A number of exciting expansions will be taking place at the lodge over the next few months. With immediate effect, the room capacity is increased from 24 rooms to 36, while retaining the current nostalgic look and feel of the lodge. The elephant dam has been tripled in size, allowing better viewing of the elephants frolicking in the midday heat. Plans are afoot for a day visitors' centre for day game drives, as well as conference facilities for larger groups.
“While our staff members feel sentimental about saying goodbye to the Plumari family name, which was in use for four years, they are excited about raising the bar and taking the lodge to new levels of excellence as a competitor in the lucrative game market,” said Marino Codevilla, lodge manager. “The transition so far has been very smooth and we are all hugely excited about the opportunities ahead.”
“Given the close relationship we have with the elephant in Plumari Private Game reserve, we felt that naming the lodge after Askari elephant bulls will be very fitting. Legend has it that Askari is the name given to the young elephant bulls that are found in the company of the much bigger, older and wiser bulls in nature. The Askaris are taught all the skills that these old bulls have spent a lifetime perfecting,” said Theo Potgieter, the elephant trainer who has built a very close and unique relationship with these gentle giants over the past few years.
A brand new Askari Game Lodge web page, logo, email addresses and corresponding marketing collateral will be rolled-out during January. Bookings for Askari Game Lodge are through the Guvon Central Reservations Office on 08611 GUVON.
Go to www.guvonhotels.co.za or www.askarilodge.co.za for further information.
