Category: Uncategorized

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

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

Six high-risk countries – which, to date have enjoyed visa-free entry into South Africa – will now be required to apply for visas.

They are Italy, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom.

“It is through these visa applications that we will be able to control their movement in and out of the country,” said the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, speaking at an inter-ministerial media briefing held earlier today.

The briefing was held following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a travel ban on a total of eight high-risk international countries. He said Chinese and Iranian nationals would have their existing visas revoked, with no further applications to be processed.

“Between January and February we had issued 8 389 visas to China and they will be revoked immediately,” said Motsoaledi. “In the same period, we issued 429 visas to Iran and they will be revoked as well.”

Tourists from medium-risk countries – Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore – still required visas to enter South Africa and would be subjected to high-intensity screening, he added.

“We will also require that foreign nationals from the medium-risk countries provide a medical certificate that they have been tested and are clear of COVID-19.”

“Those already in the country on study visas or work visas and the like, will not be affected in any way,” Motsoaledi elaborated. “Things will only change if they want to go home to one of the countries identified as high risk.”

There is no clarity on when these bans will be revoked, with Ramaphosa highlighting that these travel  policies would be “continually revised” as the levels of risk changed.

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa stated land ports and sea ports would shutdown with effect from 16 March 2020.  These are:

Land ports:

Alexanderbay
Sendelingsdrfit
Onseepkans,
Mc CarthysRest
Middelputs
Rietfontein
Gemsbok
Tweerivieren
Bray
Mokopong
Mokghibistadt
Swartkopfontein
Derdepoort
Stockpoort
Platjan
Pondrift
Zanzibar
Pafuri
Giriyondo
Emahlatini
Bothashoop
Waverley
Nerston
Josefsdal
Kosibay
Onverwacht
Sanipass
Boesmansnek
Tellebridge
Ongeluksnek
Ramatsiliso
Mononsthapass
Pekabridge
Makhaleng
Sephaphusgate

Kindly take note only Nerston is a commercial port but very small. You are advised to use the nearest border post, an official letter will follow soon in this regard for the purpose of law enforcement (if you encounter any challenges)

Sea ports:

Mosselbay and Saldanha

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON MEASURES TO COMBAT COVID-19 EPIDEMIC 15 MARCH 2020

Fellow South Africans, I am addressing you this evening on a matter of great national importance. The world is facing a medical emergency far graver than what we have experienced in over a century. The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic. There are now more than 162 000 people who have tested positive for the coronavirus across the globe. Given the scale and the speed at which the virus is spreading, it is now clear that no country is immune from the disease or will be spared its severe impact. Never before in the history of our democracy has our country been confronted with such a severe situation. From the start of the outbreak in China earlier this year, the South African government has put in place measures to screen visitors entering the country, to contain its spread and to treat those infected. As of now, South Africa has 61 confirmed cases of people infected with the virus, and this number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks. Initially, it was people who had travelled out of the country, especially from Italy, who had positively tested for the virus. It is concerning that we are now dealing with internal transmission of the virus.

This situation calls for an extraordinary response; there can be no half-measures. Cabinet held a special meeting earlier today. After which, due to the serious measures we are going to announce, I have consulted the premiers. We have decided to take urgent and drastic measures to manage the disease, protect the people of our country and reduce the impact of the virus on our society and on our economy. We have now declared a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act. This will enable us to have an integrated and coordinated disaster management mechanism that will focus on preventing and reducing the outbreak of this virus. We will also be able to set up emergency, rapid and effective response systems to mitigate the severity of its impact. Following an extensive analysis of the progression of the disease worldwide and in South Africa, Cabinet has decided on the following measures: Firstly, to limit contact between persons who may be infected and South African citizens.

We are imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020. We have cancelled visas to visitors from those countries from today and previously granted visas are hereby revoked. South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea. This is effective immediately.

Government will continue to regularly issue travel alerts referring to specific cities, countries or regions as the situation evolves based on the risk level. Any foreign national who has visited high-risk countries in the past 20 days will be denied a visa. South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and self-isolation or quarantine on return to South Africa. Travellers from medium-risk countries – such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore – will be required to undergo high intensity screening.

All travellers who have entered South Africa from high-risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves for testing. We will strengthen surveillance, screening and testing measures at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.

