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wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm •• Travel World News32 • FEBRUARY 2009

AFRICA

NY SKAL CLUB HONORS TANZANIA MINISTEROF NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM

As part of a week-long promotional trip to New York, Hon.Shamsa S. Mwangunga, Minister of Natural Resources andTourism, United Republic of Tanzania, was the guest of honor at arecent New York Skal Club luncheon at the Friars Club in New YorkCity. At the luncheon, NY Skal Club President Peter Lintner pre-sented the NY Skal Club flag to the Hon. Mwangunga.

The Hon. Mwangunga was accompanied by a nine-personTanzanian delegation including Mrs. B. Nyoni, PermanentSecretary, MNRT; Mrs. Mary Mmari, Director of Tourism, MNRT;Mr. Julius Kibebe, Personal Assistant to the Minister; Mr. PeterMwenguo, Managing Director, Tanzania Tourist Board; Mr.Geoffrey Meena, Marketing Manager, Tanzania Tourist Board; Mr.Gerald Bigurube, Director General, Tanzania National Parks; Mr.Paschal Shelutete, Tanzania National Parks; Mr. BernardMurunya, Chief Conservator, Ngorongoro Conservation AreaAuthority; and Mr. Steven Lelo,Tourism Manager, NgorongoroConservation Area Authority.

Skal International, an Association of Travel and TourismProfessionals founded in 1934, promotes global tourism andfriendships. Skal has chapters in most major cities throughout theworld, and nearly 25,000 members.Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

MBALI MBALI OFFERS CHIMP TREKKING IN COMFORT

Intrepid travelers have been “going on safari” in East Africa forwell over a century, and Tanzania’s famed Serengeti National Parkand Ngorongro Crater continue to awe and inspire. However, trav-elers increasingly are looking to explore the lesser-known areas andexperience the splendor of Africa in solitude. Mbali Mbali Lodgesand Camps, proprietors of four luxury safari camps, offers excep-tional chimpanzee viewing opportunities during a week-long safariextension in Western Tanzania.

Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps of Tanzania combine two of theirsafari camps in an amazing weeklong adventure. This journey to

Western Tanzania, featuring three nights each at two of the bestchimp trekking locations in Africa, is a perfect compliment to thetraditional safari experience in East Africa. Travelers will lovebeing away from the crowds and will enjoy the comfort of bothKungwe Beach Lodge and Gombe Forest Lodge.

The six-night safari, starting at $4,985, begins with three morn-ings of chimpanzee tracking in Mahale National Park followed byboat rides, fishing and bonfires at the lodge. At Gombe ForestLodge, the second stop, in addition to daily chimp trekking, guestscan remain active with hikes to the Kakombe waterfalls and Jane’sPeak, named after the famed primatologist Jane Goodall.

Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps’ portfolio presently consists offour properties: Kungwe Beach Lodges in Mahale MountainNational Park, Katuma Bush Lodge in Katavi National Park,Gombe Forest Lodge in Gombe Stream National Park andTarangire River Camp in Tarangire National Park. The companyplans to open two new properties in the famed Serengeti NationalPark and the massive Selous National Park in 2009. Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, www.mbalimbali.com

FOUR TANZANIA LUXURY PROPERTIES MAKE100 BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

Four deluxe Tanzania properties were featured in Conde NastTraveler Readers’ Choice Awards honoring the 100 Best in theWorld. This list included Arusha Coffee Lodge Plantation,Migration Camp, Serena Mountain Village and Ngorongoro CraterLodge.

Arusha Coffee Lodge lies in a tranquil coffee plantation, just out-side the city of Arusha, the “Safari Capital” in the north. The lo-cation is ideal for those embarking on or leaving for safaris to theNgorongoro crater and the Serengeti National Park.

Migration Camp is a luxury lodge in Tanzania’s SerengetiNational Park in Tanzania. It has twenty luxury safari tentsarranged around the central lodge with a swimming pool. Eatingoutdoors under the stars and sleeping under canvas, listening to thesounds of the bush, enhance the safari experience.

Serena Mountain Village is also located in the heart of a coffeeplantation on the shores of Lake Duluti, near Arusha. Designed asan African village, its 46 guest accommodations are housed in ba-nana stem thatched huts, grouped in a semi-circle around tropicalshade trees. All rooms have private balconies with views of the leg-endary snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro on one side, and Lake Dulutiand Mount Meru on the other.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, consists of three adjacent camps with30 opulent Maasai-inspired suites perched on stilts on the rim ofthe world renowned Ngorongoro Crater. From the outside, this un-obtrusive lodge resembles a magical Maasai village.

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlifeconservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 28% ofthe land protected by the Government. It boasts 15 national parksand 32 game reserves and is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro, theSerengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Shown at the presentation are Hon. Minister Shamsa S. Mwangunga,Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic ofTanzania and NY Skal President Peter Lintner.


AFRICA

THE AFRICAN TULIP BOUTIQUE HOTEL,CATERS TO HONEYMOONERS OR GROUPS

The African Tulip, located in Arusha, Tanzania, is an elegant andcharming property named after the beautiful and vibrant orangetulip shaped flowers that line the road outside the hotel, as well asmost of Arusha. Also known as the “Fountain Tree”, the AfricanTulip is indigenous but often overlooked. For years traditionalAfrican cultures have revered the tree claiming it to have specialbenefits and healing powers.

