HOTELS from as far afield as Botswana and Zimbabwe have recently joined the Leading Independent Hotels (LIH) portfolio - a concept which is gaining in popularity because it provides tour operators with a "guideline of quality", says LIH owner, Brad Cartwright.
He reports that eight prestigious new properties have joined the portfolio, bringing it to over 30 properties. They are The Bay Hotel in Cape Town; The Grace in Rosebank, Johannesburg; The Cape Grace in Cape Town; Erinvale Estate Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape; Leopard Rock Hotel & Golf Estate in Zimbabwe; Lanzerac Manor in Stellenbosch, Western Cape; Grootbos Nature Reserve in Gansbaai, Western Cape and Sandibe Lodge in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
A number of LIH properties are undergoing renovations, with refurbishments nearing completion at Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in the Northern Province.
"From August 1, renovations will be complete, with two chalets and eight suites reflecting the 'Colonial' style. The raised viewing deck over the waterhole has been covered with a thatched roof and furnished with comfortable chairs."
Leopard Hills in Mpumalanga's Sabi Sand Reserve will be adding three new suites as well as a library with full Internet facilities, following "enormous support" from overseas operators.
Cartwright added: "Built along the same lines as the existing five suites, the new suites - which will be available from October 1 - all feature private decks and rock plunge-pools and overlook the bush.
(Southern African Tourism Update - July 2000)
