“We want to open the Comoros to English-speaking countries in the region,” such as Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Foreign Minister, Mohamed Elamine Souef said.

“These are the countries with which we already have long-standing relations, where Comorians go more and more to, for business or for treatment,” he told reporters in the capital Moroni.

The Comoros, an archipelago of three islands between Mozambique and Madagascar is already a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

It will be admitted into the Southern African Development Community, whose majority members are English-speaking, at the annual Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, to be held in August in Namibia.

The bloc comprises: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. SADC Spokesperson, Barbara Lopi, confirmed to AFP that the Comoros will officially join in August.

The admission of the Union of Comoros will bring the number of SADC Member States to 16.

In a separate statement released by SADC, it said: “The 37th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government meeting in Pretoria, Republic of South Africa has admitted the Union of Comoros as a new member of SADC, according to the Communique issued after the Summit.”

The new name, eSwatini, means “land of the Swazis” and King Mswati explained that Swaziland carried some confusion, saying that “whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland.”

However, the name change is not really that surprising as the king has often referred to the “Kingdom of eSwatini” in recent years and during his address this week added that
Swaziland was reverting to the original name it had before being colonised by the British.

Cycad Lodge & Hotel is ideal for leisure guests who are travelling to the Kruger National Park but would like to break the journey, particularly international guests who arrive in Johannesburg and are heading directly to the Kruger area. Situated 330 km from Johannesburg on the main route to Mozambique as well as Swaziland, Nelspruit is also a convenient stopover destination from Gauteng.

“For corporate clients, Cycad Lodge & Hotel has two modern, well-equipped conference rooms with a maximum capacity of 40 and 80 delegates respectively. Nelspruit’s proximity to the southern Kruger National Park also makes it possible to combine conferencing with adventure activities, such as safari excursions, abseiling, mountain biking, hiking or microlighting, and there are several golf courses in the area,” says Anita Foxcroft, owner of Southern Spoor Marketing. “Execs travelling to Nelspruit will appreciate the hotel’s location in a quiet suburb of the city, yet nearby to the CBD.”

The four-star hotel has 59 rooms across various categories set in a lush garden filled with palm trees, cycads and accent lighting. Room types range from standard and deluxe to executive and superior suites, as well as self-catering one and two-bedroom apartments. The on-site restaurant serves a continental buffet and full English breakfast, and is also open for dinner.

Cycad Lodge & Chalets is an alcohol-free establishment and strictly no alcohol is permitted on the premises.

“In Africa, especially Southern Africa, it’s so easy to combine your wilderness safari with some postcard-perfect beach bliss. So, why not try a bit of both?” asks Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Director of Dana Tours in Mozambique.

“This alluring combination is especially ideal for couples and honeymooners looking to level up on the romance. It’s also a fun combination for families, as the variety in experiences will be sure to keep everyone entertained throughout the trip,” she added.

The team at Dana Tours recently offered up their top picks for the perfect beach and safari combo destinations:

Best of three: Kruger, Swaziland and Mozambique

This 12 day journey starts off at Shishangeni Private Lodge in the world renowned Kruger National Park. From here, the adventure continues to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary close to Mbabane in Swaziland, which will reward you with gorgeous mountain views and panoramic landscapes. It ends off with a good dose of fresh sea air at Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique, where you can find that much sought after room with a view.

Twice as nice: the Kruger and Bazaruto

Being neighbours, South Africa and Mozambique go together really well if you are looking to strike the right balance with a safari-beach based holiday. If your heart is set on the Kruger National Park, you can easily try an 8 day getaway from there to Anantara Bazaruto. Get your game drive and Big 5 fix, then wash off that safari dust and don your snorkeling mask to continue your nature viewing, as you explore Mozambique’s vibrant marine life.

All about Mozambique

Mozambique is ideal for those looking to experience a bit of everything without having to travel too far. Gorongosa National Park over the recent years has re-emerged a top-notch safari destination. Great for game drives, boat and walking safaris, wildlife viewing is uninterrupted without massive hordes of tourists. As an 8 day experience, it is effortlessly paired with Bazaruto Island, where you can soak up the sun and to catch up on some relaxation.

From game drives to water sports

This beach and safari combo is great for thrill seekers. Spend 3 nights at your lodge at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and take advantage of those morning and evening game drives. Here, you can head out to spot lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffalo as well as plenty of antelope and bird species. The second leg of this adventure will have you wiggling your toes in the white sands of Ibo Island in Mozambique, as you swim, snorkel, cruise and kayak your way around while exploring the Quirimbas Archipelago.

For more opportunities available through Dana Tours, click here.