The African Tulip hotel is designed in a double horseshoe shape,and features 25 individually furnished ensuite deluxe rooms and 4spacious suites, decorated in fabrics reflecting an earth tone paletteand complemented by a tasteful blend of traditional and contempo-rary African décor. The accommodations are suitable for honey-mooners, couples, families as well as business and incentive groups.

All rooms are individually designed and reflect the commonthread that runs through the parent company--an aim to providehigh quality service, while ensuring that the local community bene-fits as well.

The spacious Zanzibar Lounge with its large windows to embracethe warm African sun and intricate Zanzibari style furnishings cre-ate a warm and homey ambience. Clients can also enjoy a fine din-ing experience with quality traditional and international cuisineprepared by expert chefs using fresh, local and natural ingredientsin the uniquely designed Baobab Restaurant. Alternatively one maywish to relax by the swimming pool with delicious light snacks anda refreshing cocktail at the Pool Bar.

Other amenities include: The Business Centre where guests areable to make use of state-of-the-art computers to download safariphotographs or browse the internet; conference room; gift shop;and a jewelers that specializes in a wide range of Tanzanian pre-cious gems including Tanzanite, Sapphire and Ruby. Contact thehotel directly for current rates and packages.The African Tulip, [email protected], www.theafricantulip.com

EASY TRAVEL AND TOURS LTD. PROMOTES TANZANIA TOURS

Easy Travel and Tours Ltd, a Tanzania-based tour company, hasits head offices in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. The company startedits operations in 1987 as a travel agency but has grown to becomean inbound tour operator and considers itself to be one ofTanzania’s most popular tour companies. The founders of the com-pany are dedicated to providing quality customer service. As theysay, “Great experiences build great companies.”

Being expert in Tanzanian travel, the company can provide thecomplete travel arrangements for: Lodge safaris; luxury, semi lux-ury and budget camping safaris; trekking Mount Kilimanjaro andMount Meru trips; cultural programs; beach vacations in Zanzibarand Pemba; hotel, resort and apartments reservations; conference,meeting and banquet arrangements, if needed; group incentives;meet and greet assistance; flights and transfers; car rentals; visaassistance; excursions such as sightseeing tours, packaged tours,holidays safaris, trekking, adventure trips, and golfing. In otherwords, if your clients want to do any kind of business or leisuretravel, group or FIT, or any specialty interest travel in Tanzania,Easy Travel and Tours is able to arrange it.

The company considers among its many strengths the direct busi-ness relationship it has with most of the travel suppliers withinTanzania.

The company has a fleet of more than 20 4x4 safari vehicles withpop up room, radio calling ability and top notch first aid kit; as wellas regularly providing new camping gear and equipment.Easy Travel and Tours, www.easytravel.com.tz

TODAY SHOW BROADCAST ANCHOR ANN CURRY’S KILIMANJARO CLIMB

NBC-TV’s The Today Show broadcast news anchor Ann Curry’sKilimanjaro climb live from Tanzania as part of a weeklong seg-ment titled “Ends of the Earth” last year. The series focused on theeffects of climate change around the world. To report on the rumorsthat global warming was melting Mt. Kilimanjaro’s famed ice-capped summit.

Seven days out, having reached the Arrow Glacier Camp at15,700 feet, the Today Show group reluctantly abandoned their ef-forts to reach the summit.The news anchor said, however, they hadachieved their goal, which was to show viewers how much the glac-iers on top of Kilimanjaro have melted over the past 20 years. Theychose the most difficult route so they would come closest to theglaciers.

Named “One of the Top Destinations for 2008” by the New YorkTimes and immortalized in movies and books such as ErnestHemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro, “climbing Kilimanjarois the adventure of a lifetime, but one must train well and pace one-self not to go too fast,” says Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director,Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB).Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com,www.tanzaniaparks.com


AFRICA

KILIMAJARO MARATHON TO ATTRACT OVER3000 RUNNERS FROM 40 COUNTRIES

The 2009 Kilimanjaro Marathon scheduled to take place inMoshi, Tanzania, March 1, is a race unlike any other in the world.Under the backdrop of the fabled Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largestmountain and the world’s highest freestanding mountain, theMarathon is divided into a full race (approximately 26 and a quar-ter miles), a half race (approximately 13 and one-eighth miles) anda fun run. In each category, the Marathon course begins at thesports stadium in Moshi, winds into rural villages and farms, veersthrough uphill paths, plunges into a swatch of forest, and whirlsthrough coffee and banana plantations. At every juncture, Africanmusic, meals and entertainment including tribal dancers, make theevent a unique experience.

Starting this year, the top three male and female Tanzanian win-ners in both the half and full marathons will be supported finan-cially for one year after the Marathon, during which time they willbe trained to meet international standards for future races withinand outside of Tanzania. Current winning total prizes for men andwomen in the full marathon are $7,434 and for men and women inthe half marathon $1,938.

The Marathon, in its seventh year, is backed by the TanzaniaTourist Board. Its main sponsor is Tanzania Breweries Limited;other sponsors include Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, Air Tanzania,Kilimanjaro Sparkling Water, Good Year, Tanzanite One, Tanga

Cement and others. Donations from sponsors and individuals will go to numerous

community projects in the town of Moshi: Tanzania Athletics fortheir annual projects in other sports, local charities, emphasizingimprovements to the maternity ward in Moshi’s town hospital thisyear, and expansion of space and new materials for the KiboroloniPrimary School, spearheaded by Wild Frontiers Ltd. and the KeysHotel.

