The Passenger Rail Association of South Africa (PRASA), who are landlords and custodians of all the South African national railway stations (including our departure stations in Pretoria and Cape Town), have informed The Blue Train that the rail infrastructure (including the signalling systems and sleepers (beams supporting the rails)) of the Pretoria Station are outdated and have to be replaced. The upgrade of the infrastructure at Pretoria Station is going to take approximately 2 ½ months to complete, from the 14^th December 2018 – 28 February 2019. During this time, no trains (passenger or freight) will be allowed access into the Pretoria Station.

These imminent upgrades are going to affect The Blue Train’s departures and arrivals between Dec 18 and Feb 19 as follows:

DECEMBER 2018:

Pretoria – Cape Town:

17^th – 18^th and 19^th – 20^th December 2018 

• • For the above departures, check-in will still take place at Blue Train’s Pre-departure at the Pretoria Station .
  • Guests are requested to please arrive for check-in between 07:30 – 08:30 at the Pretoria Station.
  • Guests will enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks at The Blue Train’s Pre-departure Lounge in Pretoria.
  • Guests and their luggage will thereafter be transported from the Pre-departure Lounge in Pretoria to The Blue Train Depot.
  • The Blue Train is scheduled to depart the Depot at 10:00 for Cape Town.
  • Kimberley off-the-train excursion – due to the current delays experienced at the stations prior to departure, and the anticipated departure of 10:00 from the Depot, the Kimberley excursion is NOT GUARANTEED.
  • The train is scheduled to arrive at the Cape Town Station at 18:30

Cape Town – Pretoria:

19^th – 20^th and 21^st – 22^nd December 2018

• • For the above departures, check-in will still take place at The Blue Train’s Pre-departure Lounge at the Cape Town Station
  • Guests are requested to please check-in at the normal times between 06:30 – 07:30 at the Cape Town Station.
  • Guests will enjoy Pre-departure snacks and drinks on board the train and departure is scheduled for 08:30 as normal.
  • Matjiesfontein off-the-train-excursion will take place, but NOT GUARANTEED.
  • With the imminent Pretoria Station shutdown, The Blue Train WILL NOT ARRIVE OR STOP AT PRETORIA STATION.
  • The Blue Train arrivals on the 20^th and 22^nd December 2018 will take place at GERMISTON WEST STATION at 14:30.
  • All TRANSFERS are to be directed to Germiston West Station and should be waiting for guests by 13:30
  • The Map and GPS Coordinates for Germiston West are attached below

https://goo.gl/maps/4tHP8U7MhQ62

26.2225° S, 28.1629° E

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2019

Pretoria – Cape Town:

o    For all the above departures, the 2019 itinerary will not be affected except that departure wil take place at The Blue Train Depot at 18:30.

Cape Town – Pretoria:

o    For all trips from Cape Town to Pretoria, the 2019 itinerary will not be affected except the arrival place and time as follows:

• With the imminent Pretoria Station shutdown, The Blue Train WILL NOT ARRIVE OR STOP AT PRETORIA STATION.
• The Blue Train arrivals in January and February 2019 will take place at GERMISTON WEST STATION at 10:00.
• All TRANSFERS are to be directed to Germiston West Station and should be waiting for guests by 09:00
• The Map and GPS Coordinates for Germiston West are attached.

https://goo.gl/maps/4tHP8U7MhQ62

26.2225° S, 28.1629° E

Explore the Mother City through the rich and distinct flavours of her people.  This is a culinary journey through Langa and the Bo-Kaap.

Taste the local delicacies and learn the stories behind the Cape Malay and Xhosa communities within Cape Town.

This experience of the taste buds ranges from shisa nyama and hot meat bars to traditional home cooked cuisine.

And if that isn’t enough, the sweet sounds of Fezekile Ntemi’s trumpet should satisfy those with an appetite for South African jazz!

YOUR EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Bo-Kaap community and culinary experience
Gugulethu community and home cooked meal

This four hour tour departs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 14h00.

Click here for rates and details or contact a Thompsons Africa consultant to make a booking.

Since the Blood Lions® film premiered in July 2015, the Campaign team, together with key partners around the world, have made great strides in their efforts to raise global awareness around captive lion breeding, ‘canned’ (captive) hunting and the lion bone trade to Asia.

Today Thompsons Africa dedicated the entire day to multiple screenings of the award winning feature documentary and signing their global pledge not to support exploitative wildlife interactive tourism.

