Updates

South Africa Festivals.  Oyster Festival: What could possible be more amazing than indulging in a feast of the best oysters the country has to offer. 30 June-09 July 2006 www.oysterfestival.co.za.  Comrades Marathon: The Comrades Marathon has been run for over 50 years and is considered one of the most grueling ultra marathon's in the world. 16 June 2006 www.comrades.com.  Cape Argus:  For the best cycling Cape Town has to offer the Cape Argus is the event of the year. 12 March 2006  www.cycletour.co.za.
 

Phinda Private Game Reserve - Phinda Getty House.  This exclusive private residence opened for guests on 19 December! Situated on beautiful land recently incorporated into Phinda Private Game Reserve, it encompasses an entirely new Phinda experience. Overlooking an extinct volcano, a favorite grazing ground for white rhino, this is an intimate sole use villa boasting unparalleled structural design and world-class sophistication. Phinda Getty House features a private ranger/host, tracker, butler and chef and exclusive use of a 4x4 safari vehicle, allowing guests to tailor-make their safari to suit their wishes - perfect for family celebrations and special occasion safaris. An innovative new design direction for the area, beautiful yellow sandstone from a Free State farmhouse was dismantled and transported hundreds of miles to Phinda Private Game Reserve.
 

A new National Park - Camdeboo in the Karoo.  The Camdeboo National Park, South Africa's newest national park, has officially been proclaimed. The 14 500ha park in Graaf-Reinet in the Karoo will also be linked to the Mountain Zebra National Park to form a single mega-conservation area, which will include 520 000ha of land under conservation.

South African Airways launches direct Johannesburg-Zanzibar flight.   South African Airways has launched a twice-weekly Johannesburg-Zanzibar route.  The flights depart Johannesburg on Tuesday at 8:55 am to arrive into Zanzibar at 1:45 pm and Sundays at 10:00 am to arrive at 2:40 pm.  Return flights depart on Tuesdays and Sundays at 3:40 pm and arrive into Johannesburg at 6:30 pm. 

Bird's of Eden - world's largest single-span aviary.  Birds of Eden, a monumental eco-project near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, recently opened its doors to the public.  The project, which was under construction for over 2 years, now features the world's largest single-span aviary and offers visitors the opportunity to admire a large variety of over 2000 indigenous and exotic birds in free flight.  Birds of Eden was inspired and created by the same team that built Monkeyland, the primate sanctuary next door.  The two projects seek to provide a natural and safe sanctuary for previously caged pet birds and primates.  Upon entering "Birds of Eden", guest will encounter a lush multi-canopy forest, covering some 70 pr cent of the aviary.  The forest effectively hides the 3.2 hectare mesh dome that covers the aviary and provides a natural open-air experience where visitors can spot such birds as toucans, barbets, lories and macaws. 

Four Quarters opens at Le Quartier.  The ever popular Le Quartier Français celebrates the New Year with the opening of The Four Quarters – a stylish extension to this exclusive Franschhoek Relais & Châteaux hotel,  featuring four generously sized suites overlooking a central courtyard and lap pool, each individually decorated using the ultimate in luxury fittings, fabrics and finishes and artwork by local talent. Conceived by owner Susan Huxter, The Four Quarters is the ideal home-from-home for trendy travelers seeking a luxurious haven in the picturesque surrounds of Franschhoek. The sumptuous (1184 sq.feet) suites boast state-of-the-art plasma screens (two per suite), DVD library, satellite TV, wireless internet, iPod docking station, fully stocked complimentary bar, air conditioning, underfloor heating (even in the shower!).  fireplace, separate dressing room, generous lounge (complete with oversized sofas) as well as a sun-splashed outdoor verandah.  Guests can expect a full-time butler on hand to attend to any request.  Breakfast, light snacks at the pool and afternoon tea are included, and all transfers within Franschhoek are complimentary.  The Four Quarters is ideal for families traveling together or group bookings and, for those seeking a little ‘me-time’.

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