Plans are underway to include a marathon course for physically-challenged runners.Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com, kilimanjaromarathon.com

NEW DEVELOPMENTS UNDERWAY ATTANZANIA’S SINGITA GRUMETI RESERVES

With the high demand for exclusive East African safari experi-ences, South Africa’s Singita has undertaken some new develop-ments at its Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania. The exclusive350,000-acre reserve in one of the most pristine wilderness loca-tions on the Western corridor of the Serengeti is the scene ofAfrica’s thrilling annual wildebeest migration.

Three new suites are being added at Singita Grumeti’s flagshipSasakwa lodge, and for Singita Faru Faru lodge a two-bedroomunit and two new suites were completed in December. In addition,stables are being built at Faru Faru to coincide with Singita’s firstovernight horseback safaris, planned for mid-2009.

One of the attractions at Singita Grumeti Reserves is its state-of-the-art Equestrian Centre at Sasakwa Lodge, with its diverse rangeof horses including the South African Boerperde known for its out-standing temperament and comfortable paces. Four-day/three-night horseback safaris are planned for experienced riders, withluxurious accommodations at Sasakwa and Faru Faru. Riders willbe accompanied by seasoned Singita guides through the vast,game-rich plains for up-close, personal sightings and magnificentwildlife encounters.

Two new double or twin suites and a two-bedroom unit are beingadded to the current six suites at Singita Faru Faru, to accommo-date a total of 21 guests. For families or groups, the new two-bedroom unit with its private pool may be booked together with thetwo new suites as a ‘lodge within a lodge’ to accommodate up toeight in complete privacy, overlooking a watering hole and theGrumeti River.

At Singita Sasakwa, the three new suites will boast their own pri-vate rim-flow swimming pools with uninterrupted vistas onto theAfrican plains. Suites will be enhanced by touches of wood, leatherand grass, alongside crisp linens, imported chandeliers and exoticfurniture.

Singita Sasakwa, a Relais & Chateaux member accommodating28, will total 34 beds when the three new suites are added. Plansalso include increasing luxury tents at Singita’s third lodge withinthe Grumeti reserves, Sabora Tented Camp.Singita Grumeti Reserves, www.singita.com

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm FEBRUARY 2009 • 37

AFRICA

NEW SAA FLIGHTCONNECTIONS WILL BOOST ACCESS FROM U.S. TO TANZANIA

Travel to Tanzania will be more convenient than ever this year beginning in May when South African Airways (SAA) launches its new non-stop service to Johannesburg, South Africa, with same-day connections to Tanzania. Theearly departures from New York’s JFKAirport to O.R. Tambo InternationalAirport (JNB), then on to Dar es Salaam,will boost business and leisure travel to Tanzania.

Peter Mwenguo, Managing Director,Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), applaudedSAA’s move to provide same-day connec-tions to Dar es Salaam on their New YorkFlights. “The timing is excellent. Tanzaniatourism is booming, and in 2007, we hadmore visitors from the US than any othercountry worldwide. This new schedule fromNew York on SAA will be a big boost forAmerican tour operators and travel agentswho often find it difficult to get air lift intoTanzania for their clients at peak times.TTB looks forward to working with SAA topromote this new route and the SAATanzania vacation packages.”

“SAA considers Tanzania to be a key mar-ket with optimal growth opportunities,”said Marc Cavaliere, Executive VicePresident, North America for SAA.

Prior to the new schedule, SAA travelersto Tanzania had to spend a night inJohannesburg. With the launch of the newschedule, SAA’s flight to Tanzania willleave JFK at 11:35 am EST and arrive inJohannesburg at 8:45 am (next day): theflight to Tanzania will then depart at 2:55pm and arrive in Dar at 7:25 pm.

SAA flights to New York will depart fromDar at 7:25 am and arrive at O.R. TamboInternational Airport (JNB) at 10:10 am.Departure from JNB to New York will takeplace at 7:45 pm, with arrival at JFK at 7:40 pm. South African Airways (SAA), ww3.flysaa.com;Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

TRAVELERS’ PHILANTHROPYCONFERENCE IN TANZANIAEXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

Over 225 delegates attended the 2008Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference inArusha, Tanzania, the largest and most di-verse conference ever held on this theme.

The three-day conference, at which NobelLaureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, founderand leader of Kenya’s Green BeltMovement, gave the opening keynote address, also marked the first time thattravelers’ philanthropy had been addressedin Africa.

Travelers’ philanthropy is rapidly growinginto a worldwide movement and becomingpart of the definition of responsible travel.At its core, it’s about tourism businessesand travelers ‘giving back’ to tourism desti-nations with financial support, expertise,and material contributions to local projectsand community initiatives.

“We are thrilled with the results of theconference. Not only did more delegates at-tend than we had expected, but the confer-ence is also generating a number of new ed-ucational materials that will help tostrengthen travelers’ philanthropy initia-tives,” says Martha Honey, Co-Director ofthe Center on Ecotourism and SustainableDevelopment (CESD) that organized theconference and runs the Travelers’

Philanthropy Program. “These materialswill help provide, for the first time, the toolsto help tourism businesses and host commu-nities initiate and effectively carry out trav-elers’ philanthropy projects.” Participantsto the conference came from over 20 coun-tries. Nearly half received full or partialscholarships to attend, thanks to funds pro-vided by the Ford Foundation, USAID, theUnited Nations Foundation, and the UnitedStates Institute for Peace.

