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On the night of 23 June 2017, a tiny spark saw the complete destruction of Lion Sands River Lodge.  Now, almost a year later, the new and STUNNING River Lodge has reopened.  It features enhanced guest areas, a new spa, and three additional private River Suites, including a two-bedroom Family Suite. Guests can expect to be reconnected with nature and each other in an intimate space with splendid views of the Sabie River.

Originally built in the late 1970’s, River Lodge was washed away in the floods of 2000.  It was at this time that Nick and Rob More took control of their legacy and rebuilt the new lodge, welcoming over 60 000 guests between 2001 and 2017.  With the blaze of June 2017, it seemed to have all come to and end.  ‘We watched in disbelief as the ensuing  inferno devoured everything we had built, then felt the heartbreak as it all came down again. This place where couples fell in love, families reunited, children heard the trumpeting of an elephant for the first time … It was then that we realised River Lodge is much more than a structure.  Like a bush fire clears out dry and dead plant matter opening the way for growth, so the lodge blaze exposed the fundamentals of what we were trying to create. Mother Nature is the greatest teacher of the only things in life that really matter, and we learned that it is our people and this wilderness that create with  our guests the  experiences that enrich their lives. The lodge simply gives them the space to come together. Through sharing these experiences, they reconnect with themselves and each other, and rediscover how ‘wonder-full’ life essentially is.‘ – Rob More

The newly rebuilt River Lodge reopened in May 2018 and it is spectacular!  With every comfort and convenience, the modern organic decor utilises materials in as close to their raw form as possible.  Wool, burnt wood and terraccota serve to complement and not compete with the environment.

The reopening of River Lodge completes their very special Lion Sands’ offering.  Read more about Lion Sands Game Reserve and view rates HERE

The awards ceremony of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018 and The Test Kitchen placed No. 50.

Luke says, “my team and I have taken some risks over the last year and worked extremely hard to evolve The Test Kitchen to what it is today. It’s thrilling that it has paid off. I am so proud of what we have achieved with The Test Kitchen and that is has a well-deserved spot on the world food stage.”

Congratulations to Luke and his team on this impressive win!

About The Test Kitchen

Located in the regenerated Old Biscuit Mill area in Woodstock, Cape Town, The Test Kitchen space is distinctly industrial.  Its brick walls and exposed ducts and pipes create an interesting, exposed atmosphere and the open plan kitchen gives guests an opportunity to directly engage with the workings of the kitchen and food preparation, particularly for those seated at the wooden bar which wraps around the kitchen.  With a small dining room seating just 65, guests will be tantalised by the delicious smells coming from the area!

If you’re in Cape Town, check out The Test Kitchen yourself (bookings in advance essential)!  You won’t be disappointed…..!

Gin is in…… and in a BIG way!  Certainly no longer known as an ‘old woman’s drink’, craft gin has taken the world and South Africa by storm.

Gin is a neutral tasting spirit made from grain.   Its distinctive aroma and flavour come from the common ingredient of juniper berries.  With its neutral taste, distilleries have a great deal of creative license as to how to flavour the gin which can range from citrus to fynbos and everything floral in between.

And then there are the crafted gin cocktails.  At Kanonkop House, owners Mark and Adele were looking for ways to make the Kanonkop House experience even more unforgettable.  After a romantic night sitting at the Kanonkop Bar staring at a gorgeous setting sun and the stunning Knysna lagoon, the idea of a Gin Bar was born.

A journey down the Garden Route and on to the Western Cape culminated in a collection of unique, African flavoured craft gins.  And then it was time to set their imaginations free.  A lot of mixing, testing, tasting and guinea pig friends and family members and a complete menu of gin cocktails is the result!

The Ultimate G&T
Any craft gin of your choice topped up with tonic and a dash of lemon.

Pink Delight
Any craft gin of your choice topped with rose and cucumber pink tonic.

Pink Musgrave Gin with Strawberries and Pepper Corns
A tot of Pink Musgrave Gin, topped up with Rose and cucumber infused tonic with a sprinkling of pepper corns and fresh strawberries.

Celemengold Rosemary G&T
A tot of Clemengold craft gin with a dash of orange, wheel of lime and a sprig of rosemary.

Spicy G&T
A tot of Six dogs Karoo Gin with a dash of tonic, tabasco sauce and a chili served over ice.

