Onguma Nature Reserve on the fringe of Namibia's iconic Etosha National Park has relaunched Onguma Tented Camp, following a refurbishment.  The tents have had an extensive makeover, with new canvas fly sheets – and the addition of an extended deck with more shade to accommodate new wood-fired hot tubs, which have proved so popular at Camp Kala.  Guests will love spending more time relaxing in their suites, which are perfectly placed to enjoy the views over the bush as the sun sets and the Milky Way takes centre stage. 

Beautiful Etosha-stone-walled outside showers have also been added, offering the perfect mix of privacy and a dash of daring.   Inside the tents, the suites all have new furniture and softs. 

Each tent has a Nespresso coffee station and SMEG bar fridge and kettle for easy access to refreshments, including complimentary decanters of whiskey, cognac and gin.  The main guest areas have also enjoyed a refresh and are looking warm and inviting. 

"Tented Camp is looking fresh and rejuvenated following an extensive refurbishment.  We kept the feel of it very similar as we know it is a firm favourite for many - but we have added new and enhanced some of the facilities for maximum comfort under canvas. Due to the popularity of the All-Inclusive experience, Tented Camp will also move to this board basis with an optional butler service also now available for guests who like an extra bit of pampering and personalised service from our team”. 

- Marelize Conradie (General Manager)

Onguma has seen a number of exciting developments in recent years.  In May 2021,  the team created a one-of-a-kind “Onguma Dream Cruiser” sleep-out under the stars, beautifully converted from a game vehicle, complete with raised dining deck and four poster bed overlooking a watering hole - with a beautiful ensuite bathroom below. 

Then, in November 2022 they launched the award winning four-suite Onguma Camp Kala which has since established itself as one of the hottest new ultra-luxury camps in Namibia (Conde Nast Traveller 2023). 

#OngumaTentedCamp #Namibia #Etosha

In Africa there’s an wonderful spirit of ubuntu -which essentially means “I am what I am because of who we all are”. Its all about collaboration and working together for the greater good.

Inspired by this ethos, I have collated a list of some of the key travel PRs, mostly based in the UK, who specialise in promoting Africa, with a mix of wonderful African hotels, lodges and resorts, tourist boards, airlines, activities and Africa specialist tour operators in their portfolios.

It may seem odd to be sharing the details of “competitors”, but I like to think that we are all unique, its a big continent :o) - and that we should be working together to promote tourism to this beautiful destination.

This list is not only intended as a useful tool for journalists and travel writers to refer to as a “who does who” black book - but hopefully it will also enable us travel PRs to collaborate more on press trips, to share costs and offer a better, more sustainable and eco-conscious experience on the ground.

Umlingo is delighted to announce a new PR partnership with Bushtops Safari Camps in East Africa, to elevate their already exceptional reputation in the tourism industry.

Owned and managed by the third generation Stuart family, Andy and Claudia have established three unique camps that offer a superlative “wild luxury” experience under canvas. 

Their first camp, Mara Bushtops, was launched 17 years ago, located in a private concession on the fringe of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park, overlooking a substantial natural salt lick which attracts diverse wildlife from miles around – providing incredible sightings right in front of the camp’s restaurant and spa.

Perfectly placed on the pathway of the annual wildebeest migration, they also have two camps in Tanzania namely Serengeti Bushtops located in the northern Serengeti and then a third, very unique camp which moves seasonally between the central and southern Serengeti, in sync with the famous wildebeest migration.

Roving Bushtops unfolds like a Meccano set from canvas clad shipping containers, transforming as if by magic, into the most beautiful of safari tents – complete with ensuite bathrooms and the gorgeous hot tubs so synonymous with the Bushtops experience. You can actually watch this fascinating process unfold in a  timelapse (literally) on their website.

Bushtops Safari Camps has long been synonymous with unparalleled safari adventures that blend unspoiled wilderness and adrenaline fuelled safari encounters with exceptional hospitality and sumptuous accommodation.

Bushtops offers an array of game drives, guided bush walks, cultural encounters and hot air balloon safaris, providing guests with the opportunity to witness the Big Five and countless other species in their natural habitat. 

They also offer some wonderful Bushcraft Challenge activities and immersive experiences for children.

Bushtops is deeply committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and actively supports a number of local communities and conservation initiatives on the ground, to not only give back  - but to help regenerate precious resources for future generations.

