Let Us Take You By The Hand

At The Last Word Intimate Hotels & Safari Camps, you can count on exceptional hospitality experiences centred around you and those dearest to you. Our sanctuaries offer you unrivalled indulgence, 'beyond boutique'. How can we promise this, you ask? The answer is that we pay attention to you. Always.
At The Last Word, we are delighted that our President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, announced domestic travel in-between provinces open as of Tuesday, 18 August 2020. We are grateful for this step in the right direction toward opening our borders once more.

South African Tourism Recovery Update

The tourism industry, although it has taken a terrible knock since the start of the lockdown, is a resilient one. Many in the tourism sector have had to innovate in various way to keep their businesses running and keep paying salaries. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has proposed a phased tourism recovery strategy, underpinned by robust health and safety protocols. Good news is that the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) Global Safety Stamp of Approval issued to South Africa recognising it as a safe destination. Follow the movement #SouthAfricaIsTravelReady for a virtual taste of South Africa's travel readiness.

The Plight of Women and Tourism Recovery

Women and girls in Africa are among the most vulnerable groups, even more so since the pandemic struck. According to a recent National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey in South Africa, between February and April 2020. Devastatingly, of the three million jobs lost, two million of those were held by women. Many of these ladies are the sole wage earners providing for their families. Women's month is usually a time to recognise the hard-won freedoms of women in South Africa, traditionally celebrated with many community initiatives and events. This year they will have to be done remotely and now more than ever before our South African women need your support. You can do this by helping NPOs who promote the needs of women and our youth, continuing to support women-owned businesses, even show your solidarity by attending Women's Month online events and social movements. In the tourism sector, you can do your bit by promoting female-owned tourism businesses by recommending an establishment or a service on social media. A simple word of mouth referral can do so much for women in need. By choosing to stay with us on your trip to Africa, you are helping to sustain our communities, conservation and culture.
If you would like some guidance or more information, feel free to reach out to us. We can tell you more about the specific projects we support in the areas our hotels and safari camps operate. We will also be sharing more on this aspect of our community care initiatives in an upcoming newsletter edition.

The Plight of Conservation and Communities

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, tourism has been the industry hardest hit by Covid-19. When tourism takes a pounding, so do the associated conservation initiatives as well as the communities that live in these natural systems. The current loss of revenue owing to the pandemic has a far-reaching effect on already vulnerable ecosystems. Protected landscapes are a system of nature banks that protect biodiversity and life on the planet. Without tourism, there is not enough funding to support the protection and restoration of these natural systems, its wildlife and inhabitants. The tourism sector must be prioritised now. Many livelihoods depend on it. Have a look at how we believe 'beyond boutique' relates in a post-pandemic travel landscape, in our minds.

Klaserie On the Map

Talking about sustaining conservation, The Last Word Kitara is our treasure situated in the heart of the African bushveld. This wildlife retreat hugs the banks of the Klaserie river running through the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where our magnificent camp finds its home. Based within the Greater Kruger National Park, with the 'Big Five', the 'Little Five' and the 'Ugly Five' right on your doorstep, it's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts or anyone wanting to connect to the sanctity of nature.

Promotional offers

Here's a reminder of our luxury long-stay promotions. You can create a booking using a combination of one, two, or a few of our sought-after properties. Each property has its own unique style, and features and the properties complement one another. With these promotional offers, you can experience them all!

Our Save Havens Await

As we start to welcome guests back to our intimate hotels and safari camps, you can rest assured that we embrace the robust health and safety protocols. Our upmarket, small-scale properties are clean, safe sanctuaries away from the madding crowds.
Everything you need to know is covered in our Safety guide. The wellbeing of our lovely people and guests is paramount, and we continue to do everything to ensure your peace of mind when considering us for your next visit to beautiful South Africa.
Let us take you by the hand on a sublime journey to 'beyond boutique'. Please make contact with us today to secure your space beneath our African sun. You are most welcome!

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