Dear Friends,

I can't believe that we are sending a Christmas Newsletter already! 2008 has flown by, it has been great...we remain so positive about our country, our people and our business so we look forward to an even better 2009!

On the 13 May 2008, Lance and I were blessed with a beautiful daughter - Taylor Paige. How our lives have changed for the better with such a perfect little blessing. On her first visit to Falaza, she received a warm welcome from all the Falaza staff and then the rhino on the lawn - what more could we have wished for. Being a very inquisitive little girl, she noticed them immediately...Her eyes grew larger and larger, staring at these huge animals grazing on the lawn slowly moving towards us. How privileged she is to be growing up with these animals only a few hours away.

All members of the Falaza Team lead by Ann have worked really hard this year. We made significant changes and upgrades to seven of the tents. They now boast an indoor and outdoor shower and bath; these have been very well received by those who have stayed in them. In 2009 we have further plans to upgrade and improve the Falaza experience for you all. First on the list is to redo the lounge area near the pool, making it more user friendly in all weather conditions. Falaza is a work in progress; we strive to improve our product daily.

We have had a few more baby rhino, their mothers always willing to come and show them off to everyone on the lawn. The Falaza Team may live with this sight daily, but I assure you, it is still one of those "pinch yourself moments". This year we decided to start stocking the area along the river with a selection of wild animals. We just pray that we have lots of rain really soon, so that we will be able to offer everyone the Falaza Boat Cruise again, an amazing experience already, but now it will be so much better with all the new wildlife. We will be sure to advise everyone when the boat is back on the river - we look forward to that day.

Make I take this opportunity to thank you all for your valuable support during 2008. Through your support, our staff members are able to take home more to their families and improve their lives. We would like to wish you all a very peaceful and happy festive season. Our wish to you for 2009 is that is may be filled with all things good...health, wealth, happiness and loads of laughter!

We look forward to seeing you all back at Falaza in the remainder of 2008 and in the New Year. Please visit our website as we will be offering seasonal specials throughout the year.

Warm Wishes & Kindest Regards,
Sandra Hassard-Trethewey
On behalf of the Hassard Family and the Falaza Team.