For more information visit https://bushtopscamps.com/

On 1st November 2022, Onguma Camp Kala in northern Namibia welcomed its first guests.  The ultra-exclusive safari camp is situated within the Onguma Nature Reserve, a 34,000-hectare wilderness on the eastern border of the iconic Etosha National Park.

Onguma Camp Kala accommodates just eight guests in four spacious suites elevated off the ground for an eagle-eye view over a beautiful waterhole where wildlife gathers around the natural spring - including elephants, rhino, lion, leopard, giraffe and various antelope.

Each suite has its own deck with a choice of wood-fired hot tub or a cool plunge pool as well as a walkway to a private sala with day bed … perfectly placed for an armchair safari or a ‘sleep out’ under the stars. The central guest area has a lounge, bar, dining room, interactive ‘show’ kitchen, viewing deck with fire pit, gym, massage treatment room and ground level photographic hide.

Onguma Camp Kala’s design concept was inspired by the spires of the termite mounds so common to this part of Namibia as well as the textures and muted tones of ebony and ivory reflected in the salt pans and surrounding desert – ensuring an authentic sense of place.

Camp Kala blends seamlessly into its landscape, has a light footprint on the earth – and centres around maximising the guests’ wildlife experience. The end result is testament to the creative talents and collaborative spirit of Nicholas Plewman Architects and Fox Browne Creative  - whose portfolios include some of Africa’s most iconic, ecologically responsible lodges.

ACTIVITIES

• Morning and Sundowner Guided Game Drives on Onguma Nature Reserve

• Interpretive Bush Walks with specialist guides 

• Day drives into the adjoining Etosha National Park

• Spend time at the popular Onkolo Photographic Hide – or relax at Camp Kala to enjoy all the waterhole action from the pool, viewing deck - or down below in the water-level hide.

Watch/download the video here.

High res images can be downloaded here.

South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coastline has an exciting new boutique hotel - the effortlessly stylish Sala Beach House which officially opens on 25th August 2022.

Sala (meaning “stay” in Zulu) is an intimate, privately owned & run boutique hotel nestled between Ballito and Shaka’s Rock and offers breathtaking, uninterrupted ocean views of the Dolphin Coast, with private beach access to the protected tidal pool and gorgeous, sandy sheltered swimming beach at Thompson’s Bay.

The property comprises a main house with four luxury guestrooms, three incredibly spacious suites sharing the use of 2 pools, as well as a separate, self-contained 3-bedroom private villa with its own pool.

Soft textured furnishings and muted tones partner perfectly with carefully selected contemporary, natural furnishings and décor. The mood and balance set is one of rest, relaxation, sea air and sunshine.

No expense has been spared with in-room amenities and conveniences - from coffee makers to USB ports and international sockets (in abundance on both sides of the bed - this excites us !). There’s even sun tan lotion and after sun, fluffy beach towels and a sarong.

We are sure this new hideaway will fast become a firm favourite with singles and

couples wanting a smaller, boutique offering and the coastal surrounding. However, with just 10 rooms, Sala Beach House is also the perfect sole use location for celebrations and multi-generational gatherings too.

Sala’s prime location guarantees “wow” factor as a backdrop to its infinity pool, yoga deck and fire pit. Just twenty minutes from King Shaka International Airport, Sala Beach is positioned as the perfect ‘beach’ partner for a safari pairing in northern Zululand.

The Sala Spa will be launching shortly and promises to deliver rejuvenation and relaxation with signature treatments and locally sourced amenities.

High res images can be downloaded here.
Travel trade rates, fact sheets and info can be found on the Travel Promoters website and media can contact me on claire@umlingo.co.uk

We are delighted to report that the third OurAfrica.Travel virtual trade show which ran from 22nd March to 1st April 2022 was a resounding success - with its 240 exhibitors meeting with over 500 global buyers. An impressive 9,794 meetings took place on the platform as well as over 51,000 chats as well as over 128, 000 profile views. 

GIVING BACK

OurAfrica.Travel is committed to sustainable tourism and giving back.  Participants of the show were invited to nominate their favourite charities and a vote was held to see which two causes would win a R5,000 donation. 

Organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt were delighted to announce the winners as:

Conservation category
For Rangers which raises funds for anti-poaching rangers across Africa 
Community category
Mukambi Community School in Zambia’s Kafue National Park.

