Federal Airlines has announced a revolutionary new approach to meet customer needs and market demands. It has introduced reduced SA Resident fares starting from  Johannesburg directly to a number of landing strips within the Sabi Sand, Madikwe, Northern Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Hoedspruit lodges and Garonga. This amounts to a discount of approximately 50% of the 2020 low season fares.

Mark Hurst, group CEO of Solenta Aviation and incoming CEO of Federal Airlines, says that FedAir’s customer fares are being made simple and flexible as a future game changer within the luxury safari lodge shuttle and charter airline business.

‘We are learning to say yes. Covid-19 has caused significant disruption within the tourist and travel industry, but it has also created new opportunities for us. Our aim is to make the business more dynamic, more customer orientated and more flexible’, he says.

With immediate effect, the cancellation policy of Federal Airlines has been adjusted to be more flexible and customer orientated, offering free cancellations up to 15 days prior to departure date. There will be no charges for any changes made to FedAir bookings and clients may have unlimited changes at no cost.

‘In addition, our 2021 fares will be reset to the 2020 low season fares and we have removed all seasonality rates, offering the same low season fare throughout the 2021 year. We look forward to assisting every traveller to reach their lodge destination in a comfortable, efficient and professional manner, with our daily shuttle services from OR Tambo International Airport to the Sabi Sand, Timbavati/Kruger region, the Madikwe Game Reserves and our restarted inter-lodge flights between the safari camps, from 1 December 2020’, Hurst concluded.

The Private Charter division of Federal Airlines will continue to offer customised, exclusive charter flights to meet personal schedules and requirements as required.

Mark Hurst interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bns591_jX4&feature=youtu.be

Perivoli Lagoon House has opened outside Stanford on the Whale Coast close to Hermanus, a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. The villa is booked on an exclusive-use basis for up to eight people with flexible booking options that include housekeeping service, as well as a choice of all-inclusive or self-catering. Special launch rates are available until 15 December 2020.

Perivoli Lagoon House is owned by the philanthropically focussed Perivoli Trust which channels all profits to conserving and restoring the land, while any surplus is donated to the charitable Perivoli Schools Trust. The secluded villa is managed by seasoned hoteliers Marcelino and Simoné Henckert and represented by the marketing team of Inspirational Places and FiveStar PR.

Designed by architect Gregg Goddard with interior design by Simoné Henckert, the ultra-contemporary open-plan design with its elegantly curved roof is a new landmark on the banks of the Klein River lagoon.

It is home to four double suites with private bathrooms and terraces, and generous living areas that spill out onto sprawling wooden decks and a heated infinity pool. The house invites complete relaxation with deep sofas and shaded views of the lagoon to immerse oneself in nature, watch the birds and breathe the scented fynbos. Geared to all-year round comfort, Perivoli is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace and efficient eco-friendly pellet stoves, as well as ceiling fans and insect screens. The kitchen is state-of-the-art, leading to spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas with a BBQ station under cover, and well-known Stanford chef Madré is available to cater by prior arrangement.

Situated on 140 hectares that is in the process of being proclaimed a nature reserve, Perivoli is a natural hideaway of wide-open spaces and breathtaking views. It is the perfect backdrop for quality time spent with family and friends where children of all ages are welcome. A myriad of adventures and activities await within the isolated wilderness, from guided fynbos walks and beach excursions to nearby Walker Bay Nature Reserve, to birdwatching, mountain biking and canoeing. Guests at Perivoli have access to a speedboat to make full use of the unique lakeside location which lends itself to water activities such as water skiing and tubing, as well as fishing. More relaxing pursuits include yoga baskets, in-room massages and lounging around the magnificent swimming pool.

On the doorstep waiting to be explored, is the surrounding area of Stanford and Hermanus. The region has received global acclaim for local culinary gems that include award-winning restaurants, craft breweries and cheeseries, as well as wine estates.

Tintswalo Boulders has introduced an exciting Marine Exploration Adventure Experience for guests to explore the fascinating underwater world of False Bay where renowned cinematographer Craig Foster filmed ‘My Octopus Teacher’.

Two nights’ luxury accommodation with breakfast is included at Tintswalo at Boulders, the uniquely located beachfront villa that is surrounded by fynbos, with unobstructed views across the world-famous Boulders Beach penguin colony and the ocean.

Sea activities are guided by the Shark Warrior Adventure Centre and take place in the marine protected area of the Table Mountain National Park. Snorkellers will glide through the mystical kelp forests to encounter the mysterious life beneath the waves where fish and other marine life sway in the flow of the currents around the reefs. A magical 2-hour kayaking excursion in single or 2-seater kayaks will include gentle paddling in the clear, turquoise sea and protected coves of Boulders Beach to watch the antics of the endangered African penguins and other seabirds.

Located on route to Cape Point, Tintswalo Boulders has a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean and a garden pathway that leads to the Boulders Beach boardwalk and the entrance to the SANParks penguin viewing area. The villa offers spacious living and dining areas, a central courtyard with a fire pit and generous terraces with sea views. The nine luxurious suites have en-suite bathrooms and are individually decorated and named after ships to pay homage to Simon’s Town maritime history.

See video: https://www.facebook.com/TintswaloSafariLodge/videos/681193542835138

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has opened its Explorer Camp with a special offer for South African residents. Known as the Western-Cape’s premier wildlife destination, Sanbona is situated close to Montagu, a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town along Route 62. The Explorer Camp is located within the north east of the sprawling malaria-free reserve, which stretches across 58 000 hectares of the wide, open plains of the Klein Karoo.

This unique wilderness trail experience is aimed at those who enjoy walking safaris and the ambience of a tented bush camp. The camp is situated along a beautifully shaded riverbed and operates seasonally during the summer months (October to April), with departures on Fridays. The 2-night guided walking safari experience is offered on an exclusive-use basis to a small group of up to six guests (16-years and older), who are active and reasonably fit. The camp is off the grid and accommodation is provided in three double tents with comfortable beds and an outdoor bathroom that comes complete with a hot shower under a tree. The camp has an open-air lounge and dining area under canvas. Guests enjoy evenings around a campfire under the starry skies of the Karoo, and enjoy delicious, wholesome South African dishes prepared on an open fire.

It’s back to basics at Explorer Camp which offers the authenticity of the original safari on foot. Distances walked vary each day but can last up to four hours and may include opportunities to encounter the Big 5. A game viewing vehicle remains in camp and depending on where guests walk that day, the trail may start from camp or depart camp by vehicle to visit another area of the reserve.

Sanbona is a sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna, but it is the vastness of the landscape and the alluring isolation amid the raw beauty and boundless plains which sets it apart. Sustainability and responsible utilisation are the cornerstones of all operations.

A qualified, experienced guide hosts the Explorer Camp guests and further enhances this unique experience by sharing knowledge of birding and wildlife, as well as the cultural and natural history of the area. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the serene, wide-open spaces, engage in a meaningful connection with nature and enjoy a purposeful, perhaps even transformative wilderness experience.