South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and air ports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday 16 March. 2 of the 8 sea ports will be closed for passengers and crew changes.

Effective immediately, all non-essential travel for all spheres of government outside of the Republic is prohibited We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis and bus. Secondly, it is essential therefore that we minimize the risk of the spread of this virus by limiting contact amongst groups of people. While we appreciate the economic, religious, and cultural significance of social and community gatherings, the coronavirus is spread through contact between persons.

As we have said before, the current circumstances require extraordinary measures to curb the spread of infections. Countries that have heeded the call to implement these radical measures, have fared much better than those than do not. Therefore to encourage social distancing Cabinet has decided on these additional measures:

Gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. Mass celebrations of upcoming national days such as Human Rights Day and other large government events will be cancelled. Where small gatherings are unavoidable, organisers will need to put in place stringent measures of prevention and control.

Schools will be closed from Wednesday, 18 March, and will remain closed until after the Easter Weekend. To compensate, the mid-year school holidays will be shortened by a week. Government is working closely with colleges, universities and other public facilities such as Parliament, prisons, police stations and military installations to intensify hygiene control.

Visits to all correctional centres are suspend for 30 days with immediate effect.

Government is aware of the confirmed case of a student who has tested positive for the coronavirus at Wits University. Those who have been in contact with the student will be quarantined. The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation is consulting with vice chancellors of universities and colleges across the country and will soon be announcing measures in this regard.

We call on all businesses including mining, retail, banking, farming to ensure that they take all necessary measures to intensify hygiene control.

We also call on the management of malls, entertainment centres and other places frequented by large numbers of people to bolster their hygiene control.

Thirdly, to further strengthen our health response: Government is strengthening its surveillance and testing systems. We are in process of identifying isolation and quarantine sites in each district and metro. Capacity is being increased at designated hospitals in all provinces.

We are also increasing the capacity of existing contact tracing processes. We are partnering with the private sector to set up a national tracking, tracing and monitoring system of all people infected with the coronavirus and those they have been in contact with We are undertaking a mass communication campaign on good hygiene and effective prevention behaviour. Therefore, we are calling on everyone to:

•Wash their hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitisers for at least 20 seconds;

•Cover their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow;

•Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. In essence, we are calling for a change of behavior amongst all South Africans. We must minimise physical contact with other people, and, encourage the elbow greeting rather than shaking hands. Because of the severity of this virus and its rapid spreading, government will make funding available to capacitate the sectors dealing with the national response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Since the outbreak of this pandemic, our government’s response has been led by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize. We congratulate them on the outstanding work they have done – together with their able support teams – to steer our country through this challenging and un-certain period. As part of the intensification of this effort, we have decided to establish a National Command Council chaired by the President. This Command Council will include, amongst others, members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee and will meet three times a week, to coordinate all aspects of our extraordinary emergency response. My fellow South Africans, In addition to the impact that this pandemic will have on health and well-being of our people, and the impact it will have on the day-to-day life of our society, COVID-19 will also have a significant and potentially lasting impact on our economy. In the last few weeks, we have seen a dramatic decline in economic activity in our major trading partners, a sudden drop in international tourism and severe instability across all global markets. The anticipated effects of the decline in exports and tourist arrivals will be ex-acerbated by both an increase in infections and the measures we are required to take to contain the spread of the disease. This will have a potentially severe impact on production, the viability of businesses, job retention and job creation. Cabinet is therefore in the process of finalising a comprehensive package of interventions to mitigate the expected impact of COVID-19 on our economy.

This package, which will consist of various fiscal and other measures, will be concluded following consultation with business, labour and other relevant institutions. It is clear that this disease will be extremely disruptive. Our priority must be to safeguard the health and well-being of all South Africans, to minimise the number of infections and to ensure all those infected get proper treatment. While we are battling a contagious virus, perhaps the greatest dangers to our country at this time are fear and ignorance. We must appreciate the extent of the threat that this disease presents, we must accept the anxiety that it causes, but we cannot allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by fear and panic. We should stop spreading fake and unverified news and create further apprehension and alarm. While we are facing a medical emergency far graver than we have experienced in recent times, we are not helpless. We have the knowledge, the means and the resources to fight this disease. If we act swiftly, with purpose and collectively we can limit the effects of the coronavirus on our people and our country. Although we may be limiting physical contact, this epidemic has the potential to bring us closer together. We are responding as a united nation to a common threat. This national emergency demands cooperation, collaboration and common action. More than that, it requires solidarity, understanding and compassion. Those who have resources, those who are healthy, need to assist those who are in need and who are vulnerable.