Upholding the values of sustainable tourism, Thompsons Africa’s pledge formalises their stance against these activities.

Says Alessandra Alleman, CEO Thompsons Africa, ‘We are very proud to partner with Blood Lions in creating awareness around the canned hunting industry.  It is important that our people understand why we say no to our customers when they request experiences involving walking with lions, cub petting and other forms of animal interactions.  Tourism in South Africa is about our wildlife and nature and we want to keep it that way!  We want generations of families from all over the world to continue to see our wonderful wildlife in their natural habitat…. not caged or being handled by hundreds of people each day.  We pledge our support to the Blood Lions campaign and we pledge to continue to create awareness in holding up the values of sustainable tourism.’

Thompsons Africa support Blood Lions and its aims and have committed themselves to the following:

• The established predator research and scientific community do not recognize any of the breeders or operating facilities as having conservation merit.
• In marketing themselves as breeding facilities, these entities confuse the conservation messages and priorities, specifically with lions, which in turn results in a misdirection of vital funding that negatively impacts wild lion populations.
• There is sufficient evidence to show that their activities put additional pressure on wild lion populations: intensive breeders have illegally acquired new genetic stock from the wild, and the burgeoning lion bone trade remains a risk because of an illegal demand for bones from wild lions.
• We are deeply concerned about the welfare conditions of the animals kept in these facilities.
• Canned hunting does not reduce the hunting pressure on wild lions and is unethical. Furthermore, we commit ourselves to the following:

1. To not knowingly book or otherwise support any breeder or operator that contributes to the cycle of breeding, exploitation and senseless killing of predators. This includes all petting and ‘walking with lion’ facilities.
2. To continue our support and promotion of the formal conservation community in their endeavours to secure the survival of Africa’s predators in the wild. Without wild lions and the rest of the predator guild extant in functioning ecosystems, there will be no African tourism industry; a calamitous situation for many economies.
3. To continue in our own endeavours towards wildlife conservation and economic development wherever we operate across Africa.
4. To continue supporting an ethical and responsible interaction with Africa’s wilderness and wild animals.
5. To continue promoting Africa as an authentic, wild and rewarding tourism destination.

‘To have one of the largest tourism operators in Africa stand behind the ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge and commit to promoting ethical and responsible tourism in South Africa is a huge step forward for the industry. We commend Thompsons Africa for pledging against these exploitative wildlife activities.  Blood Lions is proud to partner with them in this campaign.’ Pippa Hankinson, Blood Lions Producer.

In case of any queries regarding our pledge and support of Blood Lions, please contact Blood Lions on info@bloodlions.org or Thompsons Africa on info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

Perfectly positioned in the southern area of the Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge rests at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. This 6000ha exclusive concession is situated half way between Skukuza and the Malelane Gate, a mere 40-minute drive from the Skukuza airport. The legendary wildlife experiences are enhanced by the exclusive dry river bed traversing of 23km that only Jock guests can enjoy.

The Big Five sightings of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, herds of buffalo and elephant are frequent at Jock, not to mention the exceptional birding experiences on offer. Steeped in settler history, Jock Safari Lodge offers two luxury lodges reflecting the elegance of a bygone era. Activities such as daily guided game drives and walking safaris led by professional rangers offer close encounters with Africa’s wildlife.

Fitzpatrick’s at Jock has been redesigned and re-imaged.

The child-friendly, private camp has been redesigned and developed as the perfect home-away-from home.  Accommodating families with children of all ages, Fitzpatrick’s is also perfectly suited to friends travelling together.

Fitzpatrick’s offers the Kids on Safari programme to encourage educational and recreational wildlife activities. Child minding services are available including educational game drives and wildlife activities. Guests can take a quiet moment to relax at the Pilgrim’s Rest Relaxation Retreat.

Retaining its rich, traditional safari lodge feel, but with a brand new lay-out and re-imagined interiors and styling, Fitzpatrick’s is centred around spacious indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas, complete with a new TV lounge and a deck with a swimming pool.

The redesign includes a new enclosed family unit with two luxury suites with bathrooms, leading to a private lounge area, deck and plunge pool. Separately located, the third suite is completely private, also boasting its own plunge pool and deck with views across the river bed and wilderness.

View and download low or high resolution images here.

