Lonely Planet recently unveiled three new top 10s, including the most extraordinary hotels, the best-value hotels and outstanding eco-hotels. Six out of the 30 hotels from around the world are located in Southern and East Africa: four in South Africa and one in Botswana and Tanzania respectively. Congrats!
Top 10 extraordinary places to stay in 2014:
1 - Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India
2 - Planet Baobab, Gweta, Botswana
3 - Prendiparte B&B, Bologna, Italy
...
8 - Thonga Beach Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa
Top 10 best value stays for 2014:
1 - The Backpack, Cape Town, South Africa
2 - Sydney Harbour YHA, Australia
3 - Inkosana Lodge, Champagne Valley, Drakensberg, South Africa
Top 10 eco stays for 2014:
1 - Lapa Rios, Peninsula de Osa, Costa Rica
2 - Bulungula Backpackers, South Africa
3 - Chole Mjini, Chole Island, Mafia Archipelago, Tanzania
Showing posts with label lodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lodge. Show all posts
18 February 2014
27 June 2013
Uganda: Hotels not excluded from VAT anymore; rates to increase at least by 18%!
update (15 Nov 2013): The "Association of Uganda Tour Operators" just announced via their facebook page, that [...] In a letter addressed to Bonifence Byamukama, Chairman AUTO from Keith Muhakanizi, the Permanent secretary to the treasury in the Ministry of finance, VAT exemption on the supply of hotel accommodation in tourist lodges and hotels outside Kampala District was reinstated. This implies that upcountry accommodation can operate as before without the levy of the 18%. Therefore, members who had paid the VAT can seek for a refund. [...]
update (26 Aug 2013): We just got this retweet of our tweet from 21 Aug 2013:
update (21 Aug 2013): According to Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor (online edition), the government of Uganda agreed to postpone the proposed VAT on hotel accommodation to 01 July 2014 as part of a government policy to review and rationalise tax exemptions. [more]
Effective from 01 July 2013, accommodation establishments in Uganda will no longer be excluded from the 18% value added tax (VAT) usual in the country. Travellers planning to visit Uganda, as well as travellers who have already made bookings in Uganda for visits after 01 July 2013, must expect that the by then mandatory 18% VAT will come on top of the rates at all hotels, lodges, resorts, hostels etc. The decision to end the exemption granted for accommodation establishments was announced by the Minister of Finance in Uganda, Maria Kiwanuka, during her presentation of the 2013/14 national budget to Parliament at the Serena Kampala Hotel on 13 June 2013.
update (26 Aug 2013): We just got this retweet of our tweet from 21 Aug 2013:
@travelcomments @Guide2Uganda As far as we have been informed this is still only a proposal ad has yet to be passed by parliament.
— GeoLodges Uganda (@GeoLodges) August 26, 2013
update (21 Aug 2013): According to Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor (online edition), the government of Uganda agreed to postpone the proposed VAT on hotel accommodation to 01 July 2014 as part of a government policy to review and rationalise tax exemptions. [more]
Effective from 01 July 2013, accommodation establishments in Uganda will no longer be excluded from the 18% value added tax (VAT) usual in the country. Travellers planning to visit Uganda, as well as travellers who have already made bookings in Uganda for visits after 01 July 2013, must expect that the by then mandatory 18% VAT will come on top of the rates at all hotels, lodges, resorts, hostels etc. The decision to end the exemption granted for accommodation establishments was announced by the Minister of Finance in Uganda, Maria Kiwanuka, during her presentation of the 2013/14 national budget to Parliament at the Serena Kampala Hotel on 13 June 2013.
12 July 2012
Backpackers in South Africa - African Array Lodge in Plettenberg Bay
At African Array Lodge, located in the Ladywood indigenous fynbos forest in Plettenberg Bay, you feel like you are miles from civilisation even though the town is close by. The lodge offers its guests spectacular mountain and ocean views, free WiFi, a bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner options as well as an array of activities in the area.