All the institutions of the state will be mobilised to lead this effort, but, if we are to succeed, every company, trade union, NGO, university, college, school, religious group and taxi association will need to play its part. We thank those people who suspected they may have been exposed to the virus for coming forward to be tested and for taking measures – such as self-isolation – to prevent further transmission. We thank the medical teams around the country who are leading our response and are putting the well-being of others ahead of the risks they face themselves. On Saturday we welcomed 104 of our compatriots who were in Wuhan City, China. We thank the repatriation team for the task they performed with pride and efficiency to return them to the country and ultimately to their families. The repatriation has been successful and those who have returned have settled in the quarantine area. We thank the military health officials, pilots, cabin crew and all those who participated in this exercise. We thank the leadership and the people of Polokwane and Limpopo for warmly welcoming our fellow South Africans. We also extend our gratitude to the staff and management of the Ranch Hotel who have accommodated our compatriots and also subjected themselves to quarantine. We extend our appreciation too to the companies, organisations and individuals who have taken it upon themselves to disseminate information about this virus and to raise awareness. We thank those businesses that have taken steps to protect their employees, and those unions that have taken steps to protect their members.

Ministers who are at the frontline of coordinating our response to this crisis will be briefing the nation tomorrow, where they will unpack details in relation to the measures we announced tonight. Fellow South Africans, this is the most definitive Thuma Mina moment for our country. I have great trust that our people will respond positively to this call to common action. Fellow South Africans, This epidemic will pass. But it is up to us to determine how long it will last, how damaging it will be, and how long it will take our economy and our country to recover. It is true that we are facing a grave emergency. But if we act together, if we act now, and if we act decisively, we will overcome it. I thank you.

Following the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa’s national address about Coronavirus (COVID-19) on 15 March 2020 where he declared a national state of disaster; in averting a community transfer, Robben Island Museum has since taken a decision to temporarily suspend tours for a period of two days (17 & 18 March 2020) as RIM continues to engage with key stakeholders.

Contact us for details on refunds and cancellations.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

NB: Rescheduling or cancellation fees will not be applied.

RIM will continue to keep visitors and members of the media updated regarding the status of upcoming tours.

The Government of Botswana has been closely monitoring the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak, now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. In order to prevent the transmission and spread of COVID-19 in Botswana, the Government of Botswana in line with the Public Health Act 2013 is implementing the following measures:

1. Travel

a) All individuals coming to Botswana from the following high-risk countries will not be allowed entry:

China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, USA, UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and India.
Batswana and residents returning from high risk countries will be subjected to 14-day mandatory quarantine as per protocol.

b) Issuance of Visa at Ports of entry and at all Embassies for any person from high risk areas is suspended with immediate effect. Current visas are cancelled with immediate effect until further notice.

c) International travel by all Government employees, parastatals and State owned Entities is suspended with immediate effect.

d) All government, parastatals and state owned entities international meetings and conferences are cancelled with immediate effect.

2. Social Distancing (public gatherings)

Total suspension of public gatherings of more than 100 people is imposed immediately for 30 days; these include:

a) Religious activities;
b) Sporting events;
c) Conferences;
d) Wedding celebrations;
e) Night clubs/bars;
f) Music concerts;
g) Parties; and
h) Gymnasiums.

The public is also advised to maintain a distance of 1-2 meters between individual persons and a maximum of 50 individuals everywhere including the following places:

a) Banks;
b) Restaurants, including take out restaurants;
c) Supermarkets/shops;
d) Pharmacies;
e) Post Offices;
f) Government service departments (road transport, immigration, civil registration, police stations, etc.); and
g) Funerals.

To ensure continued safety of other users of health facilities, individuals who have cold symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat) and have had contact with returning travelers should:

a) Call 997, 3632756 /3632757 /363 2773;
b) Not use public transport; and
c) If using private vehicle or on foot, should alert health facility officers on arrival before entering the facility.