Cucumber and Basil G&T
A tot of Triple Three Juniper Berry Craft Gin splashed over cucumber slices and basil leaves. A twist of lime, topped with tonic.

An African Sunset
A tot of Triple Three African Botanicals topped with tonic and garnished with a stick of cinnamon.

Hibiscus, Cucumber and Grapefruit
A tot of Whitley Neill protea and hibiscus gin served with a slice of cucumber, a slither of grapefruit topped with tonic.

Sun Kissed G&T
A tot of Triple Three citrus infused Craft Gin, tonic, gloves and a slither of orange.

Bewitching G&T
A tot of Six Dog Blue, a dash of tonic on the side and a sprig of mint – watch the magic happen!

A Twist of Ginger
A tot of Musgrave 11 Craft Gin topped with spicy ginger beer garnished with a sprig of mint and a twist of lemon.

Spicy Red Snapper – A Bloody Mary with a Twist
A tot of Black Mountain Karoo Gin topped with tomato juice, a sprinkle of lemon juice, a drop of Worcestershire sauce. Season with tabasco, salt and pepper and garnish with a stick of celery.

I am told that the secret to a great gin is one part gin and two parts tonic water.  Could it be time to visit Kanonkop House to sample their menu?

About Kanonkop House

Award-winning Kanonkop House, (voted in the Top 25 Best Small Hotels in Africa-2018) is an elegant boutique hotel set in a private indigenous forest with unsurpassed views of the famous Knysna Lagoon and iconic ‘Heads’.

Kanonkop House is family owned and run and offers travelers a tranquil space to enjoy relaxed luxury and personal attention. The complimentary and elegant guest bar is a warm and social meeting place and scrumptious breakfasts and afternoon high tea are enjoyed under umbrellas on the patio. Beautiful linens, fine finishes and artwork, with comfortable lounge areas and special touches make each room unique. Glass sliding doors open to wooden decks and terraces overlooking the indigenous gardens, private forest and superlative water views.

Situated just 5 minutes from the center of town it’s the ideal location to explore the local shops, activities and world-class golf, which can be arranged at discounted rates through our corporate memberships. After a long day of exploring, enjoy an in house massage at the pool, therapy room or privacy of your suite.

View rates and details about Kanonkop House here

Named after the local chiefs who contributed their land, Mthembu Lodge will open its doors in October 2018 and Biyela Lodge will be ready to welcome guests from January 2019.

The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed protected Game Reserve area in South Africa, dating back to 1895. Stretching over 96,000 hectares, it is located approximately 190km (2.5 hours) north of Durban.  The reserve is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. The uMfolozi Big Five Reserve will be on the south-western border of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, overlooking the wilderness area.

Hluhluwe iMfolozi is well known for its conservation efforts and more notably, ‘Operation Rhino’ spearheaded by Dr Ian Player.  Breeding groups of rhino were captured and relocated to ensure their long term survival.  Viable populations went from approximately 650 white rhinos in 1960 to approximately 18 800 in 2010.

Every villa is designed to offer ultimate privacy and unparalleled views over the iMfolozi River and the surrounding savannas.  Game drives and walks on the 6000 hectares uMfolozi Big 5 Reserve will be exclusively for guests staying on the reserve. uMfolozi guests will also have the added benefit of game drives and walking safaris within the main reserve.

Biyela Lodge, nestled on a spectacular bend on the White iMfolozi River, will have 12 luxurious 1-bedroom Private Villas each with private pool, and two 2-bedroom Family Villas, sleeping 32 guests in total. Spa and Gym facilities will also be on offer.

Mthembu Lodge, with panoramic views of the water and thickets, will comprise of 7 luxurious 1-bedroom Private Villas and two 2-bedroom Family Villas, sleeping a total of 22 guests.

These first time features can be found in the Thompsons Africa brochure and Online Tariff http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#100/

So looking forward to these new additions to the Kwazulu Natal region!

A new property featured in our brochure this year is Babylonstoren Farm.  It really has made an impression with those of our colleagues who have visited.

Janine Southwood: This is my new favourite ‘thing’ – what an absolutely gorgeous product!  The hotel is beautiful.  Really IS A GEM.. and lots of people talking about it..  love the homemade feel of everything.  For the group that visited Babylorenstoren Farm, the feedback has been this was a highlight.

