Fly Airlink - Freedom of the African Sky

Out of Africa
Mpumalanga offers some of the continent's best attractions

As featured and advertised in the September 2012 issue of Skyways, Airlink's inflight magazine

With abundant natural beauty, wildlife and welcoming people, Mpumalanga should be on every tourist’s bucket list. It’s here that you can experience the best of the African bush in open safari vehicles, take a breathtaking scenic drive through the Panorama Route, and gasp at the wonder of the rock formation aptly known as God’s Window. From extreme beauty, go extremely wild, and enjoy a traditional South African meal under a billion stars in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting game reserves. Now, Thompsons Africa has compiled a fascinating range of safaris to ensure you taste and savour the best the province has to offer.

Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Safari

• With no fewer than 147 mammals and 500 bird species, the Kruger National Park is a photographer’s dream destination.
• The Kruger National Park boasts the Sabie and Crocodile rivers, with the reputation as two of Africa's best 'Big Five' rivers.
• Experienced, qualified field guides know the terrain and promise a wonderfully wild experience.

The safari departs daily on request. No children under eight years, except on a private basis.

Morning Walking Safari

• Experience an adrenalin rush on foot.
• Set off with your armed trail rangers who will teach you some bush skills, from animal tracking to bird and plant identification. Learn about everything big but not forgetting all that is small.
• Get closer than you ever imagined as you learn something about their world.
• Smell, hear and breathe the African bush.

Departs daily on request at 04h00 in summer and 05h00 in winter (subject to availability). No children under 12 years.

Canyon Cruise and Endangered Species Tour

• The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, with some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.
• View the Kadishi Tufa waterfall – the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth. A tufa waterfall is formed when water running over dolomite rock absorbs calcium, and deposits rock formations more rapidly than they erode the surrounding rock. In the case of the Kadishi Tufa fall, the formation that has been produced strikingly resembles a face which is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as ‘the weeping face of nature’.
• Learn more about the natural history of the Blyde River Canyon while viewing wildlife from the comfort of your boat.
• Head for the Endangered Species Centre and learn what is being done for Africa’s endangered animals, including cheetah, wild dog and the African Wild Cat.

Departs Tues, Fri, Sun at 07h00. Returns at 16h00. Min: 2 guests.

Great getaways

Thompsons Holidays have put together packages that will allow you to experience Africa in all its splendour.

Jock Safari Lodge, Mpumalanga

This 5-star resort is situated in the southern area of the Kruger National Park at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers, half way between Kukuza and Malenlane. Guests can experience the many delights of the lodge’s hospitality as well as enjoy a variety of treatments at the fully equipped spa. Enjoy private meals in the sala or join the other guests or experience an African al fresco experience in the Boma. Game drives within the Kruger National Park with highly experienced game rangers offer the thrill of close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. Price: Fly-in ex JNB R9,032 per person sharing. Includes: return Airlink flights to Mpumalanga including airline levies + 3 Days car hire + 3 Nights weekend accommodation + Breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected local drinks daily + 2 Game drives daily. Ref: MQP PG Valid: 01 Oct – 15 Dec ‘12. Packages ex Cape Town, Durban and Livingstone on request.

Camp Okavango, Botswana

The enchanting 3-star Camp Okavango sits at the heart of the Okavango Delta on Nxaragha Island. Its main lodge features a cocktail bar, sitting area and wildlife reference library, with the dining room leading onto an expansive open-air patio where evenings around the fire can be enjoyed. Other facilities include a secluded bird-viewing hide and sundeck with plunge pool. Accommodating just 24 guests in custom African-style safari tents on raised teak platforms, Camp Okavango offers guests en-suite facilities and private viewing decks. Price: Fly-in ex JNB R19,789 (excludes airline levy ex JNB from R2,060). Includes: Return Airlink flights to Maun + Return airport transfers from Maun Airport to the lodge + 3 Nights at the 3* Camp Okavango + Breakfast, lunch, dinner all and local drinks daily + Scheduled activities daily + National Park fees and all government levies and taxes. Ref: 31836. Valid until 31 Oct ’12. Contact your nearest ASATA travel agent or Thompsons Holidays on 0861 84 66 77. Valid for SA Residents only. Terms and conditions apply.