PRIZES FOR AFRICA!

Some incredible accommodation prizes were also donated to thank the most active, engaged buyers on the platform. Participants earned points for engagement and the top 75 buyers went into a luck draw, facilitated by Umlingo Travel PR, to win six holidays for two people sharing - the arrangements of which will be coordinated by Wetu.

Industry partners for 2022 included Wetu, ATTA, The Africa Hub, Inspirational Places, Atmosphere Marketing, Umlingo Travel PR and booking platform Nightsbridge.  The Africa Hub ran a fantastic week of destination training ahead of the show and some great stories and new product updates were shared on the media page.  This spirit of collaboration and ubuntu is what makes this virtual show such a success – and keeps it affordable, inclusive and accessible for all.  OurAfrica.Travel looks set to remain an integral highlight of the tourism calendar for many years to come. 
For now, though - that’s a Wrap!

1 November 2021

There’s a largely undiscovered, perfectly unpolished gem tucked away in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve – and we are delighted to welcome this “special find” to the Umlingo Collection.

Mosetlha is a family owned and run bush camp in the heart of Madikwe. It is rare these days to find a camp that is still charmingly rustic whilst offering an unforgettable, world-class safari experience.  This unfenced eco camp is firmly focused on “thrills over frills” and promises an authentic wilderness experience - with a minimal ecological impact.

Mosetlha has a wonderful story behind it.  It was originally a retirement passion project started by Chris and June Lucas - a base from which to train field guides. It later started opening for guests on weekends to provide these newly qualified guides with work experience – and grew from there as word got out.

Today the bush camp is managed by their daughter Caroline and her team and comprises 10 raised wooden cabins, sleeping up to 16, with partly open sides to truly “connect” with the bush - and toilet and shower facilities a short (fenced) walk away. Comfy beds, delicious meals cooked over an open fire and warm hospitality ensure you will want for nothing!

Mosetlha is all about getting back to basics. Unplugging to reconnect. The camp is purposely and proudly off grid – lit by night by beautiful oil lanterns and its safari-style bucket showers heated by donkey boiler - a charming highlight for many guests.

As a previous guest explained “it’s like roughing it in total luxury!”

There are many luxury lodges in Madikwe - but only one eco-camp. Mosetlha is proud to tick not just 5 boxes to qualify as a true eco-camp – but all 10!It offers a more affordable alternative for those wanting a full-board, professionally guided safari experience (Jonny and Justice are exceptional rangers!) in a Big 5 Game Reserve.Rates start from around R3,495 (about £190) per person per night sharing.

How do we know Mosetlha gets it right? Over 50% of its predominantly international guests are repeat clients and their TripAdvisor rave reviews echo this sentiment!

#Mosetlha #EcoLodge #BushCamp #Madikwe #MadikweGameReserve #NorthWest #SouthAfrica #MeetSouthAfricaNOW #safari #sustainablesafari

Botswana’s New Mashatu Euphorbia Villas

27 September 2021

The Mopane tree with its unique butterfly-shaped leaves and kidney-shaped pods is often associated with “life” in Botswana – as they are the main food source for a lot of wildlife in the dry season. The Mopane is also the inspiration behind one of Botswana’s most exciting new safari lodges - Mashatu Euphorbia Villas which welcomed its first guests in May 2021, almost a year later than originally planned due to the pandemic.

The result is however well worth the wait! Just eight eco-friendly safari villas have been built using locally sourced materials into a cliff face, tucked away between a forest of candelabra euphorbia succulents. Each villa exudes earthy glamour - complete with a spacious viewing deck and solar-heated plunge pool to soak up the views over the Bojale river in absolute comfort. In addition to the full indoor ensuite bathroom, there is also an outdoor rain shower and a “loo with a view”. Meals are enjoyed in the beautiful Boma-inspired restaurant, in “the nest” cocktail deck/lookout – or in the privacy of your suite.