Colette Bailey: This property became an immediate favourite within minutes of arrival. Everything about Babylonstoren screams class. The rooms are comfortable and stylish, the backdrop mountains breath taking and the gardens are gorgeous and so well maintained.  Highlights at the property are Garden tour that takes you through the gardens and farm as well as the vintage conservatory known as the Greenhouse Restaurant.  The staff were so welcoming in every part of the estate from the wine cellar, the deli or even when walking through the gardens and farm.  I would recommend this special property without hesitation.

Bradley Chinnian: Fantastic property, it’s like heaven on earth if I have to describe it.  Beautiful gardens and the accommodation is something else.

Shannon Powell: A quirky Cape Dutch farm (both classic and trendy) with beautiful gardens and herbs.  There are over 350 edible products on the farm.  It’s also wheel chair friendly.  You will need at least 2 hours to walk the spectacular gardens.

Claudia Bold: One of the best places I’ve ever visited.  It’s a completely natural and truly authentic farm experience…. just like as a kid in my Grandmothers garden.

Elizabeth Edwards: A fabulous property!  Awesome amazing and indulgent rooms and then, the farm to explore.   Magnificent gardens.  Lovely to spend lots of time immersed in the moment  – lie on the camomile lawn and breathe!

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, dating back to 1692. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and a sense of wellbeing.

With the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek mountains as its backdrop, the garden is majestic. Every aspect of Babylonstoren – including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Bakery – are led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden.

At Babylonstoren Farm Hotel, the overall effect is relaxed yet well-heeled with some of the existing farm buildings transformed into sophisticated guest accommodation. Set adjacent to the garden, the hotel is characterised by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces that emulate an authentic farm stay experience.

The garden spans 3,5 hectares (8 acres). Patrice Taravella gave the garden geometric bones. His creation sits on an axis that extends east to west along the traditional lines of the old whitewashed Cape Dutch werf (farmyard), then north to south from Babel Restaurant to the Babylonstoren koppie. It comprises 15 clusters spanning vegetable areas, stone and pome fruits, nuts, citrus, berries, bees, herbs, ducks, chickens as well as a prickly pear maze. Gravity feeds water from a stream by rills into the garden, flowing through ponds planted with edible lotus, nymphaea lilies and waterblommetjies.

Every one of the more than 300 varieties of plants in the garden is edible or has medicinal value. They are grown as organically as possible and in a biologically sustainable manner. The fruit and vegetables are used for their fresh garden juices. Visitors to the garden are encouraged to pick and eat as they walk through. In the hotel guests are welcomed with wooden boxes filled with seasonal fruits. They also harvest fruit and vegetables all year round for use in their farm-to-fork restaurants. When the garden cannot provide enough, fruit harvested from the farm’s orchards is used to supplement the supply. Any surplus fruit is distilled or used to make jams, cordials and preserves for the Farm Shop.

Their food philosophy is simple, generous and honest. Fresh, seasonal food that is closely tied to its origins in the garden. The style of food leans towards simplicity, but they play with unexpected flavour combinations and new varieties of fruit and vegetables in every meal. While their meals are creative, they don’t like to tamper unduly with their food. Meals are always clear in structure, so that fruit and vegetables gathered daily from the garden is often served whole or with the skin on….  Guests must be able to see what they are eating. The Greenhouse menu subscribes to the self-same ‘pick, clean and serve’ philosophy as Babel, but with a strong emphasis on honest food with little to no fuss.

View Babylonstoren Farm rates and information http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#48/

The Clarendon Collection now has access to a strong supply of permanent water due to the recent successful exercise of sinking a borehole.  Water was struck at 70 meters, and the borehole has the capacity to produce 5000 litres per hour which is more than enough for the needs of their boutique hotels Clarendon Bantry Bay and Clarendon Fresnaye and its guests.

‘With our ever-changing global climate conditions, we all need to continue to conserve water as a way of life and from a business operations perspective’ said Clarendon Collection.

In addition to the newly sunk borehole, the Clarendon Collection also implemented the below water conservation measures in 2017.

– Rain water collection measures and tanks
– Grey water reticulation system
– Water conserving shower heads, as well as water saving devices throughout the plumbing system

The newly sunk borehole, coupled with additional water conservation measures now afford the Clarendon Collection and its guests an almost 0% impact on the City of Cape Town municipal water grid.