In his keynote address at the conference,Dr. David Western, founder of the AfricaConservation Centre and former director ofthe Kenya Wildlife Service, described travelers’ philanthropy as an effort to“martial the well-intentioned impulses ofthe traveler” to support needs in the localcommunity. He said it derives from the concept of the Good Samaritan, “the wayfarer who helped even those who he didnot know.”

The conference was endorsed and sup-ported by partners and sponsors, and theFord Foundation. Travelers’ Philanthropy isa project of the Center on Ecotourism andSustainable Development.Travelers' Philanthropy Conference,www.travelersphilanthropyconference.org;Center on Ecotourism and SustainableDevelopment, [email protected],www.ecotourismcesd.org


AFRICA

SEVEN DAYS IN NAMIBIA ON A FLYINGSAFARI WITH ABENTEUER AFRIKA

Abenteuer Afrika Safari is offering a seven-day flying safari byDesert Air that takes in all the diversity Namibia offers.

Travelers arrive in Windhoek on Air Namibia and are transferredto GocheGanas Nature Reserve and Wellness Village just outsidecity limits, where the afternoon’s free for a game drive, nature walkor relaxation in the Wellness Village.

The next day after breakfast guests transfer to the airport for aDesert Air private charter toward the pristine wilderness of theNamib Desert, with accommodations at Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge.A scenic drive to view historical bushman paintings as well as avisit to the Meerkat Project is included.

The next flight is to Sossusvlei, a Namib valley surrounded bymassive red sand dunes, the highest in the world. Accommodationsare at environmentally sensitive Sossus Dune Lodge, where guestsabsorb the splendor of the desert.

On day four, a balloon safari is planned for the early morning toview the vista of the Namib. A hearty champagne breakfast is provided.

Private charter then goes to Etosha National Park, one ofAfrica’s largest game reserves and a great animal sanctuary.Accommodation is at Onkoshi Camp. The drive from the airstrip tothe camp is through the northeastern Kalahari Woodlands. Gamedrives throughout the Park are included.

On day eight, private charter goes to the Caprivi Strip.Accommodations are at Susuwe Island Lodge, whose brick andthatch suites are equipped with double bathroom, bedroom, loungeand wooden viewing deck, and a private plunge pool. Deluxe cui-sine is offered in a variety of romantic settings.

On the last evening, guests charter to Ntwala Island Lodge in the most pristine and secluded area of Chobe for a holistic African experience. Intricate floating walkways link is-lands within the Mambova rapids where the Zambezi and ChobeRivers converge. Activities include a cruise on the rivers, guidedwalks, cultural tours, mokoro trips, fishing and bird watching. The following day, private charter departs to Windhoek for

return home.Rates for the seven-day Nambian tour are $6,401 ppdo, low sea-

son, and high season $7,128 ppdo. Abenteuer Afrika Safari, [email protected],www.abenteuerafrika.com; GocheGanas, www.gocheganas.com;Rostock Ritz Desert Lodge, www.rostock-ritz-desert-lodge.com;Sussus Dune Lodge, www.nwr.com.na; Onkoshi Camp,www.nwr.com.na; Susuwe Island Lodge, www.islandsinafrica.com;Ntwala Island Lodge, www.islandsinafrica.com

SAFARIS CROSSING SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIAWITH SASENDLE ADVENTURE TOURS

Sasendle Adventure Tours, with its home office in Cape Town,South Africa, offers new cross-country safaris between SouthAfrica and Namibia.

The Tours will begin operating from February 2009 with fixed de-parture dates once a month. All tours will take place in modernland rovers offering quality lodge and guest farm accommodationen route.

The 13-day Cape-Namibia Tour will take visitors from Capetown along the South African West Coast to the remoteRichtersveld-Ai Ais Trans frontier park along the Oranje (nowGariep) River into Namibia to visit the majestic Fish River Canyon,see the wild horses of the Namiba and visit the historic town ofLüderitz.

The Safari carries on to the rugged Tiras Mountains and visits thehigh dunes at Sossusvlei, and further to the coastal town ofSwakopmund into the beautiful Erongo Mountains, ending the tourin Windhoek.

The nine-day Namibia-Kalahari Discovery starts in Windhoek,travels into the Omaheke Region, visiting the indigenous San(Bushmen) people and then into the Kgalagadi Transfrontierparkwith extensive game viewing. The tour leads via Molopo andAugrabis Falls back into the Northern Cape to Calvinia andClanwilliam ending in Capetown. Additional departures for privategroups can be arranged on request.Sasendle Adventures, www.sasendle-adventures.com


AFRICA

NOMAD ADVENTURE TOURSADDS TO NAMIBIA ANDBOTSWANA DEPARTURES

Andrew Kelleher, Sales and MarketingManager for Nomad Tours based in CapeTown, South Africa, has announced an increase in departures to Namibia andBotswana as a result of the American market’s added interest in the unusual destinations.

Nomad’s adventure tours use specially-designed trucks that seat up to 24 peopleand are fully self-contained, including cook-ing equipment, refrigerators, freezers, lug-gage storage and camping gear.

Kelleher stated that “traditionally thismarket has been a backpacker market forpeople interested in seeing Africa on a bud-get. However, the market is changing andwe are now carrying people of all ages,many of whom prefer to sleep in a bed withan ensuite, but who still want to enjoy thefreedom and adventure that our vehiclesprovide.”