African Array Lodge has two double bedrooms with shared bathrooms, one quad superior bedroom with full en-suite bathroom and two dormitories and sleeps a total of 28 pax. All rooms come with linen and extra blankets. Towels are provided in private rooms and hot water is available round the clock.
If you are planning to travel along South Africa's famous Garden Route and to stop in Plettenberg Bay, give African Array Lodge a go and stay with them. We are sure you won't regret it!
African Array Lodge has two double bedrooms with shared bathrooms, one quad superior bedroom with full en-suite bathroom and two dormitories and sleeps a total of 28 pax. All rooms come with linen and extra blankets. Towels are provided in private rooms and hot water is available round the clock.
If you are planning to travel along South Africa's famous Garden Route and to stop in Plettenberg Bay, give African Array Lodge a go and stay with them. We are sure you won't regret it!
31 May 2012
Zambia: "Track and Trail River Camp" promo video
The Track and Trail River Camp is located on a spot on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The lodge's facilities and accommodation are scattered along the river frontage, and surrounded by bushes, are the more secluded luxury tented accommodation built on elevated wooden platforms.
The camp has currently 4 double storey chalets and 5 en suite safari tents and sleeps 18 guests. Its facilities include a bar & restaurant, a gym in the bush, an on-site spa to relax the body and mind as well as the Luangwa Valley pool located right at the riverfront.
The Track and Trail River Camp is specialised in (photographic) safaris within the South Luangwa National Park in open (4x4) safari vehicles or on foot, accompanied by a professional guide and armed escort scout.
The camp has currently 4 double storey chalets and 5 en suite safari tents and sleeps 18 guests. Its facilities include a bar & restaurant, a gym in the bush, an on-site spa to relax the body and mind as well as the Luangwa Valley pool located right at the riverfront.
The Track and Trail River Camp is specialised in (photographic) safaris within the South Luangwa National Park in open (4x4) safari vehicles or on foot, accompanied by a professional guide and armed escort scout.
06 March 2012
Accommodation near Lanseria International Airport (Johannesburg)
Privately owned Lanseria International Airport (IATA: HLA) is situated north of Randburg and Sandton to the north west of Johannesburg. The airport is currently frequented by various charter airlines, as well as by Comair Limited, operator of British Airways in South Africa and kulula.com. South African low-budget airline 1time started offering flights to and from Lanseria International Airport on 05 March 2012.
Accommodation establishments close to (max. 6km air-line distance) from Lanseria International Airport:
Accommodation establishments close to (max. 6km air-line distance) from Lanseria International Airport:
- Touch of Africa Lodge
Bed and Breakfast in Lanseria
1.39km from Lanseria International Airport - Hills and Dales Accommodation CC
Self-catering in Lanseria
2.07km from Lanseria International Airport - Lanseria Lodge
Self-catering, Bed and Breakfast in Lanseria
2.33km from Lanseria International Airport - Stornoway Lodge
Self-catering in Lanseria
3.92km from Lanseria International Airport - River Lodge Farm
Self-catering in Lanseria
4.07km from Lanseria International Airport - Hertford Country Hotel
Hotel in Lanseria
4.15km from Lanseria International Airport - Lethabo Estate
Lodge in Lanseria
4.78km from Lanseria International Airport - Robin's Roost
Bed and Breakfast in Lanseria
5.08km from Lanseria International Airport - Linquenda Landgoed Guest Farm
Self-catering, Bed and Breakfast in Lanseria
5.17km from Lanseria International Airport - Ingwenya Country Escape Conference
Bed and Breakfast in Krugersdorp
5.47km from Lanseria International Airport - Toadbury Hall Country House
Boutique Hotel in Elandsdrift
5.54km from Lanseria International Airport - Cradle Cove
Self-catering in Lanseria
5.81km from Lanseria International Airport
11 November 2011
Guest post: Marula Lodge, Zambia
If you are exploring Zambia, make sure you get to South Luangwa National Park. It is a little known gem slap bang in the middle of Africa! Both the wildlife and landscape are stunning and rival the bigger more well-known parks in Tanzania and Kenya.