To minimize risk of contracting and possible spreading of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to postpone non-essential local travel. To ensure continued safety of mourners/public at funerals/memorial services:

a) Funerals should be brief and are to last no more than 2 hours;
b) Ensure easy access to hand cleaning with water and soap;
c) During burial, strict hand washing/surface cleaning is recommended for all equipment used (shovels, microphones, etc.); and
d) To further minimize risk, no food service shall be provided to the public/mourners

3. Advise to the public

a) Frequently wash hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer where available;
b) Cover nose and mouth when sneezing with a flexed elbow or tissue;
c) Avoid direct contact with anyone with cold or flu symptoms; and
d) Avoid handshakes, hugs and kisses when greeting other people.

All citizens and residents of Botswana are to postpone travel to affected countries to minimize the risk of COVID-19. For a daily updated of the list of affected countries and more information on COVID-19 in Botswana, please refer to the following; Facebook page: Covid-19_Mohw. TOLL FREE NO. 0800 600 740.

Have you heard of Yoshi?  She’s a loggerhead turtle that was released from the Two Oceans Aquarium two years ago and who now boasts the title of world record breaker for being the animal that has journeyed longer than any bird, fish or mammal using a satellite tag….both in distance AND duration!

 

A few days ago, Yoshi was just 66 kilometres off of the Western Australia coast.

‘She has travelled 37 000 kilometres in the 26 months since her release in December 2017. Throughout her journey, Yoshi has averaged and maintained a swimming distance of 48 kilometres per day. The latest tracking data shows that she has slowed down slightly and is now clocking in at about 46 kilometres per day.’ – Two Oceans Aquarium

Unbelievably, Yoshi’s tag battery is likely to run out soon.  Thankfully, Western Australian conservation and research officials plan to meet her if she nests on the beach and so will use the opportunity to replace her battery so that we can keep watching her amazing journey.

Yoshi first came to the Two Oceans Aquarium in 1997 when Japanese fisherman handed her in for care.  Since then she has had millions of people see her at the aquarium and many more since then during her two year journey.

After spending 20 years in South Africa, is Yoshi South African or Australian?  Speculation is that she is heading to Point Samson, a small fishing town in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, home to some of Australia’s famous turtle nesting beaches.  Has Yoshi gone home to nest?

‘Yoshi has always done things her way, and she might just keep us guessing for a while longer. Perhaps she is just filling up on some tasty morsels, or perhaps this stop will be a more significant spot on her journey. We should know pretty soon whether Yoshi is an Australian after all, and if she is about to add to the global loggerhead population. Yoshi has done us all proud, and we cannot wait to see what she will get up to next.’ – Maryke Musson, CEO of the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation

In a world where everything is just a little crazy right now, this is a truly SENSATIONAL SOUTH AFRICAN story that warms the heart.

 

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

As South African’s we’re often asked some sometimes strange, sometimes amusing and sometimes downright WEIRD questions!  One frequently asked question is whether or not we have wildlife strolling around on our streets.  And while this is mostly a simple, ‘no’, there ARE a few rare occasions when even WE can get contradicted!

Seen recently in St Lucia… A hippopotamus taking a casual stroll into the local fuel station!

 

Actually, St Lucia is one of the few places in South Africa where seeing wildlife roaming the streets is fairly common place.  Locals and visitors know about the hippos and keep a safe distance.  Its estimated that there are around 800 hippos in the area and seeing them in the streets or even in your back yard is not uncommon.

In the past few years, the town of St Lucia has developed into a centre of action and adventure. Visitors set out to sea to watch the dolphins at play, they brave the surf with jet-boats, go snorkelling, scuba-diving, horse-riding or quad-biking. Near at hand is the sub-continent’s only breeding ground for the giant leatherback turtles, which can be seen at night.

If you have guests who would prefer a more ‘traditional’ means of viewing hippos, book them on our St Lucia Boat Cruise day tour experience.

ST LUCIA BOAT CRUISE

Departs Daily from St Lucia  •  Duration 2 Hours

All aboard the comfortable Santa Lucia, a spacious double-decker boat on St Lucia Estuary, with ample room for everybody to have the best view possible. We’re off on a two-hour relaxed interpretative cruise from the smartest vantage point – the water.  We’ll get up close to the sight and sounds of hippo, crocodiles and other game species, and if we’re lucky, we’ll be serenaded by the haunting cry of the fish eagle…perhaps even watch one catch a fish. The boat has a coffee, snack and full bar on board, so relaxation is the order of the day.