Check out the new brochure features for Clarendon Bantry Bay http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#38/ and Clarendon Fresnaye http://console.virtualpaper.com/thompsons-africa/south-africa-2019/#36/

Annual rains have arrived in Cape Town, bringing with them not only much needed rains, but renewed excitement and reinforcing the message ‘We’re open for business!’

Tourism leaders are ‘forging ahead with plans for tourism growth in Cape Town and the Western Cape’ – a clear message from a group of industry heavyweights as the region heads into a full-speed recovery from water shortages in 2017 and earlier in 2018. The region’s rapid and pragmatic response to what was a tough period of drought via crisis management from both public and private enterprise has set an example of water-wise tourism to the world, and ensured that it’s able to continue with relative normality, embedding Tourism as a vital source of appeal, and contribution, to the city and province. In the past year, the City of Cape Town has reduced its daily water usage by over 50%, setting a new world-class standard that the rest of the world should look to emulate.

A variety of initiatives back this confidence, ranging from alternative water sources becoming available, strong early May 2018 winter rains, and a steady increase in dam water levels coupled with a broader swing to water-sensible lifestyles by the local population and local businesses.

The industry is united in the need for long term water resource management, putting smart solutions into effect that reduce water wastage, echoing long-standing reassurances to visitors that the city and province remain a world-class destination that should continue to entice the global traveller and locals looking to explore the unparalleled attractions and experiences.

‘Our hotel partners and our other travel partners with us, have acted with urgency to ensure that our businesses are ready for visitors to Cape Town from across the country and the world,’ states Michael Tollman, CEO of Cullinan Holdings.

With rains falling Tollman continues: ‘Now more than ever is the time to come and see for yourself that the Cape is waiting and ready to provide a wonderful and unique experience – one that has, and will continue, to make Cape Town a dream location for tourism, investment and trade. Throughout this period, we have coordinated as an industry to share the latest, expert information, and our current status is that for the first time dam levels for the Western Cape are well ahead of the previous year. Globally, with over 120 cities facing risks of water scarcity, Cape Town has garnered unprecedented interest and respect in how the city’s water crisis has been managed, making the city a leader in water-wise, smart solutions for sustainable urban growth and development. Whether you are looking to investigate trade and investment opportunities, business travel or simply enjoy a break, now’s the time to do it,’ Tollman states.

This consensus view is echoed by Danny Bryer of Marriott as well as Keith Randall, CEO of the Hospitality Property Fund and Michael Nel, General Manager of Red Carnation Hotel Group.

A variety of initiatives across the hospitality sector, including hotel groups such as Red Carnations Hotel Group, Protea Hotels by Marriott and many others, have adopted water-wise principles which are enjoying an enthusiastic response from guests.

‘Our Hotels and businesses in Cape Town have adapted to a new normal of water-wise tourism, and we are pressing ahead both as individual businesses and collectively as an industry to ensure tourism sustainability is in tandem to experience in the tourism delivery,’ Tollman concludes.

Additional information:
Tourism contributes to a multi-billion dollar sector that supports over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Western Cape Province, of which Cape Town represents the jewel in South Africa’s crown.

The new water programme by the city of Cape Town includes ground water abstraction from underground aquifers, temporary desalination and re-claimed/re-used water, which already supplies 12 percent of the city’s daily usage, and would increase to more than 45 percent within a year. With dam levels well up now on the previous year, continued water wise efforts by the local population, and good winter rains, the situation is expected to be much improved and these additional measures may simply be back up and safety systems for the future.

As you will have heard, there is currently a high degree of sensitivity towards water consumption in this, one of the world’s most iconic and celebrated cities.  This issue is not unique to Cape Town. Our shared world is facing far-reaching negative impacts of Climate Change. This new global reality, currently manifesting itself in the worst drought in South Africa in almost a century, has severely challenged the city’s water levels. As a result the city, and all of South Africa, has become more aware of the need to become more water wise. Even though South Africa’s annual rains are only just a few weeks away, still it is vital that all South Africans play their part in protecting precious water resources.

