Where has the first quarter of the year gone? For South African's, it seems like the World Cup Soccer was a distant dream and now, we're counting down the days until kickoff. This great event is going to showcase our magnificent South African properties and will ignite an interest in travelers to visit other Classic Safari Camps in Africa.
While some camps are expanding, others are joining the fold. Mowani Mountain Camp is very excited to announce the opening of their new mini suite, and in March we welcomed Makakatana Bay Lodge as new members of Classics who are situated within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park World Heritage Site, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal in South Africa.
Congratulations to Pumulani who have been listed in the Tatler Travel Guide as one of the "101 Best Hotels in the world".
We are very proud to announce that the following Classic properties have been nominated by Good Safari Guide 2010:
Elsa's Kopje, Kenya - Best Camp
Joy's Camp, Kenya - Best Camp
Tortilis Camp, Kenya - Best Camp
Loisaba Wilderness, Kenya - Best Camp
Loisaba Star Beds, Kenya - Best Community Camp
Jaci's Tree Lodge, South Africa - Best Camp Guiding Team
Ant's Hill, South Africa - Best Riding Operator
Tena Tena, Zambia - Best Camp
In the meantime, Stefano and Liz Cheli's negotiations with KWS and African Conservation Centre (ACS) in Kenya (to expand the protected woodland areas and prevent elephants from destroying them) are well under way. The theory is to regenerate biodiversity / forests faster than the elephants can destroy them, and keeping the elephants out of an area means it becomes a reasonable forest within 5 years, at which point, the exclusion fence can be removed.
Travel Trade friends, please take note that the Classic stand at INDABA has been relocated to the SADC Hall, Stand No: B001.
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Member News
Makakatana Bay Lodge
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
Guests have been enjoying incredible sightings of hippo and crocodile on the exclusive Makakatana boat trips on the St.Lucia estuary. A large herd of Elephant have been in the Makakatana area for two weeks and our guests recently enjoyed watching a male leopard who posed in a tree for a few hours! The hippo's are still making frequent visits to the watering hole in front of the lodge at night while our guests enjoy their dinner on the front deck by candle light.
Sindabezi Island
Victoria Falls - Zambia
We are in love with the fabulous, new Sindabezi Island. Not only has our team managed to completely rebuild every room on the island (including staff accommodation and back of house) but they updated the entire camp without losing the inimitable castaway, white sand under your toes magic that Sindabezi is famous for. Our guests unanimously declare it an unqualified success. Did we mention it's also the most environmentally friendly island camp on the Zambezi?
Ants Hill
Waterberg - South Africa
The dream of linking Ant's Nest to Ant's Hill has finally become a reality. This means that the rhino population and disease free Buffalo herds as well as all the other species that the reserve is home to can finally merge, which will greatly enhance the genetic diversity. The buffalo herd is a sight to behold and has grown to twenty three animals and this season, we are hoping for another eight calves. One of the biggest advantages of having the reserves finally linked has meant that there are more riding options for guests who can enjoy a variety of habitats as well as spectacular views in all directions.
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Timbavati Nature Reserve - South Africa
Our tourism season was enhanced with a privileged sighting of two white lion cubs that have survived in the Timbavati now nearing a year old. Guests are fascinated with the story of the recessive gene and the beauty of the cubs. Chris McBride, who did the original research on the white lions in the 70's, visited Motswari allowing us to relive his memories and experiences 35 years on. The Motswari blog on our website is full of the cub's activities as well as leopard and hyena cub antics.
Governors' Camp
Masai Mara - Kenya
We are delighted to announce that as part of the work in upgrading the guest tents at Governors' Camp, we now have 4 great new family tents that can each accommodate up to 2 adults and 3 children. Families staying with us enjoy game drives, trips to the local Masai village, visits to the local school to interact with the Masai children, nature walks around the camp, talks in Masai culture, kids meals and much more. The best game viewing is right on our doorstep. Families can enjoy great game viewing not far from the camp.
Sand Rivers Selous
Selous Game Reserve - Tanzania
A smattering of rain has brought a lush environment to the Selous, along with some good game sightings. 13 lions pulled down a giraffe close to camp, making a picnic to rival the ones only guests enjoy. Fresh black rhino prints were found in one of our frequent game drive areas - the elusive animal had snuck away about 10 minutes before. On another outing, guests, enjoying a boat trip along the river, were perplexed to see their guide unable to contain his excitement on seeing a large beige fluffy-looking bird: the very rare Pels Fishing Owl relaxing on a shady branch during the day.
How's That!
Benguerra Lodge Mozambique
A tranquil afternoons fishing in the Bazaruto Archipelago was turned on it's head by the bruiser of the sea, the Giant Trevally more commonly referred to as a GT, made a spectacular appearance and left Benguerra guest Hans Limbach with a pair of tired arms and a fishy story of the one that didn't get away. He landed the largest GT of 2010 so far, a spectacular fish measuring 118cm and weighing in at around 35kg, the fish was momentarily removed from the water for a quick mug shot and then returned to its watery underworld to fight another day.
Classic Recipe
Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta
Tortilis Camp (Kenya)
Ingredients:
Spinach
Ricotta cheese
Parmiagiano
1 Egg
Freshly grated nutmeg
Black pepper
Salt
Chicken stock cube
Fresh pasta sheets
Method:
Boil spinach with half of the chicken stock cube.
Add salt
Boil spinach, chop and squeeze out excess water.
Add Ricotta cheese, Parmiagiano, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper & Egg
Stir well and taste.
Lay fresh pasta sheets onto a flat surface and spoon in one and a half tsp of filling, cover with another sheet and cut to size.
Sauce:
Melt butter in pan with 3 to 4 leaves of fresh sage, nutmeg and pepper
Boil Ravioli for 2 to 3 minutes in water with a chicken cube and salt until al dente
Remove Ravioli from water and place in serving dish
Pour the sauce on top
Sprinkle with Parmiagiano cheese
Happy cooking!
Contact Us
Pauline Hawthorn
Classics Executive Office
P O Box 486
Edgemead
Cape Town
7407
Members
Kenya
Cheli & Peacock:
- Cottars 1920s Campp
- Elsa's Kopje
- Joy's Camp
- Loisaba Wilderness
- Tortilis Camp
Governors' Camps:
- Governors' Camp
- Governors' II Moran Camp
- Governors' Private Camp
- Little Governors' Camp
- Loldia House
- Mfangano Island Camp
Malawi
Pumulani
Mozambique
Benguerra Lodge
Namibia
Mowani Mountain Camp
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Onguma Safari Camps
Wolwedans Rwanda
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
South Africa
Ant's Hill
Garonga Safari Camp
Jaci's Safari Lodge
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Makakatana Bay Lodge
Tanzaniaa
Nomad Tanzania:
- Chada Katavi
- Greystoke Mahale
- Sand Rivers Selous
Zambia
Chongwe River Camp
Robin Pope Safaris:
- Tena Tena
Tongabezi
Sindabezi Island
Zimbabwe
Musango Safari Camp
The Hide