This touring method is also very environ-mentally friendly when compared with self-drive safaris. Many companies such asNomad are taking the environment very se-riously by taking routes with less impact onwildlife and plant life, using campsites withbetter rubbish removal and even attemptingto use different fuel sources.

Countries like Namibia are a valid choicefor Americans given the current strength ofthe dollar and what it buys locally: once aflight and tour is paid for, local expenditurewill amount to much less than a trip toEurope.Nomad Tours, [email protected],www.nomadtours.co.za

KEMPINSKI DEVELOPMENTSIN NAMIBIA

Kempinski continues its expansion in theAfrican region, with developments to 2012that include three further properties inNamibia, adding up to a total number offour properties in one of the most popularand growing tourist destinations inSouthern Africa.

The additional properties will be locatedin Caprivi, Windhoek and Swakopmund.

After the demolition of the famous StrandHotel being completed, construction of anew luxury hotel, situated seaside at themost prominent location in Swakopmundand overlooking the pier, will begin withinthe first quarter 2009.

Kempinski’s first property in Namibia,Kempinski Mokuti Lodge, is continuouslybeing upgraded to an international five-star lodge. The current works, which are scheduled to be completed by March this year, include the refurbishmentof the Boma Restaurant, pool area, an extensive upgrade of the lodge’s outside appearance and the building of a spa andgym.

The lodge is situated around one and a quarter miles from the Eastern entrance of Etosha National Park and fea-tures 106 rooms and suites, two restau-rants, two bars, three swimming pools,walking trails, two flood-lit tennis courts,two conference rooms and several outsidevenues for a private bush dinner or break-fast.

Guided game drives (scheduled or private) into the world-renowned EtoshaNational Park can be organized through thelodge.

From February 1 to 30 in June 2009,Kempinski Mokuti Lodge offers an openingspecial, starting from approximately $238in a Deluxe Room, including full buffetbreakfast. Kempinski Mokuti Lodge,[email protected],[email protected],kempinski.com

THE PRIDE AND PLEASUREOF SERVING: AFRICANWANDERER

African Wanderer is a leading inboundtour operator to Southern Africa, with of-fices in both Europe and Namibia. This en-ables it to offer a comprehensive, full rangeservice with attention to detail for all re-quirements of discerning travelers, coupledwith intimate local knowledge of the desti-nations. With passion for this unique desti-nation, African Wanderer is a foremosttour operator to Southern Africa, specializ-

ing in a range of high-quality tours, safarisand experiences. The owners are directly in-volved, ensuring that not only are clients of-fered top-quality travel experience, but alsoaccompanied by the personal touches thatare overlooked with a packaged trip.Clients are guaranteed to “experiencemore.”

Tours range from flying safaris, guided,self-drive and special interest tours and areall tailor-made to clients’ specific require-ments, allowing complete flexibility in allaspects of the itinerary. This allows thefreedom of setting one’s own pace and in-dulging in one’s personal passion whiletouring.

African Wanderer is original, practicaland thorough in vevery aspect of arrangingthe ideal getaway, ensuring that you don’tneed to focus on anything other than yourAfrican experience. African Wanderer,www.africanwanderer.com

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wwwwww..aabbeenntteeuueerraaffrriikkaa..ccoomm


AFRICA

Founded in 1975, Africa Travel Association (ATA) was the first industry association to promote exclusively tourism and investment opportunitiesbetween the U.S. and Africa. ATA executive director

Edward Bergman and EgyptianTourism Minister Hon. ZoheirGarranah, have announced thatthe Egyptian Tourism Ministry,along with the EgyptianTourism Authority (ETA), willhost ATA’s 34th AnnualCongress in Cairo, Egypt, fromMay 17–22, 2009. Travel WorldNews visited Bergman recentlyat ATA’s New York head-quarters, to discuss ATA’s evolution — and how this year’sCongress will showcase some ofthese changes.

Travel World News: SSiinnccee bbeeccoommiinngg AATTAA’’ss eexxeeccuuttiivvee ddiirreeccttoorr nneeaarrllyy tthhrreeee yyeeaarrss aaggoo,, yyoouu’’vvee bbeeeenn ssttrreessssiinngg ttrraannssffoorrmmaattiioonn aanndd cchhaannggee ffoorr tthhee aassssoocciiaattiioonn.. HHaass tthheerree bbeeeenn??

Eddie Bergman: Quite definitely. We’ve been redefiningwho and what we are…as you know, ATA began as a professional association to promote tourism and investment between our two continents. Over the years, though, the original membership guidelines became more relaxed. Ourmandate is to reinvigorate the “business-to-business-ness” ofAfrican tourism…which was ATA’s original strength. TWN: AATTAA’’ss pprreemmiieerr eevveenntt iiss iittss aannnnuuaall CCoonnggrreessss,, hheelldd eeaacchhyyeeaarr iinn aa ddiiffffeerreenntt AAffrriiccaann ccoouunnttrryy.. WWhhyy EEggyypptt iinn 22000099??