This “eco-camp” is proudly off-grid – powered by solar energy (the reserve enjoys 95% rain-free days so it would be silly not to!) and uses state-of-the-art grey water recycling systems to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Mashatu is known as the “land of giants” as everything appears larger than life! Big, beautiful skies – infinitely blue by day and starry by night. Vast tracts of wilderness dotted with iconic, mighty baobab trees. It is also home to enormous herds of elephant, the world’s largest antelope (eland), the world’s largest bird (ostrich), the world’s tallest mammal (giraffe), Africa’s heaviest flying bird (kori bustard), Africa’s largest cat (lion), the world’s fastest land mammal (cheetah) and one of Africa’s rarest predators (Wild Dog).

It’s also a place for big adventures with a small impact – where guests are actively encouraged to enjoy their safaris with a dash of adrenaline instead of carbon – be it on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback or in a photo hide – rather than only enjoying the twice daily game drives. Mashatu’s guides are some of the best in the business with an average of 14 years of service. With a maximum of 4 guests per vehicle at Mashatu Euphorbia Villas, this is one of Africa’s most personalised safari experiences.

Mashatu is committed to conservation and community upliftment and works in close partnership with the Tuli Conservation Trust and Children in the Wilderness. Almost all (97%) staff across the 4 camps are Motswana, making Mashatu the largest employer in south-eastern corner of Botswana. During lockdown, Mashatu paid out in excess of BWP12 million in salaries and wages, retaining all staff members despite its lodges being closed. Mashatu is also currently funding a nurse, Covid PCR & rapid testing services 24/7/365 at Limpopo Valley Airfield for the Tuli block community and is a ‘Travel Partner’ of The Long Run via its Classic Safari Africa membership.

There are daily flights from Johannesburg’s Lanseria airport to Mashatu’s Limpopo Valley Airstrip where, in normal times, guests can make use of on-site immigration and customs facilities. At the moment, due to the pandemic, they are doing an extra hop via Gaberone at Mashatu’s expense.

BOOK IT:

Rates at Mashatu Euphorbia Villas start from around US$1000 per person per night sharing including luxury safari villa accommodation, all meals, most alcoholic drinks as well as all game drives. If you book 4 nights you only pay for 3 if you stay between 11 January and 30 April 2022.

Contact Charlie at For Rangers Travel + Adventures to book your tailormade Botswana safari (forrangersadventures.com / 0203 886 14 24), knowing that not only will you be supporting an incredible eco-friendly lodge, but that 40% of the profits from your holiday will also be donated to support wildlife rangers in anti-poaching patrols across Africa.

#ForRangers #IamforRangers #Rangers #SupportRangers #ProtectRangers #wildlifeheroes #wildlife #conservation #antipoaching #TourismMeansConservation #AfricanParks #conservationtravel #wildlifeconservation #Safari #Botswana #MashatuEuphorbia

Ranger Danger on Africa’s Frontline

9 July 2021

The 31st of July 2021 is World Ranger Day.   A day to reflect on, appreciate and commemorate the unsung wildlife heroes who have been injured or who have lost their lives in the line of duty – the so-called Thin Green Line.

The statistics are sobering.  More than 1000 rangers have been killed protecting the world’s wildlife since 2003 - many of them sole breadwinners with no health or life insurance.  The challenge? To do better…  to travel greener…  and to show solidarity and support for those brave men and women waging war on poachers in Africa.

It was this challenge that led travel expert Charlie Potter to set up new travel company For Rangers Adventures back in 2019.   His dream was not only to offer immersive, carbon-neutral, sustainable safaris to some of Africa’s most pristine wildlife destinations – but to also give something back and make a real difference on the ground.  That is why he is committed to donating a significant 40% chunk of all travel-generated profit to conservation - more than any other travel company.

With this in mind, Potter partnered with Kenya-based charity For Rangers, co-founded in 2015 by conservationist Sam Taylor.  For Rangers has to date raised over $2.25 million for conservation – primarily through a series of endurance events and ultra-marathons around the globe.  This funding has been a godsend especially over lockdown - funding ranger salaries, purchasing vital kit and equipment for patrols - as well as securing benefits like life and health insurance for rangers across 14 African countries.   

Travel restrictions in the wake of Covid-19 have unfortunately led to a dramatic escalation in Africa’s poaching problems. Many rangers have been laid off or had their salaries slashed as park revenue is largely dependent on gate fees and tourism levies. 

In the run up to World Ranger Day on 31 July, whilst we are still unable to travel freely, For Rangers is thus raising vital funds by selling branded clothing online. Any supporters purchasing caps, t-shirts and hoodies from the store not only fund conservation (50% goes straight to the charity) - but they also stand a chance of winning an incredible 6-night safari for two in Kenya.

