no TV, no Internet and no mobile signal!The rate is ZAR 78 000 for 10 people for 3 nights so a very reasonable R2,600 pppn sharing. Longer stays of 4 or 6 nights are also available. Most guests would self-drive from Johannesburg – or fly to Hoedspruit/Eastgate (daily with SA Express) and book a local 50-minute road transfer to Motswari. There is also a 1350m gravel airstrip for charters. KMIA is a 2 ½ hour drive away. Motswari is accredited by Fair Trade in Tourism, Heritage Environment and Green Globe, is an active member of Classic Safari Camps of Africa and is graded Superior Accommodation by AA Travel Guides. For the full press releease please visit http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/motswari-private-lodge/
Motswari ‘s Bush Blog - Timbavati
If you have a passion for wildlife and would like to start your day with a dose of bush news with your daily coffee - be sure to follow the popular Motswari blog! I know we may be slightly biased but it is honestly one of the best blogs we have come across! One of South Africa's jewels nestled within the Timbavati Nature Reserve, this family-owned and operated four-star luxury safari lodge prides itself on its warm atmosphere and luxurious African safari lodge accommodation. But it’s the “local residents” who are the real attraction! Thanks to Ranger Chad for sharing this fantastic photo - it was agony trying to pick my favourite!
http://www.motswariblog.blogspot.com/
The Zulu Route – KwaZulu-Natal
Ethos Marketing has been proactively marketing properties in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa for over a decade, and strongly feels that education is the key to getting both British holidaymakers to want to visit the province – and to helping agents sell it better when they do! With this in mind, Ethos Marketing has developed a fun, interactive map which is available online on WWW.ZULUROUTE.COM aimed at helping users explore and create a range of short or longer term holidays with a click of a mouse as the hire car zooms across the interactive map. Packed with culture, history, wildlife and some of the province’s best highlights this new regional route is complemented by fantastic accommodation, value for money and a diverse and exciting range of activities on offer. For more information visit http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/2011/07/25/ethos-launch-zulu-route-interactive-map/
Crack the champagne! Rani Resorts in Mozambique and Victoria Falls Celebrate!
Rani Resorts were delighted to receive no less than 4 prestigious awards at the 2011 World Travel Awards, including:
• Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa - Leading Mozambique Resort 2011
• Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa - Mozambique’s Leading Hotel 2011
• The Stanley and Livingstone at Victoria Falls - Leading Zimbabwe Hotel 2011
• Matemo Island - WTA Leading Resort in Africa 2011
Wine and Dine at Award winning Steenberg in Cape Town
Steenberg is now proud holder of two new American Express Platinum Card Fine Dining Awards - cementing its reputation as one of the Cape’s top gourmet and wine destinations. Selected from 78 restaurants across South Africa, Catharina’s received this accolade for the 14th year, whilst trendy cellar door restaurant Bistro Sixteen82 made its debut onto this coveted list, just weeks before its 2nd birthday. Catharina’s also received its 6th top score in the annual Diners Club Wine list Awards (2011). Says proud GM for Steenberg, Gaby Gramm: ‘Our drive is really to make Steenberg a world-class destination in all aspects, and an accolade such as this inspires us to continually improve on our overall service offering. Together with their teams, Executive Chef Garth Almazan at Catharina’s and Brad Ball who heads up the team at Bistro Sixteen82 ensure that a 5-star gourmet food and wine experience is offered at both our restaurants, all year round. www.steenberghotel.com
A French Affair at Mont Rochelle in July 2012?
July marks an exciting time of year in Franschhoek with the celebration of all things French to commemorate the fascinating French-Huguenot legacy of this historical town! Embrace the gourmet capitals passions in life – freedom, food, wine, music and merry-making! Not to be missed are the French Corner Market, farmers market, craft stalls and of course a wide range of fun activities for the whole family. Numerous sporting events on offer including the largest and longest running boules competition of its kind, The Waiters’ Race, minstrel parade, fencing, and the ever popular barrel-rolling contest! Evening events with top DJ’s and live acts ensure festivities continue well into the night. Mont Rochelle, just a stone’s throw from the town centre, offers a fantastic Bastille Festival Weekend Package for the weekend of 16/17 July 2012 including 2 nights in a luxury room, with day tickets to attend the festival including entry to the food and wine Marquee plus transfers between the festival and the hotel to ensure the wine tasting can be enjoyed fully! It also includes a Bubbly Breakfast to get guests into the festive spirit! Email res@montrochelle.com or visit www.montrochelle.co.za for details.
For more info on any of these stories please visit our press room on http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ethos_marketing http://www.facebook.com/EthosMarketing
Claire Roadley
Marketing & PR Manager
Ethos Marketing®
Unit 5, Field Place Estate, Byfleets Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3PB
Tel: 44 (0)1403 243619
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk
http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ethos_marketing
http://www.facebook.com/EthosMarketing
Ethos Marketing is the UK Sales, marketing and PR office for:
Serena Hotels - Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda & Rwanda
Rani Resorts - Mozambique and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The Blue Train - South Africa
Garonga Safari Camp - Limpopo Province, South Africa
Motswari - Greater Kruger National Park,South Africa -
Fancourt - Garden Route, South Africa
Mont Rochelle - Franschhoek Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa
Steenberg - Cape Town, South Africa
Amakhosi Safari Lodge - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Cathedral Peak Hotel - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Isandlwana Lodge - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Fordoun Hotel & Spa - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Ghost Mountain Inn - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Pakamisa - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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