View rates and other information here.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant to make a booking on info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

In May this year, Camp Moremi reopened after a complete rebuild.  Desert & Delta Safaris has shared the updated imagery and video content and its STUNNING!

Situated on the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon in Botswana’s world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve, in an area well known for its spectacular game-viewing opportunities, this beautiful, modern styled and eco-sensitive safari camp offers exciting land and water based activities.

There are just 11 spacious en-suite guest rooms, set on raised teak decks, with a new family unit complementing the Desert & Delta Safaris family circuit.

Guest activities include morning and afternoon game drives throughout the many different ecosystems that the Moremi Game Reserve has to offer.

Explore the Xakanaxa Lagoon and its surrounding channels by boat for a chance to enjoy the picturesque waters of the Okavango Delta, with its kaleidoscope of birdlife. Camp Moremi ensures exclusivity and privacy in a tranquil environment.

Highlighting the incredible safari experience on offer in the Moremi Game Reserve, Desert & Delta is renowned for its warm and welcoming hospitality.

To view and download these and other high resolution images click here (just type in Camp Moremi – images are available in both low and high resolution for downloading).

To watch their new video, click here.

To view rates, click here.

To make a booking, send an email to info@thompsonsafrica.co.za or get in touch with your Thompsons Africa consultant.

Christo Brand is a former prison warder on Robben Island, and close friend of Nelson Mandela.

Join Christo Brand for lunch or dinner and hear Christo share his story and insights into his life with Nelson Mandela.  During the course of the meal, Christo will share his unique story from when he grew up on a farm, moved to the city at the age of 12, joined the prison service after Matric, was sent to Robben Island at the age of 19, and met Nelson Mandela for the first time.

Learn how their relationship grew and developed through a mutual respect and trust for each other.  Christo will share fascinating insights into the life of Mandela from Prisoner to President and how the two men stayed in touch right until Mandela passed away, with Christo a guest of the family at his funeral.

It is a unique story of a young, white, Afrikaans speaking warder who befriended an elderly, black, Xhosa speaking prisoner.  Two men who should have hated each other but instead became close friends.

Valid: 01 Sep 18 to 31 Dec 19

Days of Operation: Daily – subject to availability

Meeting point: Restaurant/hotel of your choice in Cape Town

Starting time: 13h00 or 19h30 (timings are flexible)

Duration – 2 hours

Children of any age are welcome

No minimum numbers

Ideally a maximum of 8 guests 

Please include Christo Brand and his wife when booking the restaurant meal and drinks

Books are available as an optional extra

Inclusions

A conversation with Christo Brand

Book signing

Exclusions

Meals for guests, Christo Brand and his wife

Drinks

Book/s

To view rates, click here or contact a Thompsons Africa consultant to make a booking – info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

View other activities with Christo Brand:

Guiding Service with Christo Brand

Freedom Flight with Christo Brand

Robben Island Flight with Christo Brand

The One & Only Yacht with Christo Brand

‘We expected an incredible space for our guests, but we did not anticipate how the spirit and approach of our team would surpass all imagining… She is amazing in spirit, look and feel.  Welcome to the new Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel!’ – Robert More

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel closed on 12 November 2017 for extensive renovations including the addition of a new gymnasium and spa, pool area, as well as a completely refreshed look to interiors (including all public areas and guest accommodation) and landscaped exteriors.  And its now reopened!!!

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

Stanley & Livingstone is the area’s first boutique hotel.  Located on the only privately-owned reserve within the immediate vicinity of the Victoria Falls – Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve – the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the locale’s many wonders, but also a quiet retreat in one of Africa’s most visited destinations.

The essence of the re-imagined Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel is intrinsically historic.  Inspired by a contemporary take on colonial style, its character is classic – with a sense of adventure.  While honouring the hotel’s rich heritage, a bold approach to its updated design incorporates quirky features to create spaces that are engaging and inspiring.

The hotel comprises a central guest area (including gourmet restaurant, lounge, bar, gallery, terrace, pool, spa and gym) and 16 separate suites overlooking the waterhole, which attracts a variety of wildlife.  The reserve is a rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), and offers guests a unique safari experience with the change to see these rare and endangered animals in their natural habitat.

Specials

More Hotels are running two great offers which include stays at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel:

View rates, notes and terms here or contact a Thompsons Africa travel consultant on to make a booking – info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

The Very High Tea on Table Mountain

If it’s high tea with an awe-inspiring difference you’re after, you’re in for a treat with the Table Mountain Cableway’s Very High Tea. 

