Diya Travel Newsletter

Editors Note

Most of you I met through past travels, our roads crossing because of similar interests. I have fond memories of events and places, tours and faces. It is due to that common interest that our roads cross again, in a different time and place, but still with the same vigour and excitement as before. I would like to introduce to you Diya Travel Consultants, and if ever you and your friends are thinking of travelling to Southern Africa, remember us, and allow us to create your dream luxury African getaway. Our newsletter will contain some interesting events and places and we will keep you up to date with news about travelling to South Africa and surrounds. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you would think would be interested.

Diane Willson & Grant du Toit

“Little by little, one travels far.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

Beginner Bumper Edition

“Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” ~Benjamin Disraeli

South Africa, land of milk, honey and great adventure!

Welcome to our newsletter.

The true determinant of a luxury trip today is the quality of your travel experience.

At Diya Travel Consultants we will take you on a journey that surpasses your wildest imagination, offering you only the finest 4 and 5 star hotels and lodges, as well as premium safaris and tour packages which have been hand-picked by our expert team.

We are well versed in the local customs, know all the secret hideaways, and we are here to help you create your personalised African deluxe travel experience.

If you appreciate the finer things in life... eiderdown pillows on silky sheets and sipping a vintage wine as you watch the big five stroll by your lodge window; you are in good hands.

Diya Travel Consultants takes the hassle out of finding and booking elegant accommodation, making reliable transfers, and arranging exclusive and exciting African safaris and tours.

South Africa has a wealth of beautiful natural parks and coastlines which contain world class hotels and game reserves; just waiting to be part of your dream destination package.

Where else in the world can you hurl yourself down into one of the most spectacular bungee jumps, dive with Great White Sharks, paddle with penguins, and stand at the very place where the Indian and Pacific oceans meet?

How does it all work?

Subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter which will be packed with the hottest news on luxury holiday destinations, our magnificent game parks, the best safaris and tours, and the must do seasonal activities in Southern Africa.

Dip into our travel blog to find out where the locals eat, sleep and play. Leave your comments, and share your experiences, or just kick back, and enjoy the trip... This is all for you!

“Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God". ~ Kurt Vonnegut

Champagne and oysters along tranquil lagoon banks

Long white beaches, crystal blue lakes, ancient misty forests and long balmy days; Knysna has it all.

Time seems to stand still in this quaint village situated along South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route; that is until the annual Knysna Oyster Festival hits town. From 3-12 July, Knysna rocks with more than 70 planned events; oyster shucking competitions, a Mardi Gras, wine and whisky tastings; gala evenings; sports events and adventure challenges.

Any which way you like your oyster; you will find it served at this festival. If you like it hot, try the Mexican oysters with a shot of tequila, or deep fried oysters served in the shell with cream cheese.

The Knysna lagoon is perfect for sundowners. There are luxury cruises offering the ultimate romantic and luxurious experience complete with Champagne and oysters whilst sailing along the tranquil waters.

The Garden Route has some of the most lavish boutique hotels, chic guest houses, and exclusive game lodges in the country. Our panel of experienced travel consultants will tailor make your ultimate luxury holiday package to include deluxe accommodations, and great activities to suit your personal style and taste.

For the more adventurous, the festival’s two main sporting events, Knysna Forest Marathon and the Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, is an opportunity to run and cycle through spectacular indigenous forests. There’s also paddling, golf, bowls, soccer, night biking and angling. If you are feeling very brave you can bungy from a bridge or go abseiling.

The nights of 1000 Pictures will give you the opportunity to take home some South African art at just R100 per photograph, illustration or painting. This is part of a fundraiser event for the Knysna Hospice.

Walking Hand in Trunk

There is something that stirs deep within you when you look an African elephant square in the eye. The ancient beast’s leathery skin reads like a road map and all you want to do is stroke its enormous ears and tug playfully at the wiggling trunk.

See more

Heaven on Earth

Tsala Treetop Lodge and Hunter's Country House

Just outside the beautiful resort town of Plettenberg Bay, along the Garden Route, you will find a little piece of heaven tucked into the lush green forest. Hunter's Country House offers a rare combination of opulence and first class service in completely natural and tranquil surroundings.

Hunter's Country House has twenty one suites, some with private pools, has a five star grading, has been voted South Africa's Hotel of the Year, and it is a gold shield member of Relais and Chateaux. It is also a Diners Club Platinum Award Winner 2006, 2007 and 2008, and it is a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs.

All the suites at Hunter's Country House have private patios, gardens and fireplaces, and some have their own plunge pools while all guests can enjoy the hotel's large sparkling outdoor pool. Relax in the garden or enjoy bird and butterfly spotting walks in the forest.

An old-world ambience permeates the thatched manor house with its antique-furnished lounges, candle-lit dining rooms and sun-drenched conservatory. The kitchen offers award winning fare, made from only the freshest seasonal ingredients, and served by genteel and thoughtful staff.

Aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, manicure and pedicures are available on request in the privacy of your suite.

Hunter's Country House sister hotel, Tsala Treetop Lodge, is situated next door and it has the same decadent furnishings and delightful scenery. What sets Tsala Treetop Lodge apart is that the lodges and suites are set high up on stilts. Your view is one of sweeping green treetops and rolling hills that stretches as far as the eye can see. Each room is an artwork, constructed of stone wood and glass, many of them have infinity pools. A private deck stretches into the forest for dining al fresco. Tsala Treetop Lodge is also a member of both Relais & Chateaux and Chaine des Rotisseurs.

http://www.diyatravel.com/ | travelblog: http://travelblog.diyatravel.com | email: info@diyatravel.com | postal address: PO Box 15582, Vlaeberg, 8018, Cape Town, South Africa | physical address: 4 Ibiza Close, Capri, 7975, Cape Town, South Africa | tel/fax: +27 21 447 0199 | skype: diya.travel