EB: Egypt has longstanding ties with ATA and wants to highlight its importance — both as standalone destination and as the perfect air connection for inter- and intracontinental travel to/from Africa, the Middle East andbeyond. We last held a Congress there in 1991, not long afterEgypt had begun tourism promotion. By 2004, their arrivalshad reached a record-high of 8.6 million visitors and becamethe country’s largest source of foreign currency revenue; 16million arrivals are expected by 2014! Plus, due to its easy access, we’re hoping that other North African tourism ministers — including Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria— will join us in Cairo.

TWN: WWhhoo sshhoouulldd aatttteenndd tthhiiss yyeeaarr’’ss AATTAA CCoonnggrreessss iinn CCaaiirroo??EB: All those interested in tourism promotion of the entire

continent! Obviously, we want all of our current members toattend, but we’re also trying to attract serious travel professionals who are curious about ATA, including buyersbeyond the traditional tourist-generating countries to Africa(e.g., nontraditional markets such as Asia and theCaribbean)…The Congress provides an incredible opportunity to meet Africa-based suppliers from across thecontinent — from Cairo to Cape Town, from Mali to Malawi!— all in one place. The focus is for overseas buyers to meetwith local suppliers, and this is a great opportunity to developboth classic and innovative packages that connect Egypt withthe rest of Africa.TWN: PPlleeaassee ggiivvee uuss aann eexxaammppllee ooff ppoossiittiivvee rreessuullttss ffrroomm aa rreecceenntt AATTAA CCoonnggrreessss oorr ootthheerr aannnnuuaall eevveenntt??

EB: One of the most exciting was the signing last year of our first Premier Partnership with Dubai World Africa (DWA), following their participation in last year’s Ecotourism Symposium in Djibouti…DWA is investing several billion dollars in tourism/business development in Africa over the next five years…this partnership gave usblue-chip credentials and has begun providing recognitionamong our global membership, allowing many branding andsponsorship opportunities at our annual events. We’re alsoexcited about our growing Diaspora Initiative (launched following our 2006 Congress in Ghana), because it’s openingdoors to a still relatively untapped market for Africa’s vasttourism potential.TWN: TThhee ssttrroonngg mmiinniisstteerriiaall pprreesseennccee aatt tthhee CCoonnggrreesssseess iiss uunniiqquuee ttoo AATTAA aanndd pprroovviiddeess eexxttrraaoorrddiinnaarryy oonnee--oonn--oonnee iinntteerrffaaccee ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess.. AArree tthheerree ppllaannss ttoo eexxppaanndd oonn tthhiiss iinn CCaaiirroo??

EB: Yes, that’s something we’re very proud of…ATA’s enjoyed this ability to have attendees meet various tourismministers during our Congresses. Our programs have included ministerial panels in the past, with several ministerssharing the same table. Now, totally new, we’re planning tointroduce individual roundtables with several ministers…Plan is that each minister would meet with a small group oftour operators and other retailers for in-depth sessions lasting around an hour, when participants would move on tothe next minister’s table, etc…imagine what a fantastic opportunity for in-depth product development!

Africa Travel Association’s 2009 Congress Means Business!Themed “Connecting Destination Africa,” ATA’s upcoming 34th Annual Congress andMarketing Seminar to be held in Egypt’s crossroads capital — Cairo.M A RY E L L E N S C H U LT Z

EDDIE BERGMAN


AFRICA

TWN: WWiillll aa BBuussiinneessss EExxcchhaannggee aallssoo bbee ppaarrtt ooff tthhee pprrooggrraamm??EB: As a matter of fact, yes! We’ll be launching our first

Africa Business Exchange as part of the Buyer’s MarketplaceExpo. No more missed-chance meetings or disappointments!We’re planning to provide buyers one day for pre-scheduled15-minute meetings with Africa-based suppliers. Final detailsare being worked out, and there should be approximately 24sessions total, along with a working lunch for additional networking. As in other shows, early-bird sign-up will save the additional cost for the exchange that would be added to later-registration fees. Another advantage of pre-scheduling, is that you’d be able to reserve a seat for aMinister’s roundtable.TWN: WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu sseeee aass tthhee mmaaiinn cchhaalllleennggee ttoo ggeenneerraattiinnggeexxcciitteemmeenntt aabboouutt tthhiiss CCoonnggrreessss??

EB: Obviously, the current economic climate, but the desireto travel, both on and not-so-on a budget, remainstrong…What we hope is to attract serious suppliers, travelagents and tour operators — both members and those considering membership — and make the Congress a not-to-be-missed event to initiate and consolidate business opportunities. TWN: HHooww aarree yyoouu pprroommoottiinngg tthhee CCoonnggrreessss??

EB: We kicked off a three-city promotional tour January 9 inChicago (in conjunction with the Adventures in Travel Expo),then on January 26 in Atlanta (following the Atlanta TravelExpo), closing this February 26 in Los Angeles (after the LA

Times Travel & Adventure Show). Of course, we’ll be available to answer questions at our booths in the New YorkTimes Travel Show (February 6–9) in New York City and atthe ATA U.S.–Africa Sports Tourism Seminar (February19–20) in Washington, DC, held just prior the Adventures inTravel Expo there (February 21–22).TWN: IIss aannyy vveennuuee//aaiirr//hhootteell iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aavvaaiillaabbllee yyeett??

EB: The Congress will be held at the Cairo InternationalConference Center (CICC) for five days (May 17–21). EgyptAir will be the official Congress carrier and the FairmontHeliopolis the event headquarters… the government is subsidizing the hotel, so the rates will be very attractive. We’llbe posting updates on our website soon.TWN: IInn cclloossiinngg,, wwhhaatt iiss yyoouurr hhooppee ffoorr tthhee CCoonnggrreessss??