Hosted in the Cableway Wi-Fi Lounge, a trendy venue offering free Wi-Fi access at the summit of Table Mountain, Africa’s Wonder of Nature, with panoramic views of the beautiful Mother City and its surrounds, we invite you to sit down to a High Tea unlike any other.

This is a High Tea experience you simply cannot miss! Entice your taste buds.

Included in your Table Mountain high tea experience is a glass of MCC (champagne) on arrival, a selection of Twinings teas,  selection of coffees, mineral water, salmon trout pannequet, ostrich crostinis, mini lamb yorky, lentil bobotie bites, chicken kebab rolls, gazpacho prawn shooters, blue cheese and pickled pear puffs, lemon meringue tartlets, peanut butter brownie cheesecake, milk tart cigars and gratuity.

Departing at 14h30, guests meet at the Wi-Fi Lounge located in the Top Station Building – Table Mountain for this unique 3 hour experience.

To view rates, notes and terms, please click here, or to make a booking, contact a Thompsons Africa consultant on info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

At the recent World Travel Awards, MannaBay was once again awarded winner of both Africa and South Africa Leading Design Hotel for 2018.  Its not hard to see why….

With its spectacular location just below Table Mountain lending itself to magnificent views, the rooms are ‘jaw-droppingly’ gorgeous.

MannaBay has one suite, the Versailles Suite, and seven luxury rooms, including Black & White, Orchid, Flamingo, Explorer, Persian, Pom Pom and Oriental.

Sleeping just 16 guests to ensure a more exclusive and intimate stay, each room is individually designed and decorated.

Each room was brought to life by the inspiration of a number of interesting wallpaper designs.

Art at MannaBay

In a celebration of South African art, MannaBay provides the springboard to showcase passionate up and coming South African artists.

MannaBay celebrates art  through commissioned works, partnerships with other galleries and through their own themed gallery, the profits of which are given to a theme linked charity.

This incredible display of swallows titled Migration I: Sprites of the Sky is showcased ‘flying high’ above the high tea area.

MannaBay Boutique Hotel

You can’t get much closer to Table Mountain than this… A truly extraordinary luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town, MannaBay is a gateway to the table-topped landmark and its natural mystique.

From this prime setting, becoming of Persian Princes, Orchid Hunters and Heroic Explorers alike, you can look out over the Mother City, across her cityscape to the Atlantic Ocean. The views are dazzling, whether you’re breakfasting at The MannaBay Café, with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows; taking a dip in Pom Pom’s private plunge pool; or admiring the Black & White Room’s uninterrupted panorama of the harbour. The Mountain is never far from sight either.

From MannaBay, you can experience the Mother City in comfort and privacy, with a team of friendly staff dedicated to making every guest’s experience as special as possible. MannaBay is a work of art that inspires, enlivens and delights. We think you’ll agree…

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant now to make a booking info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

Durban is where you have to be! This is the Zulu Kingdom, where the sun shines all year round, where the warm Indian Ocean calls, and the fun never sets.

 There’s swimming, surfing, hiking, biking, history and spectacular mountain scenery.

Speaking of the reasons this coveted list is important for the tourism industry, managing director of British Airways Holidays, Claire Bentley, said, ‘Holiday-makers are always looking for top tips to explore the latest and coolest destinations. Our short list plays a part in the detailed planning for our new routes in the year again as we sift through scores of destinations around the world to find out where are our customers are planning to go, and which up-and-coming cities to add to our worldwide network.’

If it’s not yet on your bucket list of places to go, you may want to add it now!

Europe to Durban Direct with British Airways!

Have you booked the only non-stop link between Europe and Durban? British Airways is running three flights weekly between Heathrow and King Shaka International Airport utilising its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Luxury Beach and Bush Escape – 6 Nights

SAVE ZAR 4 000 PER PERSON PER PACKAGE

– Durban – Zululand –

A luxurious 6 night escape taking in both beach and bush.  Combine 2 nights at Thanda Safari, Zululand and 4 nights at The Oyster Box, Durban.  It includes a Gold Welcome at King Shaka International Airport and a curry buffet experience.

For the discerning guest looking for an experience with all the personal touches.  Its an unforgettable experience.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today for more info@thompsonsafrica.co.za