As a visitor to South Africa, we are delighted that you have chosen to bring your holiday dreams to our shores. We fully respect, and are committed to, delivering the South African experience you have long looked forward to, and that our great nation is proud to bring to life for travellers from across the world. For this reason, all efforts are being made to ensure that today’s water challenges have as little impact as possible on your enjoyment of your time in Cape Town. In addition to steps taken at municipality and industry level, our business has taken a number of proactive measures to carefully manage water consumption, while keeping experience excellence front and centre of our commitment to you. This includes creation of independent water sources, re-engineering of infrastructure, and other ‘invisible’ methods of reducing resource usage while sustaining guest enjoyment.

We are, however, aware that you may have genuine concerns around media coverage referring to daily water restrictions and the impact this may have on your visit. News around ‘Day Zero’ and the turning off of water supply will, naturally, have you questioning if you will be put in an uncomfortable, unsatisfied position. Please be reassured that water restrictions are not imposed on visitors to Cape Town. You will not be limited in any way to water supply. You will simply, and understandably, be requested to be conscious of your consumption as we, together, work through this period of exceptional drought impact and resulting daily water consideration. As indicated earlier, the annual rains are soon to begin, making the current situation an interim period of water control.

Should you, at any stage, have any questions regarding your travels to Cape Town, and/or how the city’s water challenges may impact your stay, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@thompsonsafrica.com.

Very importantly, we are extremely thankful for the huge efforts that Cape Town residents, businesses, officials, farmers and visitors have made in working together to reduce water consumption in the Cape Town area. As a result of these efforts and their resultant significant reduction in water consumption, ‘Day Zero’ has been further pushed out, now as far as July. Thankfully, as July falls comfortably within Cape Town’s annual rainy season, we are more optimistic than ever that a Day Zero will be averted all together.

With our assurance of our highest level of care and attention to you.

Kind regards,

Alessandra Allemann
Chief Executive Officer
Thompsons Africa
Tel: +27 31 275 3500

For more information or to book, contact a Thompsons Africa consultant.

Tel: +27 31 275 3655
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Fugitives’ Drift has unveiled the details of their recent facelift and the images look incredible.

Fugitives’ Drift Guest House:
In April 2017 they renovated the Guest House rooms – gutted and redid the bathrooms, added new soft furnishings and wooden decks with day beds.  This has made an enormous difference to the guest experience.

Fugitives’ Drift Lodge:
In May 2017 the Lodge was closed for 8 weeks, the first time in 28 years!  Nicky Rattray says ‘It was a bittersweet moment as the builders moved in and began demolishing buildings David and I had paced out and built when we started here in 1989‘ but the emotion was soon replaced with great excitement as the new buildings took shape.  A couple of the old bedrooms were demolished to make way for a new sitting room, new dining room and large deck.  The old dining room is now a dedicated museum, and they now boast a new state of the art kitchen.

Five new guest rooms were built to replace the demolished rooms and the annex cottage. The original rooms were renovated so all the rooms are now identical. They have new bathrooms, air conditioning, fridges, outside showers, wooden decks, new furnishings and great views. Wooden walkways to the rooms and general areas complete the new look.  To complete the new look, they have replanted the entire lawn at the Lodge which already looks wonderful.

Fugitives’ Drift – Snapshot Overview:
– Lodge: 10 en-suite rooms
– Guest House: 6 en-suite rooms and 2 guides rooms
– Umzinyathi Self Catering Farm House: 3 en-suite rooms with sitting room, kitchen, dining room and large covered veranda.
– KwaGeorge: En-suite room in the garden of Umzinyathi, can be booked as part of Umzinyathi or separately. Meals available at the Lodge or Guest House.
– Activities: Battlefield Tours, Horse Riding, Game Walks, Bird Watching, Fishing in the Buffalo River and mountain biking on various sign posted routes throughout the farm.

Battlefield Tours

If history, artifacts and relics are of interest, world-renowned battlefield tours are led by brothers Andrew and Douglas Rattray, Alistair Lamont and Mphiwa Ntanzi.  They are superb  storytellers and make the history of that day come alive.

Learn of the bravery and mobility of the Zulu army that defeated the British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana and listen at sunset to the famous story of Rorke’s Drift, where 139 British soldiers were attacked by 4000 Zulu warriors; a British victory which saw the award of more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.

View and download high res images here, read more and view rates in our online tariff.

Who else wishes they were there?  Contact a Thompsons Africa travel expert for more information or to make a booking.