Marula is a great little lodge at the gate of the South Luangwa National Park that caters for all travellers who are looking for a value-for-money safari. It has lovely simple en suite rooms and great family rooms. It’s location on the border of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is exceptional. Elephants, hippo and various other local residents can be enjoyed regularly in the grounds.
The food comes highly recommended everything is reasonably priced. Prices range from a low season accommodation $30 pppn to high season all inclusive rates of $185pppn in en suite rooms.
It is not always easy for backpackers to get around in Zambia and ‘off the beaten track’ accommodation is often expensive and exclusive. That is why Marula Lodge has also opened a dorm. For just $10 you can bunk down at Marula in the pleasant mixed dorm. You can use the self-catering kitchen and hop onto a game drive as you choose.
Guests often take a siesta at the river bank or a swim in the crystal clear pool between game drives. The quiet serene setting is perfect for recovery after a spell of hard work on a project, or as a breather for those making their way relentlessly through Africa.
Families enjoy the open spaces and relaxed atmosphere. Marula is a family run business and the owners are happy to regale you with tales of elephants eating the guests curry, or the night 8 lions were on the lawn at 2am tossing the irrigation pipes around! The staff is as friendly and helpful as any you’ll ever meet. Check the reviews on Tripadvisor.
All the details and more pictures can be found at www.marulalodgezambia.com.
Marula is a great little lodge at the gate of the South Luangwa National Park that caters for all travellers who are looking for a value-for-money safari. It has lovely simple en suite rooms and great family rooms. It’s location on the border of the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is exceptional. Elephants, hippo and various other local residents can be enjoyed regularly in the grounds. The food comes highly recommended everything is reasonably priced. Prices range from a low season accommodation $30 pppn to high season all inclusive rates of $185pppn in en suite rooms.
It is not always easy for backpackers to get around in Zambia and ‘off the beaten track’ accommodation is often expensive and exclusive. That is why Marula Lodge has also opened a dorm. For just $10 you can bunk down at Marula in the pleasant mixed dorm. You can use the self-catering kitchen and hop onto a game drive as you choose.Guests often take a siesta at the river bank or a swim in the crystal clear pool between game drives. The quiet serene setting is perfect for recovery after a spell of hard work on a project, or as a breather for those making their way relentlessly through Africa.
All the details and more pictures can be found at www.marulalodgezambia.com.
26 October 2011
Volunteer at a safari lodge in Africa
Departures: Departures are flexible and can be arranged to suit you but will depend on local weather conditions and seasons.
Price: From £2400 (12 weeks) excluding flights. In rare circumstances there may be an increase in cost, such as when the hosts are unable to get local park fees, in these cases the cost will be confirmed on application.
How this holiday makes a difference?
Price: From £2400 (12 weeks) excluding flights. In rare circumstances there may be an increase in cost, such as when the hosts are unable to get local park fees, in these cases the cost will be confirmed on application.
How this holiday makes a difference?
We work very closely with the lodges we are involved with, all driven with the underlying ethos that the conservation of tomorrow is based on the strong relationship between local people, the environment and eco-lodges. The success of one helps the other and so together they help build a better future for developing communities. For example: the lodges provide employment and therefore a valuable, reliable income. This income can be spent on education and buying basic provisions and very often supports a large extended family as well as the individual employed. Indirectly the communities will be more respectful of the environment and its wildlife realizing that without the animals there will be no tourists and then no job – a very effective way to reduce poaching!
On a smaller scale, the lodges and camps we work with are predominantly built out of local materials often using solar power and rainwater. They strive to make a minimal impact on the environment and adhere to strict rules about litter, recycling, carbon footprints and the responsible use of vehicles within National Parks.
By working in these camps you will be integral in helping educate not only the local communities about long term sustainability but also the tourists who visit, many of whom will be experiencing Africa for the first time. Education is an important aspect of a placement and an investment in the future stability and interest in these fragile environments, both locally and internationally.