EB: Honestly, trying to pack so much into such a limitedtime is somewhat daunting, but we want to make attendingthe Congress really worth attendees’ time, money and investment…suppliers need to be able to say at the end of theweek, “I met with 20 [or 25…or even 30!] prospects whomight actually be converted into real customers!” We’re hoping for the largest attendance ever; we want to be as productive as possible; we want attendees to take advantageof Egypt’s countless attractions, plus realize how easy it is toconnect from there to the rest of Africa…and May’s rightaround the corner!Africa Travel Association, 888-439-0478; www.africatravelassociation.org

Eternally powerful – the Pyramids at Giza, Egypt.

EN

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AFRICA

MARA INTREPIDS CAMP FEATURED BY CONDE NAST AS TOP AFRICAN RESORT

For the second year running, Heritage Hotels’ Mara IntrepidsCamp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara was selected by readers of CondeNast Traveler in 2008 as one of the top 50 resorts in Africa.Property scores are higher than ever before too for the second year,indicating the African tourism industry’s dedication to increasinglyhigh standards when it comes to accommodation, experience andservice. This award couldn’t be timelier for Mara Intrepids Camp,as the property is just finishing a massive refurbishment includingall new tents, three new family units, fresh, classic safari decor andall new soft furnishings. Traveler’s editors report that these prop-erties “manage to exceed our expectations, and it is also a creditto the worldly expertise of Conde Nast Traveler readers, passion-ate travelers for whom no island is too remote, no city too challeng-ing, no hotel too untested.” Certainly the inherent luxury of a sa-fari in Kenya coupled with superior guiding experience make MaraIntrepids Camp a perennial favorite.

Sitting above a sweeping bend in the Talek River, at the conflu-ence of the Maasai Mara’s four game-viewing areas, the 30 tentsat Mara Intrepids Camp enjoy one of the most spectacular loca-tions in the entire Mara ecosystem.

Heritage Hotels operates eight luxury camps, resorts and lodgesin Kenya. The Explorer Collection, including Lamu’s KipunganiExplorer and the Masai Mara’s Mara Explorer, offer travelers five-star style and intimate, exclusive settings. Also operated byHeritage Hotels, the Intrepids Safari Camps and Lodge collection,including Mara Intrepids, Samburu Intrepids, Siana Springs andthe Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort, provide a classicAfrican safari experience. Heritage Hotels, www.Heritage-EastAfrica.com

ALFAJIRI INTRODUCES YOGA AT LUXURYKENYA VILLAS

Alfajiri, comprised of three luxury Kenya villas on the IndianOcean coast, has announced that private Indian yoga instructionwill now be available to all guests—in the villas overlooking theocean, at the pool, in the garden or wherever a guest desires. This

latest feature at the luxury Kenya property makes Alfajiri Villasone of the few destinations in East Africa to offer yoga.

“For years our guests have enjoyed the total privacy, luxury andphenomenal service Alfajiri provides,” said Fabrizio Molilnaro,owner of Alfajiri Villas. “The stunning beauty and totally relaxedatmosphere of the Indian Ocean coast lends itself to the renewingpractice of yoga which we are now pleased to offer at Alfajiri.”

The instructor at Alfajiri has trained in Ashtanga Yoga, Asana,Pranayama, Mudra Practice and had personal study of Iyengaryoga. He previously taught at the Vivekenanda Yoga Centre inBangalore.

Sheltered on coral cliffs, above the talcum sands of Diani Beachon the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, Alfajiri Villas are a stylish pri-vate retreat with bright and breezy fabrics and East African arti-facts, carved Lamu doors and wooden beams that reflect the re-gion’s link with Asia. The Kenya luxury accommodation issurrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and fronted by a spectac-ular clifftop swimming pool that merges with the azure waters ofthe Indian Ocean.Alfajiri Villas, www.alfajirivillas.com

AFFORDABLE SAFARI TRIP OF A LIFETIMENOW OFFERED BY EXPRESS TRAVEL

The Express Travel Group destination management company,which for over 50 years has exposed travelers to the wonders ofAfrica, has just added another fabulous journey. The new afford-able safari offers people a chance to see the same stunning scenery,experience the same jaw-dropping animal encounters and stay inthe same exotic, luxurious camps but without many costs that comewith most African safaris.

For those who’ve dreamed of getting up close and personal to a10,000-pound elephant, would love to see flamingo flocks paint theshores of the Nakuru, or long to see with their own eyes the “BigFive,” this is a once-in-a-lifetime, affordable safari.

“Some people think that an African safari is far-fetched dreamthat will never come true,” says Richard Markham, managing di-rector for that last 15 years at ETG. “However, Express TravelGroup has put together this affordable African safari that is a per-fect way to make that lifelong vision become a reality.”

The one-week safari through Kenya starts off in the bush countryof Samburu, home to species such as oryx, gerenuk and the reticu-lated giraffe. Guests spend a night at Sweetwaters private ranchand visit Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha. The week ends at either theMara Siana Springs tented camp or Mara Intrepids Luxury TentedCamp with a day of game viewing in a 4WD vehicle with an open-top roof. Here one is likely to see wildebeest, zebra and possibly acheetah or a leopard. The week is packed full of adventure, greatfood and lasting memories.

