Sally kindly agreed to let me share her feedback on her stay at Fugitives' Drift last week.

Hello Nicky,

Sorry not to see you at Fugitives during our stay, but rest assured we were very well looked after by your team. Having heard so much about Fugitives Drift over the years, I am so pleased I finally got there to find out what all the fuss was about, it is a very special place. I have listed in brief some of the highlights from my stay, thank you so much for arranging it and for suggesting Umzinyathi for our group, it was perfect:


Fugitives Lodge – beautiful gardens, herb garden, pool area for midday lounging and freshen up before afternoon tour. Dogs running around, family photos, press snippets – steeped in history yet very relaxing. Lots of space for people to spread out and find there own little corner to relax and enjoy the views.


Harford Library – I could have spent days in here, such a wonderful building and full of so many fascinating books, comfy sofas – and views over to Isandlwana mesmerizing.


Umzinyathi – beautiful setting, loved the views out the front. We arrived in the dark to find all candles and fire lit, very atmospheric. Breakfast under the trees, watching the giraffes nearby and cattle being herded. Margaret and Keos were on hand to look after us, very warm, smiley and attentive.


Rorkes Drift tour with Andrew – he was excellent, very natural, moving and an excellent storyteller. I left with a lot of soggy tissues, and a notebook brimming – and a fascination with Anglo-Zulu history


Staff – all great but particularly loved Grace, she was the perfect hostess and had everyone clapping when she sang after dinner.


Dinner – v atmospheric, we had two long tables, the 5 course dinner was delicious and lots of interesting conversation flowing across several different nationalities and age groups.


Thank you again to you and the team for welcoming us into your beautiful home. You have a fantastic set up and I look forward to working with you all.


With best wishes,


Sally

e: sally@sallyandalice.com
t: +44 7904 958 194
s: sallykirby
w: www.sallyandalice.com

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Thanda Private Game Reserve is a supporter of World Rhino Day 2011 and has played an active role over the years in social responsibility as well as many successful conservation initiatives. Thanda is committed to the efforts of its associated wildlife organisations to raise awareness of the many conservation issues of KwaZulu-Natal. Thanda and Thanda Foundation are dedicated to educate and inform local communities to protect the wildlife legacy and the biodiversity contained in the area. Thanda is proud to be associated with and work alongside Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Wildlife Act, Space For Elephants and African Impact. 

 

In recognition of World Rhino Day 2011 and the dire situation of the African rhino, Thanda is focusing on fighting the battle to preserve our precious wildlife heritage and is actively involved in the conservation efforts of Project Rhino. Thanda has been championing and supporting this initiative in multiple ways and is one of the founding members of Project Rhino. Project Rhino is an association of like-minded organisations allowing collective co-ordination of rhino conservation interventions, which are aimed at eliminating rhino poaching and securing the rhino population in KwaZulu-Natal.

The members of Project Rhino recognise that the work in conserving and protecting rhinos from poaching is symbolic of the threat faced by all wildlife, as they will all benefit from actions taken by Project Rhino. Project Rhino will bring together organisations with a common vision and goal; identify synergies through an integrated, common approach, and collectively become a representative body which carries powerful leverage ability. Project Rhino outlines the need to prevent duplication of projects / or fund raising events, create a common vision and credibility within the general public, educate the general public by producing generic releases for use by all members, educate rural communities and collaborate, support and promote each member.

 

The objectives of Project Rhino include: Increased intelligence – information and informant networks |Increased surveillance (with appropriate technologies, aerial and GPS chips) | Increased field ranger competence (training) | Increased advocacy (legal aspects) | Increased communication sharing (central repository for information) | Increased public awareness and education.

 

As part of a recent game-release programme, Thanda introduced 100 nyala and 15 waterbuck onto the 11 000-hectare private reserve. Thanda is excited to have been granted permits for more rhino and recently acquired and released an undisclosed number of white rhino onto the land. Thanda ensures that it has the constant proactive vigilance of anti-poaching teams to protect the reserve’s wildlife from ruthless poaching operations.

 

Rhinos are part of the big five animals and are popularly marketed by game reserves throughout southern and eastern Africa but are sadly being viciously and illegally hunted for their horns. Rhino horn is commercially popular in the Asian market for its medicinal applications and uses, and is believed by some to have aphrodisiac properties. Thanda is dedicated to the plight of this magnificent creature and wants to see the rhino removed from the critically endangered species list before reserves can only market big four safari’s to visitors.  

 

For further information and images please contact: Thanda Marketing & Reservations Office.
Tel: +011 469 5082. Email: anita.vernes@thanda.co.za

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Pakamisa welcomed to its stables the newest member of our family; a strong, healthy and lively stallion. 
To be the privileged care takers of such fine creatures definitely is food for the soul.

