It’s been said that to see a pangolin is as lucky as seeing a unicorn!  At Jock Safari Lodge guests have been privileged with the amount of ‘unicorn’ sightings they’ve had lately.

It’s Jock’s unique location within the Kruger National Park that allow the pangolin sightings to be more frequent by comparison to other areas.  Jock sits in the original heart of the Kruger National Park.  The wildlife within this region have survived undisturbed with no impact from mankind.  Its an area of unbroken landscape where the wildlife have always been encouraged to thrive which gives credit as to why they are so fortunate to encounter so many other endangered species within their concession.  Sightings of wild dog, cheetah and ground hornbill are not uncommon.

The pangolin has been listed as critically endangered, typically hunted and poached for their meat and their scales which are believed to have medicinal qualities.  They are the only mammals wholly-covered in scales which they use to protect themselves from predators in the wild.  If under threat, a pangolin will immediately curl into a tight ball and will use their sharp-scaled tails to defend themselves.  The pangolin has no teeth and use their sticky tongues (which can sometimes reach lengths greater than the animal’s body) to pick up food.

This particular time of the year is ideal for game viewing.  A dry season within the Kruger, Jock’s position across the Biyamiti River (Shangaan for ‘Place of many Trees’) makes it ideal for inviting a variety of wildlife into the concession to rest and take in this precious resource.

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ABOUT JOCK SAFARI LODGE

Perfectly positioned in the southern area of the Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge rests at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers.

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.

Read more about Jock Safari Lodge http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#120/

SPECIAL OFFERS

Visit our Specials page https://zone.thompsonsafrica.com/specials and search ‘Jock Safari Lodge’ to view all current special offers at Jock Safari Lodge.

Head Chef Ashleigh Hemingway at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve grew up in Johannesburg and after studying at the International Hotel School spent some time in various game reserves gaining experience. She joined the team at Oceana two and half years ago as the second in charge before being handed over the reins in February of this year.

In Ashleigh’s words “I strive to, with the help of my amazing team, put Oceana on the map as far as food goes. We’ve spent a lot of energy bringing our food back down to the basics and then building it up by diversifying with influences from across the world and adding a few unique African twists. What we aim to do is to find a balance between the art of making food beautiful and yet still showing respect to each ingredient in their natural form. As a chef putting yourself out there on a plate is the most terrifying yet rewarding experience.”

Oceana’s showcase from a food perspective is definitely their five course fine dining dinner served every evening.  Tailor made menus are created each day ensuring that each evening, guests are assured of a unique dining experience while overlooking the reserve and onto the Indian Ocean.  Spectacular!

Set in a spectacular and unique environment, Oceana offers a truly special luxury boutique experience.  The property is perfectly positioned within a sprawling wildlife sanctuary, fronted by a pristine 7km stretch of private beach.  With absolutely everything taken care of by their discreet staff, this private and intimate destination is where you go for a ‘holiday whilst on holiday’.

On-site attractions include safari drives, spa treatments, fine dining, games room, swimming and beach activities. From golf to fishing, bird watching and more, there are also many other activities to be enjoyed in and around the charming town of Port Alfred.

Oceana is located on the warm Indian Ocean, close to Port Elizabeth as well as Big Five reserves.  Exclusive, yet unpretentious, this property ticks all the boxes for an unforgettable holiday.

Read more and view rates http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#78/ or contact a Thompsons Africa consultant to book now info@thompsonsafrica.co.za.

The Travel Corporations (TTC) family of brands are banning single use plastics.  The announcement comes as TTC, under the guidance of their not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, officially instituted an immediate ban of more than 60 types of single-use plastic items such as straws, stir sticks, water bottles, plastic bags, and cutlery from its 40 global offices across its exceptional portfolio of brands.

At Thompsons Africa we have embraced the drive and are recycling all single use plastics in the building (single-use plastic is any plastic that can only be used once before being disposed of).

What We’ve Done As a Start?

Recycling bins have been positioned in our Thompsons Africa Durban Head Office.  Bins from desk areas have been removed.  Staff will be responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of in the relevant recycling bins provided.  Our canteen EatFresh has committed to the cause and offer discounts when staff use their own coffee mugs for take away coffee, plastic drinking straws are no longer provided, plastic disposable cutlery is being phased out and no further polystyrene take away containers are being provided.

