No one could have predicted the drastic impact the Corona Virus would have on the tourism industry. We saw our lodge and reserve closed for almost three months. As hard as it was not to see our staff and guests, we know it was for the best.

Luckily, we opened both our day centre and over-night lodge on the 19^th of June, off to a slow start but we are seeing an increase in bookings and visitors.

The safety of both our staff and guests is of utmost importance to us. And we have put in strict protocols and regulations in place to help stop the spread.

At the Day Centre we have ensured that there are hand sanitizers available in all public areas, and guests are encouraged to use it regularly. All public areas including bathroom, restaurant and office will be cleaned regularly cleaned with a disinfectant. Social distancing must be practised at all times.

The same protocol will be practised at the lodge, rooms that have been occupied will stand empty for 3 days before they will be used again. The room, lodge and pool area will be always cleaned thoroughly before use.

We are entering our high-season and we hope to see a rise in tourism not only at Fathala, but all around the world. The reserve and lodge is just not the same without the friendly faces of all our beloved guests.

Africa — You can see a sunset and believe you have witnessed the Hand of God. You watch the slope of a lioness and forget to breathe. You marvel at the tripod of a giraffe bent to water. In Africa, there are iridescent blues on the wings of birds that you do not see anywhere else in nature. In Africa, in the midday heart, you can see blisters in the atmosphere. When you are in Africa, you feel primordial, rocked in the cradle of the world.” – * Jodi Picoult