[Read more →]

RATTRACE 2011

Last weekend we hosted the 5th Rattrace - we had a smaller field this year but nonetheless everyone had a great time, no injuries, no punctures and a beautifully cool day. The winner of the bike this year was Thabani Ximba. Craig Carter was pipped at the post by his friend Klaas Meintjies (extraorindary win considering he took a wrong turn and caused a pile up near the gate!) and Tanya McKenzie, heroically retained her title. Tanya's win was dedicated to her beloved son Tegan who died tragically 3 weeks ago. Brian Green and Andrew Murray, clearly needing more exercise than the rest of us rode to Isandlwana and back - and still managed to come in 5th and 6th! Not bad for two middle aged chaps! Chris Harvie in his inimitable style managed to part people with their money during the fining ceremony in such a way that they were more than happy to do it!

Thank you all for entering into the fun of things and for your incredible generosity. We raised just over R30 000 for The David Rattray Foundation. Unfortunately the Quarmby's were not here to witness something that they instigated and that will probably never happen again - and that was me cycling the Rattrace. Yes I did it, along with Marian Myers and most importantly finished it. Contrary to my expectation it was much more fun than I thought it would be. Our pelaton brought up the rear, well, I guess someone has to do it! It was recommened and very quickly finalised during the fining (I hasten to add recommended by Patrick's friends not by us ... although maybe the finalisation part was helped along by us ....) that the Quarmby's be severely fined in absentia for not being here to witness the bet they laid last year!

1st - Klaas Meintjies

2nd - Craig Carter

3rd - Rob Godlonton

4th - Thabani Ximba

5th - Brian Green

6th - Andrew Murray

7th - Dedrich Eicker

8th - Sandile Magwaze

9th - William Murray

10th - Tanya McKenzie

11th - Matthew Howarth

12th - Chantal Carter

Thank you to all of you who participated this year, we really appreciate your support

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New edition to The Saint James on Venice – we have just recently finished construction on our Lounge at the hotel. It will be fully operational from 01 November. The Lounge will be an area where guests can enjoy reading a book, having a glass of wine or may be used as another conference room.

 

Pictures to follow soon…

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Duma Manzi Eco Lodge & Spa is proud to have been chosen as runner up in the Safari Spa category at the 2011 LES NOUVELLES ESTHETIQUES - SOUTH AFRICA awards. This is Les Nouvelle Esthetiques International flagship category as it represents the essence of Africa, through the combination of Safari & Spas. Donald Perry was also nominated for the Spa Visionary Award. Donald is an innovator and a man to be acknowledged for the ecologically sensitive manner in which he has developed Duma Manzi Eco Lodge & Spa. This eco development uses only eco-friendly products, consumes only clean green energy, uses local supplies and building materials, support the local community and is certainly one of Kwa – Zulu Natal’s flagship establishments, from marketing to eco – operations. The Cecil John Rhodes Heritage site, has been developed into a true haven escape. Well done to all at Duma Manzi Eco Lodge & Spa!

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Easter weekend is always special at Duma Manzi Eco Lodge and Spa; however this April, guests were lucky to be able to see nature at its most magical.

 Guests were treated to a unique Easter surprise in the birth of our baby Giraffe. Mother and baby will now be able to explore all of the 5000 hectares peacefully, along with the many other wildlife and species that Duma Manzi is home to.

This incredible, once in a life time opportunity was a wonderful addition to our guest's stay and ensured that the magic of Duma Manzi would stay with them long after departure.

Can you help us name this gorgeous new baby Giraffe?

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The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel recently hosted a Cap Classique Dinner in collaboration with VDP Wines. It was hosted over two days (13 and 14 April) and the following “bubbly’s” were tasted:

- Quoin Rock MCC and arrival canapé’s

- Philip Jonker Entheos

- Philip Jonker The Ring

- Philip Jonker Lindelize

- Philip Jonker Alethiea

Guests were welcomed with Quoin Rock MCC as well as arrival canapé’s before moving into the Boardroom for a tasting of the Weltevrede Range.

Dinner was served thereafter and the bubbles kept on flowing! Our guests, Alwene Du Preez and Nadine Gourlay, booked a table of 12 ladies and dressed for the occasion. They share some of their fun moments in these photographs.

Please watch this space for more details on our next event taking place in May.

We look forward to welcoming you!

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The Duma Manzi bird list continues to grow with new sightings this last weekend:

Ashy Flycatcher

Cape Rock Thrush

Eastern Long Billed Lark.

The ecosystems support more than 300 species of bird, among the "specials" on the bird list are African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Verreaux (Black Eagle), Ground Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Knysna and Purple-crested Tauraco (Loerie).

Click on our website to view the detailed list of birds spotted on our reserve.

Guests were also treated to a fantastic night drive sighting – spotting Genets and Porcupine.

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The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel recently launched its new menu and is already delighting Durban diners!

Click here to view the delicious menu's and tempt your taste buds.

Bookings can be made by calling the hotel on 031 312 9488 or emailing: fo@stjamesonvenice.co.za

This is most certainly a dining experience not to be missed!

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