Why Are We Taking This Important Step?

‘Today, our world creates and uses too much plastic. It is one of the most dangerous, damaging by-products of the consumption-oriented world we live in today. The equivalent of a large dump truck of used plastic goes into our oceans each minute, never decomposing but remaining there forever. The disposal of used, non-biodegradable plastics has massive health and other risks associated with their use and disposal. These include, most seriously, the pollution of our oceans, wildlife and water, and there is substantial scientific research available that proves that decomposing plastics are creating serious global problems. Plastics degrade very slowly and can exist in the environment for thousands of years. Annually, over 19 billion pounds of plastics are dumped into our oceans and this is expected to double by 2025. In fact, it is projected that there could be more plastics than fish in our oceans by 2050.’ – Independent UK

We are excited to have taken the first steps in the journey towards changing our world!

Huge congratulations to Red Carnation Hotel Collection on being voted the No. 2 Top Hotel Brand in the world by the luxury US magazine, Travel + Leisure.

Every year Travel + Leisure invites its readers to share their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, and more, rating the hotel brands on their locations, rooms and facilities, food, service and overall value.  This year’s list of winners saw the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection coming in as a newcomer and securing the No. 2 spot.

‘The accolade is a wonderful endorsement confirming that by putting their guests at the heart of everything they do, delivering personal service and generous hospitality in their signature manner at each and every opportunity, they rise up above the rest.  A fantastic achievement and huge congratulations to all the staff at The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.’ – Michael Tollman

Red Carnation Hotel Collection scored an impressive 95.33

The miraculous increase in Cape Town dam levels continues. Dam levels have now reached the very positive level of 53% at 9th July 2018. With snow on the mountains and more rains predicted next week, Western Cape dam levels could reach 60% by the end of July 2018. This is currently over double the level of Western Cape dam levels in the prior year. With daily water consumption still at 50% of the prior year, the Cape Town drought seems to be well and truly over.
Tourism continues to be the main provider of employment in the Western Cape, and Cape Town is excited to welcome back visitors and tourists who are vital to the Province’s economic and social wellbeing.
Cape Town continues to stand out as an example of what a common commitment to water sustainability can achieve. We recognise and thank all stakeholders who have played an important role in this achievement.

‘A miraculous increase in dam levels in one month with improved winter rains and  a 50% savings in daily water usage  in the Western Cape brings relief to Cape Town’s  water crisis according to Cullinan Holdings‘.

Western Cape Dam levels on June 25^th 2018 stood at 42.7% full versus 24.3% in 2017 and 35.7% in 2016.

Western Cape Dam levels on 30 October 2017 were 38.5% and on 30 October 2016 were 60.4%.  Based upon available information Western Cape dam levels at 30 October 2018 are expected to be above 60%. This is a massive and miraculous turnaround from dam levels over the period December 2017 to April 2018.

Cullinan Holdings remains supportive of water restrictions and continued sustainable water wise practices to ensure continued increases in dam levels. Water usage continues to be well controlled by local residents at 50% less daily usage versus the prior year. The Western Cape has also experienced improved winter rains compared to the prior year. Tourists are welcome and are important to the Western Cape economy, and can enjoy all that the amazing Western Cape and South Africa has to offer with peace of mind.  Recognition must be given to the various stakeholders, from government stakeholders to farmers, Cape Town businesses including hotels and local residents for reducing consumption and implementing sustainable water wise practices and reducing daily water consumption. As a result the City of Cape Town has been an example to the world of what can be achieved when all stakeholders come together and work with a common objective.

Tourism continues to be the main provider of employment in the Western Cape, and is crucial to normal daily life. Cape Town is open for business, excited to welcome back visitors vital to the province’s economic and social wellbeing.

Visitors from across South Africa and the world have watched to see when and how Cape Town will recover from this unprecedented water crisis that faces over 120 cities worldwide. Cape Town has come through the crisis wiser, smarter, more united and more committed to tourism than ever.