Thanda tops when it comes to luxury

Thanda Private Game Reserve was selected as the most luxurious destination in Africa, winning ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ in the 2007 World Travel Awards ceremony held on May 31 in Abu Dhabi.

The award comes three years after the five-star lodge opened its doors to the public. The only private game reserve in the world to hold exclusive membership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda’s facilities include a decadent main lodge, authentic safari-style tented camp and award-winning wellness centre.

Other nominees in Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge includeded Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana, Mnemba Island Lodge in Tanzania, Sabi Sabi and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.

Thanda, which means ‘love’ in Zulu, is situated in northern Zululand, close to the Indian Ocean and is a popular safari destination. The integration of South Africa’s best climate and rehabilitated and rich bush land has made Thanda home to wildlife and over four hundred bird species. 

Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel gets a $4m makeover
The Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar es Salaam in Tanzania has recently completed an extensive USD 4 million refurbishment that covers service, cuisine, rooms and suites, public areas, conference centre and restaurants.

Located in the centre of Dar es Salaam, the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel offers views of the the Indian Ocean and the greenery of the adjacent sporting club and golf course.

The renovated lobby area, is decorated with African textures and carvings. All 230 rooms have been upgraded. 193 spacious Club Rooms, with additional room and bath amenities, are also illuminated with a modern look to enhance the convenience of the guests. A bedroom, a living room, an office, a private dining room with a fully-equipped kitchen and a guest bathroom are part of the Presidential Suite. The Presidential Suite, as well as three Diplomatic Suites have been upgraded with marble flooring and a turquoise and beige color scheme.

The Executive level on the 7th floor offers 24 spacious Executive rooms and Junior Suites with a new look. The Executive Lounge, which is for the exclusive use of 7th floor guests, has been doubled in size, and now offers a private buffet breakfast area, a new bar facility, a private meeting room and two additional lounges, one for smokers and one for non-smokers, each equipped with a flat-screen television, as well as butler service.

Fine dining and an extensive wine list are now provided in the new L’Oliveto à la carte restaurant. The Italian chef spoils his guests with specialities from the heart of Italy, as well as the freshest fish and seafood dishes. The Tuscan-inspired décor is trendy and modern with illuminated glass panels.

The Serengeti Restaurant has also undergone a facelift and offers guests varied three-course buffets in cool indoor surroundings. The adjoining Kibo Bar continues its ever-popular live-cooking buffet at lunch hour. An à la carte menu and light snacks are available throughout the day and evening.

Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel now offers a full range of newly decorated and refurbished state-of-the-art facilities for conferences and banquets. A large outdoor marquee in the garden for up to 600 guests is the ideal venue for special functions and entertainment.

The wide range of facilities is rounded off by a large swimming pool with pool bar, a modern fitness centre with sauna, a shopping arcade and a coffee shop.