Approximately 60% of the cost of the scheme is given to the camp who spend this on their ongoing local community projects or environmental initiatives. In some camps it is even possible to become directly related in teaching English to local children and in most you’ll be required to help conserve the environment for example by helping to detect and remove snares from the bush or rehabilitating injured animals.
On a smaller scale, the lodges and camps we work with are predominantly built out of local materials often using solar power and rainwater. They strive to make a minimal impact on the environment and adhere to strict rules about litter, recycling, carbon footprints and the responsible use of vehicles within National Parks.
By working in these camps you will be integral in helping educate not only the local communities about long term sustainability but also the tourists who visit, many of whom will be experiencing Africa for the first time. Education is an important aspect of a placement and an investment in the future stability and interest in these fragile environments, both locally and internationally.
Approximately 60% of the cost of the scheme is given to the camp who spend this on their ongoing local community projects or environmental initiatives. In some camps it is even possible to become directly related in teaching English to local children and in most you’ll be required to help conserve the environment for example by helping to detect and remove snares from the bush or rehabilitating injured animals.
28 September 2011
Three Tree Hill Lodge is the 1st FTTSA-certified accommodation in KwaZulu Natal!
The Three Tree Hill Lodge is the first tourism accommodation establishment to be Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA)-certified in KwaZulu Natal. This recent addition to the FTTSA family is situated against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains between Ladysmith and Bergville, overlooking the historical site of the Battle of Spionkop.
View Three Trees at Spioenkop in a larger map
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.
For more information about Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) visit their website.
View Three Trees at Spioenkop in a larger map
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.
For more information about Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) visit their website.
13 July 2011
FTTSA & Africa Geographic: Win a luxury holiday at Motswari Private Game Reserve
Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) has teamed up with Africa Geographic and Motswari Private Game Reserve to offer you the chance to win a luxury holiday for two!
To stand a chance to win a 2-night stay for two people sharing including:
Closing date: 31 July 2011 | for the T&C pls read the following pdf!
To stand a chance to win a 2-night stay for two people sharing including:
- Luxury air-conditioned en suite accommodation
- All meals
- Two game drives and a safari walk per day
- “Like” the FTTSA and Africa Geographic Facebook pages;
- Send an e-mail with your full contact details and the answer to the following question: “What is the name of the wellness project supported by Motswari Private Game Reserve which aims to improve the health and reduce the vulnerability of local workers and their families to HIV and AIDS”?
Closing date: 31 July 2011 | for the T&C pls read the following pdf!
27 May 2011
Gap Adventures' last minute deals - Africa tours in June 2011 (update)
Are you travelling in the next 2 months and haven't yet booked? Great news - GAP Adventures have a selection of trips currently offered at up to 25%. Please note these trips can change day to day without notice, so don't delay!
Kenya Lodge Safari - SAVE 10%
Country: Kenya
Duration: 8 days
Departure: Sun Jun. 19, 2011
WAS: €2059 - NOW: €1854 EUR
South Africa Discoverer - SAVE 20%
Country: South Africa
Duration: 10 days
Departure: Tue Jun. 7, 2011
WAS: €839 - NOW: €672 EUR
Tanzania Wildlife Experience - SAVE 15%
Country: Tanzania
Duration: 7 days
Departure: Mon Jun. 6, 2011
WAS: €1409 - NOW: €1198 EUR
Tanzania Lodge Experience - SAVE 15%
Country: Tanzania
Duration: 7 days
Departure: Sun Jun. 12, 2011
WAS €1929 | €1640 EUR
Kenya Lodge Safari - SAVE 10%
Country: Kenya
Duration: 8 days
Departure: Sun Jun. 19, 2011
WAS: €2059 - NOW: €1854 EUR
South Africa Discoverer - SAVE 20%
Country: South Africa
Duration: 10 days
Departure: Tue Jun. 7, 2011
WAS: €839 - NOW: €672 EUR
Tanzania Wildlife Experience - SAVE 15%
Country: Tanzania
Duration: 7 days
Departure: Mon Jun. 6, 2011
WAS: €1409 - NOW: €1198 EUR
Tanzania Lodge Experience - SAVE 15%
Country: Tanzania
Duration: 7 days
Departure: Sun Jun. 12, 2011
WAS €1929 | €1640 EUR
06 January 2011
Guest post: Purple Palms Airport Budget Lodge, Johannesburg
update (12 Feb 2011): new room available - Full Self Catering Contained Unit with En Suite Bathroom Toilet/Shower/Hand Basin with independent Water Heater | Double Equipped Kitchenette for 2 persons | Towels and Bedding | Microwave | 2 Ring Gas Cooker | Mini fridge | Kettle | Toaster | Heater | TV | DVD etc. For more info, booking click here!