Your experience highlights:

• Boat Cruise on St Lucia Estuary
• 2 hour interpretative cruise
• Animal and bird sightings
• Coffee, snack and full bar (own account)

And while you’re there, you absolutely HAVE to take advantage the opportunity for this once in a lifetime experience!  A St Lucia Turtle Tour (only operates between November and February during the egg laying and hatching season).

ST LUCIA TURTLE TOURS

Departs Daily from St Lucia on request from 17h30

Duration 6-7 Hours  (Operates Nov – Feb only)

In all likelihood, it’s once in a lifetime, so don’t even consider missing it. As the evening begins to fall, we set out on a quiet night drive on the beach to seek out, but never disturb, the leatherback and loggerhead turtles returning to their birthplace to lay their eggs; later in the season, we’re able to see the hatchlings making their desperate and dangerous dash for the ocean. Our evening expedition includes a night drive through the Eastern Shores Game Reserve, on to the beach, and – if all possible – a stealthy walk on the sand. We’ve packed our own refreshments and snacks, so it promises to be as convivial an evening as it’s likely to be thrilling.

Your experience highlights:

• Evening beach drive and walk
• Leatherback and Loggerhead viewing
• Evening game drive through Eastern Shores Game Reserve
• Snacks and refreshments

As experts in our field, we are here to guide and advise.  A consultant is just a call or email away.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

 

Main image credit: St Lucia South Africa Facebook page

Have you seen the new South African Tourism video titled ‘South Africa – The Home of Humanity’?

‘It is time for us to shift our tourism brand focus beyond built and endowed features to include our true magic…our people.’ Sisa Ntshona, CEO SA Tourism

 Its beautiful.

South Africa is a beautiful destination but it is true that it is in the people that the true magic happens!

As experts in our field, we are here to guide and advise.  A consultant is just a call or email away.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

Last month we featured a story titled ‘Thompsons Africa Joins The Travel Corporation in Celebrating 100 Years!‘ in which we spoke about celebrating 100 years of being driven by service.

The feature in the ‘Travel Corporations Year of Celebrations’ for the month of February is dedicated to celebrating great love stories.  THIS is a love story of a totally different kind!

In the lead up to Valentines Day and all things ‘love’, we came across this incredible story.  A conservation ‘match making’ story… with a twist.

With less than 600 African wild dogs in South Africa today, extreme (and unique!) efforts are being made to ensure these numbers don’t drop.

Cole du Plessis, wildlife biologist for the Endangered Wildlife Trust, is tasked with monitoring and growing the population of the endangered African wild dog.  He is introducing male dogs from one wildlife reserve and female dogs from another and hoping they will breed in order to create a new pack.  Wildlife biologist and host of Great Big Story, Wes Larson, joins Du Plessis and his team to help these dogs in an unusual mating ritual…. and it really IS very unusual.

Watch wildlife biologist and host of Great Big Story, Wes Larson, as he joins Du Plessis and his team to help these dogs in an unusual mating ritual…. and it really IS very unusual:

South Africa is the only place on earth where African wild dog numbers are on the increase.  Thank you to all those who play a part in ensuring their survival.

Thompsons Africa Pledge

At Thompsons Africa we are mindful of the plight of wildlife across the globe and in Africa in particular. We are especially conscious of the importance of conserving our wildlife heritage. After all, we are blessed to be the caretakers of an abundance of wildlife that brings so many travellers to our shores. Thompsons Africa does not support any wildlife interaction that we deem to be unethical in either its purpose or in any way results in cruelty as a side effect. As a priority we ensure that we are 100% involved with our partnered wildlife organisations, and as a member of The TreadRight Foundation, we practise the promise to make the welfare of our wildlife our number one concern.

Madikwe Game Reserve

The good news for visitors to Madikwe Game Reserve is that highly endangered African wild dog packs are flourishing here.

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a joint venture between the state, private sector and local communities and it is home to one of the most successful wild dog rehabilitation programmes in the country.

Book a Madikwe Private Game Reserve and Cape Town combo package.  We have put together a five star option but other options are available.  Tailor making packages is a speciality.

As experts in our field, we are here to guide and advise.  A consultant is just a call or email away.

Contact a Thompsons Africa consultant today.

Email: info@thompsonsafrica.co.za

Tel: +27 31 275 3500

https://www.thompsonsafrica.com/about/contact-us

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