Ethos African Snippets

Green, Amber or Red ....

Africa appears to be firmly in the RED, and we are all hoping that will change soon.

How long can conservation areas sustain themselves without the tourism pound or dollar?  How long can hotels, lodges and transfer companies continue to pay staff, when they have no income?

The global pandemic has meant different things to different people.  To our wonderful clients in southern Africa this challenging time has also given them time and opportunity to contemplate and to review what they offered to their guests.  Over the coming issues of Snippets we will summarise these updates and to remind you of some of the main reasons why your guests would hope that you put Ethos clients into their itinerary. 

 “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”   - AA Milne

So keep smiling and carry on.

MalaMala

MalaMala is renowned for its unrivalled game experience  - don’t just take our word for it – hear what the experts have to say:

“Not even Tanzania’s famed Serengeti Game Reserve or the awesome Ngorongoro Crater fills your camera viewfinder faster with Africa’s legendary Big Five – at MalaMala, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and  elephant appear magically, as if on cue,” says acclaimed wildlife photojournalist Geoff Dalglish in his Sunday Times review.

Just imagine - 83 different lions spotted in April alone and the world’s densest leopard population with over 25 leopards being sighted every month. 

So, for an unforgettable wildlife experience year-round, MalaMala will never disappoint.  All 3 camps are looking stunning.  The staff are ready to greet you and the food experience has been revised to accommodate Covid protocols.  This means seated service rather than buffet.

RATE UPDATE
MalaMala have released their rates through to December 2022.  The biggest change that they have made is that they are moving from US$ rates to SARand rates on the 1st January 2022.   

 2021 and 2022 rates:
FACT SHEET

www.malamala.com/

Majeka House

Majeka House has always been an oasis of calm and tranquillity on the outskirts of the thriving winelands town of Stellenbosch.  Their day spa offers guests the chance to relax and unwind with one of their indulgent treatments such as the 90 minute Africology African God/Goddess facial offering intense rejuvenation for only £35 (R690) Make time to relax and revitalise your mind and body  by making full use of the steam room, sauna and indoor hydrotherapy pool.  Click here for the full spa details.

SPA MENU

Once you are fully relaxed, wander into the M Bar or Majeka Kitchen for some delicious home cooked food.  Think tagliatelle, basil pesto and parmesan cheese using the best local produce you can find.  Or if you fancy a light snack then savour home grown, picked and smoked black olives washed down with a Stellenrust Chenin blanc or a Vriesnhof Pinotage.  This new menu is being overseen by the new chef Vuyo Ngcayi.  Click here to read her story:

NEW MENU

RATE UPDATE                           

Please note that Majeka House have their rates published through to April 2022.

RATES

FACT SHEET

www.majekahouse.co.za

 

Ghost Mountain Inn

Ghost Mountain Inn located in Mkuze, Kwa-Zulu Natal is steeped in history and community service.  The Rutherfoord family opened the doors to Ghost Mountain Inn 60 years ago after many years of hosting travellers in their own home as more and more travellers ventured further North to explore Zululand.

Ghost Mountain Inn has increasingly become the perfect base for a 5-7 night stay in which you can explore the culture, wildlife and stunning scenery of this eclectic part of South Africa. 

At Ghost Mountain Inn, Craig and his team have created an uplifting and rewarding travel experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

READ MORE

RATE UPDATE:

Rates are available until October 2022 and there has been no increase for 2021.

Did you know that the lead in rate at Ghost Mountain Inn is only £53pp on a B&B basis!  This increases to only £127 pp if you wish to include safaris and all meals. 

The child policy is fantastic.  A child aged between 3 – 12 years old sharing with their parents only pays £12 B&B per night and a 3rd person or teen sharing is only £25 pp B&B per night.  Such incredible value for a gorgeous 5* Inn. (all prices are approximate based on a May 2021 exchange rate)

FACT SHEET

www.ghostmountaininn.co.za

 

The Blue Train

The Blue Train has always been, and continues to be, a bucket list experience.  It appears on people’s aspirational wish list, their special birthday or anniversary list.  The pandemic has enabled the team at The Blue Train to review the product and look at how it can be further enhanced.  They carried out extensive upgrades to enhance the guest experience.  These included completely replacing the water system and air-conditioning systems and carrying out soft refurbs onboard both train sets.  This has meant that guests can now enjoy a completely refreshed train experience. 

What better way to while away 46 hours than sitting with your loved ones, watching the stunning South African scenery gently pass by whilst sipping on your favourite tipple .

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL CHANGE:

Guests will now depart from Cape Town or Pretoria at 2pm and will arrive into either Pretoria/Cape Town at 12noon 2 days later.  Guests must still check in 2 hours before departure.

RATE UPDATE

The Blue Train have released their rates and schedules through to December 2022.

Click here for more info on rates, schedules and itineraries for 2021 and 2022 -

FACT SHEET

Click here for the 2021 fact sheet

www.bluetrain.co.za

 

 "I do believe it's time for another adventure.”

Ethos Marketing (UK) Ltd is one of the market leaders in the field of Travel Marketing / Representation (Sales, Marketing and PR) for tourism products based in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The company is run by two dedicated professionals; Amanda England and Alison Whitfield. Between them, they have over 50 years of experience within the tourism industry and hence understand the needs of the tourism organisation, the trade and the consumer.

Ethos Marketing's monthly newsletter with all the latest from our clients in southern and East Africa.