Activities and Entertainment
Table Mountain Cableway Closure
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway has closed from 18 Mar 20 and will remain closed until after the Easter weekend, or until greater clarity is given by the President and international health bodies, such as the World Health Organisation.
Cango Caves Closure
Cango Caves has confirmed that they have closed from 18 Mar 20 until 01 Apr 20.
Wineries Closed
The following wineries have announced temporary closure due to Covid-19. They will communicate when they are re-opening.
Almenkerk, Alto, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, Bosman Family Vineyards Hermanus, Darling Cellars, De Grendel Wine & Restaurant, Delheim Wines, De Wetshof Estate, Gabriëlskloof, Grangehurst, Kanonkop, Koelenhof, Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, La Motte Wines, Leopard’s Leap, Leeu Collection, L’Ormarins, Nederburg Wines, Oak Valley, Reyneke Wines, Seven Springs, Silverthorn Wines, Steenberg, Tokara, Vergelegen, Vondeling, Warwick and Waterford.
Kaapse Stories at The Rockwell Dinner Theatre – Closure
In view of Covid-19, Kaapse Stories at The Rockwell Dinner Theatre has closed and will remain closed until further notice. Guests affected by the temporary close of The Rockwell Dinner Theatre, can be accommodated at their Café & Bar Restaurant – offering a delicious 3-Course Bistro Menu.
Bouchard Finlayson Closure
In view of Covid-19, Bouchard Finlayson has closed until further notice.
Sani Pass Tours Alternatives
Due to the border closure, Sani Pass tours will be offering our guests two options with amended itineraries. Please contact a Thompsons Africa consultant for more details of the itinerary options.
Robben Island Museum Closure
Following the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national address about Coronavirus (COVID-19) on 15 Mar 20 where he declared a national state of disaster, as well as a sector meeting convened by the Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, on 17 Mar 20 to discuss a sector-specific response to this challenge, the Robben Island Museum Council, at its 18 Mar 20 meeting, upon recommendation by the RIM Management, has since taken a decision to extend the temporary suspension of tours from 18 Mar 20 until such a time that conditions allow to lift the suspension.
Walk to Freedom Tour – Private and Scheduled, Half and Full Day – Not Operating
The Walk to Freedom Tour (Private and Scheduled) both half and full day will not be operating until 30 Apr 20. View forward booking report…K:\Thompsons Africa\Other\Inb Sales\Marketing\Brand & Media Manager\Product and Media Updates\19-03-20 Walk to Freedom Day Tour.xls
Soweto Day tours and Journey to Freedom Day Tours Private and Scheduled, Half and Full Day – Not Operating
The Soweto Day tours and Journey to Freedom day tours (Private and Scheduled) both half and full day will not be operating until 30 Apr 20. View forward booking report… K:\Thompsons Africa\Other\Inb Sales\Marketing\Brand & Media Manager\Product and Media Updates\19-03-20 Soweto Day Tours.xls You may notice that private overland touring services are included in this list. Please check your itineraries, and if they include Soweto, ensure that the township is excluded.
Two Oceans Aquarium Closed
Two Oceans Aquarium is closed until 14 Apr 20. There are no affected bookings in the system.
Gold Restaurant Closure
Gold Restaurant have closed and tentatively plan to reopen on 12 Apr 20.
Andulela Closes
In view of Covid-19, it is with great regret that Andulela needs to close until further notice.
Transport
South African Airways (SAA) Suspends All International Operations
South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it will immediately suspend all international operations until 31 May 2020 in response to a government travel ban aimed at stopping the transmission of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). The COVID-19 pandemic and attendant travel restrictions, resulted in substantial decline in demand for air travel. The situation caused many airlines across the world to ground aircraft, release their employees, and to cancel flights. In the case of SAA, this decision means that SAA will only render services on its regional and domestic routes.
SA Express Suspends Operations
SA Express has suspended operations from 18 Mar 20 until further notice. Customers who have booked with the airline need not worry as all customers will be accommodated on alternative flights.