Visit the store today to show your support #ForRangers. You can also book your bespoke safari adventure for 2022 knowing your stay will make a difference. 

#ForRangers #WorldRangerDay #ShareWearCare #IamforRangers #Rangers #SupportRangers #ProtectRangers #wildlifeheroes #wildlife #conservation #antipoaching #TourismMeansConservation #AfricanParks #conservationtravel #wildlifeconservation #Safari #magicalkenya #boranalodge #sosianlodge #olmalo #safari #safarilodge #Laikipia

KZN Newsletter 2 - April 2021

April 2021

Delighted to share the April 2021 KZN Collection Newsletter.

In this issue:

• Win a 12-night holiday for two, exploring KwaZulu-Natal.

• Get a R1,000 voucher for completing our KZN travel survey

• Learn more about the “Quirks and Perks” of the 6 incredible
  KZN Collection members…

Introducing Umlingo’s KZN Collection

4 April 2021

Umlingo Travel PR, in partnership with GoSouthAfrica, is delighted to announce a fantastic new competition whereby one lucky couple will win a “magical” stay in KwaZulu-Natal, spending 2 nights at 6 different properties in Umlingo’s KZN Collection worth around £3,000 (R60,000).  The prize includes accommodation for two people sharing, mostly on a DBB/Full Board basis and includes some fantastic activities. 

Highlights include:  

• Star Gazing, hiking, biking and horse trails at Antbear Eco Lodge in the Drakensberg Mountains

• A moving Anglo-Boer Battlefields Tour with Ray at Spion Kop Lodge

• Lebombo Scenic Sundowner Drive through rural Zululand at the beautiful Ghost Mountain Inn

•  “Big 5” Safari and elephants for Africa at Tembe Elephant Park

• Coastal bliss at Kosi Forest Lodge including guided canoeing on the lake and estuary.

• Cruising Lake Jozini onboard the incredible Shayamanzi Houseboat. 

Watch/Download/Share our video here or on YouTube.
Authentic background music is thanks to the Tembe Tribal Dancers.
(We hope you love it as much as we do!)

How to Enter

1. COMPLETE THE SURVEY to register your details
2. FOLLOW UMLINGO on Facebook and/or Instagram
3. TAG FRIENDS in comments, stories or wall posts for extra entries using
#KZNMAGIC & #UMLINGO. 

An added bit of Good News – is that EVERYONE is a winner in this competition! All those who complete the survey will get a R1,000 gift voucher to use at the participating lodges next time they book a stay.

Terms and condition apply and bookings are subject to availability. 
Only 1 voucher can be used per booking and they cannot be combined with other offers or exchanged for cash.
Vouchers can also be used for bookings made through your preferred travel agent/specialist.

Flights and transfers are NOTE included in the prize. For details on the lodges and full terms and conditions please click here

Test and Rest Covid-19 Tests at T5 Heathrow

3 December 2020

There is a lot of very positive feedback from people using the Test & Rest service at the Sofitel at T5 Heathrow. It costs a very reasonable £199 for a double room including breakfast.

Guests need to have nil by mouth for 1 hour before doing the self-test and then submit their saliva samples before 8 pm. HALO will ensure the results are back from the lab by the next morning and guests can even print off their PCR certificates at reception before their flights - although they also get results on an app.

Apparently its a really great stress-free experience all round. The rate includes tests for both adults and any extra tests for kids over 5 are £69. This is much cheaper than most private PCR tests in the UK - and eliminates the stress about meeting the 72 hour deadline...

Apparently this service is also not only for guests staying over. They offer the same walk-in service for £80 pp.

READ MORE

Give the Gift of Travel

Treat yourself or someone you love to a break in rural Tuscany next year with a gift voucher to stay at BelSentiero in the Val d’Orcia.
Click here to purchase a voucher.

Special offer: €110 voucher for €100. Vouchers are valid for 2 years.

Remember to mention #Umlingo when you buy the voucher for your complimentary surprise welcome gift/extra dash of magic! #SharingISCaring #TagSomeoneToDropAHint #tuscany #underthetuscansun #holidayvoucher #GiveTheGiftOfTravel #experiencesnotthings #santascoming #umlingocollection #BelSentiero