South Africa named Golf Destination of the year

South Africa has been named “Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States Golf Destination of the Year 2011" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

The announcement was made in Valencia, Spain, at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry.
South African Tourism’s UK Country Manager, Lebo Mokhesi, said: “With over 600 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we are proud to be announced as winners of this prestigious award. This is a significant acknowledgement by IAGTO that South Africa is fast becoming an irresistible golfing destination for golfers of all abilities across the world, as well as one of the most diversely appealing destinations on the planet.”

The selection for winning golfing destinations is made through votes cast by over 300 golf tour operators from 50 countries who consider customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times.

Amazing 5 minutes in the Kruger Park

The astonishing spectacle of a leopard savaging a crocodile has been captured for the first time on camera.

A series of incredible pictures taken at a South African game reserve document the first known time that a leopard has taken on and defeated one of the fearsome reptiles.

The photographs were taken by Hal Brindley, an American wildlife photographer, who was supposed to be taking pictures of hippos from his car in the Kruger National Park .

The giant cat raced out of cover provided by scrub and bushes to surprise the crocodile, which was swimming nearby. A terrible and bloody struggle ensued. Eventually, onlookers were amazed to see the leopard drag the crocodile from the water as the reptile fought back.

With the crocodile snapping its powerful jaws furiously, the two animals somersaulted and grappled. Despite the crocodile's huge weight and strength, the leopard had the upper hand catching its prey by the throat.



Eventually the big cat was able to sit on top of the reptile and suffocate it. In the past, there have been reports of crocodiles killing leopards, but this is believed to the first time that the reverse scenario has been observed.


Mr Brindley said : I asked many rangers in South Africa if they had ever heard of anything like this and they all said no.

"It just doesn't make sense. The meat you get out of a crocodile is just not worth the risk it takes a predator to acquire. The whole scene happened in the course of about 5 minutes. Then the leopard was gone.

"I drove away, elated in disbelief. It may have been the most amazing thing I've ever seen."

Royal Madikwe, an exclusive game lodge in South Africa's North West Province, confirms Africa's standing in the thriving fold of private luxury safari lodges after being honored at the coveted 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Competing with the crème de la crème of the world's hotel destinations, this 5-star bush retreat, situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, excelled globally as the top Luxury Game Lodge amongst the top seeded contenders in the Luxury Game Lodge grouping of these annual awards. Royal Madikwe is the only South African property to take top honors in the Global Award Category.

Icon and Airlink have joined forces to offer a consolidated service from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Livingstone, effective January 1, 2011.

Icon will continue servicing the private lodges from Skukuza and linking the private lodges in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Kruger or Timbavati to Nelspruit Kruger to connect with the Airlink flight to Livingstone Airport.

The Airlink schedule operates as follows:

Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Nelspruit Kruger at 11h35, arriving in Livingstone at 13h50. The return service will depart Livingstone at 14h20, arriving in Nelspruit Kruger at 16h45.

Get a luxury train to the Greater Kruger Park.

The launch of the luxury Premier Classe's Johannesburg to Hoedspruit rail service has been touted as the "most cost-effective" way for a family to get to Hoedspruit at only R850 per person one way.
Initially only running once a week, with plans to increase the service to thrice weekly, The service begins on July 9 leaving Park Station on a Thursday evening and arriving mid-morning on Friday in Hoedspruit where you will be met and with in 20 minutes you will be in a private game reserve. It returns on the Sunday evening, arriving back in Johannesburg on the Monday morning.
The Premier Classe train can cater for up to 76 passengers. Facilities include two dining cars seating up to 38 each, a lounge car offering the ultimate after-meal venue with complimentary tea and coffee, or beverages from a cash bar.
The cabins are spacious, with a selection accommodating from one to four guests. An internal telephone is available in the rooms should guests want to order refreshments. The train will be fitted with spa and wellness facilities.
Inbound international tourists, who arrive at OR Tambo International in the afternoon, can head off immediately on their journey, saving a night's accommodation in Johannesburg or Pretoria and getting their holiday experience under way.

Fly from Kruger to Livingstone

Airlink has confirmed that it will operate a new route from Kruger to Livingstone (Zambia) from the 17th August 2009, initially on Mondays, Wednesdats & Fridays, with the intention of growing the frequency to suit demans.

The new route will allow travelers to enjoy the convenience of a direct flight between two of Africa’s most sought after destinations, and will save our guests a night's accommodation in Johannesburg as you will not need to get the early morning flight from Johannesburg to Livingstone. Travellers will be able to enjoy a game drive and breakfast at the bush lodge before travelling to Livingstone and on the same day enjoy an evening sunset cruise on the Zambezi. After your stay at Victoria Falls you can return diractly back to Johannesburg.
Or you can visit the falls in the morning and be in a luxury lodge in the Kruger in time for diner.
The flight will depart Nelspruit at 11h55 and arrive in Livingstone at 13h50. The return flight will depart Livingstone at 14h20 and arrive in Nelspruit at 16h45.

World set to celbrate Mandela's 91st

The world will be buzzing this Saturday: it's the birthday of the world's favourite person – Nelson Mandela turns 91 on 18 July.

The great man, looking frail and white-haired these days, has watched and grieved at the deaths of his closest comrades, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu, but still he survives. And he still lives in Houghton with his wife, Graca Machel.

Many would agree that besides his humanity and humility, one of his greatest assets is something very simple - his inimitable smile. Madiba is a global citizen, with the freedom of over 50 cities, including Johannesburg, in addition to dozens of awards and honours.

While the world celebrates his birthday on Saturday, he will spend the day quietly at home with his family.

National celebrations will take place in Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown, under the theme "Working together for the common good of our nation". There'll be a programme of speeches, music and dance, starting at 9am.