WELCOME to Purple Palms, a popular self catering Airport Budget Lodge, best for starting and ending your South Africa journey and suited for the budget seeker who needs some peace and quiet in a clean, spacious and secure environment.
Location: 12 KM from the airport in a quiet suburb 200 meters to shops.
FREE 24 hr internet PC terminal use; FREE WI FI available.; Baz Bus stop.
LODGE:
A big modern spacious house set in a green sub tropical garden with pub and pool. We are self-catering and have 2 fully equipped kitchens.
Lay back and relax after that long haul flight in our exquisite rooms.
Our place is spotlessly clean and well equipped.
ROOMS:
Enjoy our en-suite private rooms, dorms, and ample ground around the gardens or sit on our verandas.
Rooms have safe boxes, bedding and towels are provided.
Our private rooms consist of double en suite, twin en suite family and friend en suites and a 3 or 4 bed dorm rooms. Camping stands are also provided.
Most rooms have TV's, lots of packing space and have safe boxes and heaters.
We have a laundry service on request.
OUT DOORS:
Out doors chill by the thatched bar, play a game of pool, listen to music, read a book or splash around or drink a cold beer in our pool. We have a fire on those colder nights.
The garden is lush green and has ample space.
There is ample secure parking for your cars.
IN DOORS:
In doors we have a TV room and DVD player and a fully equipped kitchen. Public phone incase you have left your mobile behind.
Book exchange and DVD library.
There is FREE internet Terminal in our recreational room and place to play board games.
Wi Fi available
LOCATION:
We are situated close to shops and only a 10 minute drive form the JNB INT. airport.
The area is clean and quiet.
Great for a good nights sleep.
There is a pub across the road for those intrepid explorers who favour a local chat and a beer.
The area is safe for walk about.
TOURS:
We offer a wide range of tours, over- land trips and safaris....car hire and day tours at recommended prices. We can give special agent discounts.
We always try our best to help clients, so please do not hesitate to ask about anything you may have on your mind.
Have a great stay and enjoy your holidays.
WELCOME to Purple Palms, a popular self catering Airport Budget Lodge, best for starting and ending your South Africa journey and suited for the budget seeker who needs some peace and quiet in a clean, spacious and secure environment.
Location: 12 KM from the airport in a quiet suburb 200 meters to shops.
FREE 24 hr internet PC terminal use; FREE WI FI available.; Baz Bus stop.
LODGE:
A big modern spacious house set in a green sub tropical garden with pub and pool. We are self-catering and have 2 fully equipped kitchens.
Lay back and relax after that long haul flight in our exquisite rooms.
Our place is spotlessly clean and well equipped.
ROOMS:
Enjoy our en-suite private rooms, dorms, and ample ground around the gardens or sit on our verandas.
Rooms have safe boxes, bedding and towels are provided.
Our private rooms consist of double en suite, twin en suite family and friend en suites and a 3 or 4 bed dorm rooms. Camping stands are also provided.
Most rooms have TV's, lots of packing space and have safe boxes and heaters.
We have a laundry service on request.
OUT DOORS:
Out doors chill by the thatched bar, play a game of pool, listen to music, read a book or splash around or drink a cold beer in our pool. We have a fire on those colder nights.
The garden is lush green and has ample space.
There is ample secure parking for your cars.
IN DOORS:
In doors we have a TV room and DVD player and a fully equipped kitchen. Public phone incase you have left your mobile behind.
Book exchange and DVD library.