Avis – Cross Border Rentals Suspended
With immediate effect, there will be no cross border rentals from South Africa or Botswana allowed into /from Namibia. The suspension remains in place for 30 days.
The Blue Train – Services Cancelled
The Blue Train operates two train sets – Train Set 1 and 2 with maximum capacities of 54 and 82 guests respectively. At full capacity, Train Set 2 will have a maximum of 117 people (82 guests and 35 crew members) at any one time. This will be in contravention of President’s directive where mass events or gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited. Furthermore, On the 17 March 2020 a Risk Assessment was conducted and concluded to determine the impact the COVID-19 virus has on The Blue Train, our guests and crew. The findings came out very high at 80% and 90% consequence and likelihood ratings, respectively. The impact of the COVID-19 to The Blue Train has been assessed and it could be catastrophic to guests, employees, their immediate families and the entire operations. As a result of the President’s directive as well as the Risk Assessment findings, we therefore regret to inform you that the Blue Train services have been cancelled until 30 Apr 20.
Comair Suspends Regional Flights to Mauritius
Comair today temporarily suspended its regional flights to Mauritius. This decision was precipitated by the recent announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the subsequent promulgation of travel restrictions issued both by South Africa, as well as the other regional governments. Contact a Thompsons Africa Consultant for assistance or more details.
Property Updates
Mashatu Main Camp and Mashathu Tented Camp – Closure
In view of Covid-19, Mashatu is closed with immediate effect and will reopen on 01 May 20.
Sabi Sabi Lodges – Closure
Due to the international travel bans imposed on major markets travelling to South Africa, Sabi Sabi has decided to close their lodges between 22 Mar 20 and 14 Apr 20.
Leeu Estates – Closure
In view of Covid-19, Leeu Estates (and all other elements of the Estate) are closed and will reopen on 03 Apr 20.
Mala Mala Camps Closure
In view of Covid-19, MalaMala Camp and Sable Camp will close with immediate effect while Rattray’s Camp will close from 26 Mar 20. The delayed closure of Rattray’s Camp is to accommodate guests already travelling in South Africa that may not have alternative accommodation. Should those guests decide to change their travel plans, Rattray’s Camp will close sooner. All three camps will re-open on 01 May 20 but we appreciate this is a fluid and uncertain environment and this date may change.
Lukimbi and Idube Safari Lodges Closure
Please note that after due consideration and in view of what is happening in the world, the owners of Idube Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand and Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the Southern Kruger have decided to close both lodges for the month of Apr 20.
Amakhosi Safari Lodge – Closure
Please note the temporary closure of Amakhosi Safari Lodge for a period of three weeks as of Tue 24 Mar 20.
Kove Collection Closure
Following government regulations and in the interest of keeping guests and staff safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, all Kove Collection hotels, restaurants and bars will be closed until further notice. We will be notified as to when The Kove Collection will be re-opening for business.
Ellerman House – Closure
Ellerman House will close on 21 Mar 20 and tentatively plan to reopen on 01 Jun 20.
Fancourt
Kindly note that Fancourt has made the unprecedented and conscious decision to close the Fancourt hotel. They will immediately commence winding down the hotel operations and all other services, depending on guests in house.
Fancourt Manor House
Kindly note that Fancourt has made the unprecedented and conscious decision to close the Fancourt Manor House. They will immediately commence winding down the hotel operations and all other services, depending on guests in house.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge – Closure
Hog Hollow Country Lodge will close from 23 Mar 20 to 30 Apr 20.
Hillsnek Safari Camp – Closure
Hillsnek Safari Camp will close from 28 Mar 20 to 31 May 20.
Tuli Safari Lodge – Closure
Tuli Safari Lodge will close from 20 Mar 20 to 30 Apr 20.
Contact us at any time for assistance or further information.
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za
Tel: +27 31 275 3500
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