There is FREE internet Terminal in our recreational room and place to play board games.
Wi Fi available
LOCATION:
We are situated close to shops and only a 10 minute drive form the JNB INT. airport.
The area is clean and quiet.
Great for a good nights sleep.
There is a pub across the road for those intrepid explorers who favour a local chat and a beer.
The area is safe for walk about.
TOURS:
We offer a wide range of tours, over- land trips and safaris....car hire and day tours at recommended prices. We can give special agent discounts.
We always try our best to help clients, so please do not hesitate to ask about anything you may have on your mind.
Have a great stay and enjoy your holidays.
26 November 2010
Home away from home - Chanters Lodge in Livingstone, Zambia
Tucked away in a quiet, secure and peaceful suburb of Livingstone, Zambia, just a 15 minute walk from the city centre and only a 10km drive away from the awesome Victoria Falls, Chanters Lodge boasts the best food and atmosphere you'll find in Livingstone.
The Lodge has 10 comfortable, self contained, air-conditioned rooms and 1 suite, all with satellite television (choice of 5 channels). There's a well stocked bar, excellent a la carte restaurant and a lovely swimming pool set in tropical gardens. An ideal setting in which the weary traveller can relax.
All rooms have Wifi availability. The lodge gives one free hour internet access per room to Guests on arrival and internet vouchers at US$2 per hour are available for purchase thereafter. There's also a laptop available for Guests to use in one of the offices, if required.
We offer family or twin bedded accommodation in large rooms with self contained shower, as well as poolside double rooms with one double bed and private bath with seperate shower. Rates range from US$55 to US$150 per room per night and the lodge offers free transfers on arrival and departure within Livingstone (including the city airport) if required by Guests.
The lodge has a stand-by electricity generator in case of power cuts and a 28,000 litre reserve water supply. The site is surrounded by a wall fence and there is a security guard at night. There is space for parking approximately 10 vehicles.
We believe that in providing well located, versatile, reasonable, comfortable accommodation with personalised service, Chanters Lodge offers an alternative to backpacker accommodation at one end of the market and the more expensive hotels at the other.
There are, these days, a multitude of activities available for the visitor to Livingstone and we are happy to give details and arrange activity reservations for visitors. Details are available on this page of our website.
As mentioned the lodge has a wide ranging a la carte menu featuring lots of standards as well as Zambian dishes and a well stocked bar. Prices are reasonable and the restaurant and bar are open all day and evening until 21.30 hours. English breakfast is included in our room rates and is served from 07.00 hours onwards to residents. Early breakfast is available on request and there is no closing time for breakfast.
Lodge management is provided by Richard Chanter and his team - Richard has years of hotel management experience all over Africa and was previously General Manager of Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel in Lusaka, a 150 roomed 4 star operation formerly known as Holiday Inn. Many of the mostly female staff have served Chanters Lodge for 4 years or more.
The lodge has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
All rooms have Wifi availability. The lodge gives one free hour internet access per room to Guests on arrival and internet vouchers at US$2 per hour are available for purchase thereafter. There's also a laptop available for Guests to use in one of the offices, if required.
The lodge has a stand-by electricity generator in case of power cuts and a 28,000 litre reserve water supply. The site is surrounded by a wall fence and there is a security guard at night. There is space for parking approximately 10 vehicles.
We believe that in providing well located, versatile, reasonable, comfortable accommodation with personalised service, Chanters Lodge offers an alternative to backpacker accommodation at one end of the market and the more expensive hotels at the other.
There are, these days, a multitude of activities available for the visitor to Livingstone and we are happy to give details and arrange activity reservations for visitors. Details are available on this page of our website.
As mentioned the lodge has a wide ranging a la carte menu featuring lots of standards as well as Zambian dishes and a well stocked bar. Prices are reasonable and the restaurant and bar are open all day and evening until 21.30 hours. English breakfast is included in our room rates and is served from 07.00 hours onwards to residents. Early breakfast is available on request and there is no closing time for breakfast.
The lodge has excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
[guest post by Richard Chanter]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)