The trip costs from $1,850—$2,445 depending on time of year.Most meals, all park entrance fees, transport, game drives andother details are all included. Express Travel Group, www.etg-safaris.com


AFRICA

KIMBLA-MANTANA UGANDA OPENS THE ENGAGI LODGE IN UGANDA

Kimbla-Mantana Uganda has opened itsnewest accommodation, The Engagi Lodge,in Bwindi, Uganda. Situated on a largetract contiguous with the Bwindi NationalPark running from the main Buhoma roaddown to the Munyaga River, the EngagiLodge serves as an ideal base camp for go-rilla trekking in the Bwindi National Park.(Engagi means “gorilla” in Rukiga, thelanguage spoken in and around Bwindi.)

The main lodge is divided into three sec-tions: a “rock” bar, the restaurant, and alarge wooden veranda with a separate out-door-viewing platform. The lodge is open-ended at the front to allow a dramatic viewof the National Park forest from every cor-ner inside the building. It was constructedentirely from rocks found in and around thesite and eucalyptus trees, with its roofthatched using banana fiber sourced fromlocal farmers.The kitchen, a distance awayto ensure privacy, prepares a variety ofthree-course meals, and all requirementssuch as vegetarianism/vegan are catered toby a team of experienced chefs.

The lodge consists of just eight en-suitecottages, evenly spaced out and hidden inthe foliage. Each cottage has either doubleor twin beds (complete with hot water bot-tles), a bathroom with flushing toilets, andhot and cold running water. All have privateverandas where guests can enjoy morningtea or coffee.

Electricity is solar with a backup genera-tor, and wood-burning boilers supply hotwater. Plans include changing to solar-pow-ered heaters in the future with the woodburners as backup.

The main reception has been positioned upon the Buhoma Road, with a large and se-cure roadside car-park, both a good dis-tance away from the main lodge. Driverscan be accommodated in the permanentstaff buildings.

There are private walking trails aroundthe lodge and to the river, and functioningcommunity tea farms inside the site.

The Engagi Lodge offers classic accom-modations in the Bwindi area. Tour opera-

tors are welcome to book use of these forclients to support their travel plans, andothers are welcome too. Kimbla-Mantana Uganda, [email protected],www.Kimbla-MantanaUganda.com; The Engagi Lodge, www.EngagiLodge.com

GOWAY PLANS EXCLUSIVESFOR UN’S ‘YEAR OF THEGORILLA’

In order to raise money for primatesthreatened with extinction from disease,hunting and deforestation, the UN inDecember launched the “Year of theGorilla” with Prince Albert II of Monacoand representatives from over 100 govern-ments gathering in Rome to discuss mea-sures to save nearly 30 species endangered.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts has arrangedprograms where travelers can encounterthese spectacular creatures up close. One isa seven-day ‘Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps’that includes gorilla trekking in BwindiImpenetrable Forest in Uganda and chimptrekking, from $3,547. Bwindi, where raremountain gorilla twins have been born, ishome to an estimated 340 mountain goril-las, around half the global population. Alsoon offer is the three or four-day ‘MountainGorilla Encounter’ in Rwanda from $2,445which includes flights from Nairobi and a

city tour of Kigali including a visit to themoving Genocide Memorial & EducationCenter. Accommodation in the capital is atthe first-class Intercontinental Hotel orsimilar. Morning gorilla treks occur on daystwo and three and guests overnight at theGorilla Nest Lodge.

“Before I saw my first mountain gorillahe brushed my shoulder as he bounded fromthe canopy above and went somersaultingdown the track behind me,” says BruceHodge, President of 39-year-old Goway.“There was another gorilla in the under-growth to the left and one to the right andeven more in the bamboo canopy above.Wow…were we ever close!” The place wasVolcanoes National Park in Rwanda, EastAfrica, the region where Dian Fossey be-came famous. “I feel privileged to be one ofthe very few travelers who have ever en-countered mountain gorillas in their ownhabitat” continued Hodge.

Since only eight permits are issued eachday in Rwanda to visit each of five familieshabituated for tourists, a small number oftravelers get to encounter mountain goril-las in their habitat.

Early booking is essential.Goway Travel, 800-245-0920, www.goway.com/africa/uganda/gorillas-wildlife-chimps.html,www.goway.com/africa/rwanda/index.html


AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM CONTRIBUTES TO LAUNCH OF THE AFRICA CHANNEL

South African Tourism was a contributing sponsor at the recentlaunch of The Africa Channel in the Los Angeles market, where itis now available on Time Warner Digital Cable 176. The gala eventwas held at the California African American museum, and featuredSouth African wines and traditional African fare. Special guestsincluded Ambassador Andrew Young, who gave the keynote ad-dress; Dikembe Mutombo, Chairman & President of the DikembeMutombo Foundation Inc.; actress Xolile Tshabalala ofGenerations, a popular South African TV series; and JamesMakawa, Co-founder and CEO of The Africa Channel. The highlightof the evening was a headline performance by the acclaimed SouthAfrican musician Jonathan Butler.

Over 500 attended the event, and each guest received a SouthAfrican Tourism branded gift bag with the South Africa brochureand other items, including stuffed animals and a Putumayo WorldMusic South Africa CD.

The Africa Channel, a U.S.-based television network, showcasesthe rich and diverse perspectives of Africa’s people, through pro-gramming that spans news and information, travel and lifestyle,music, soap operas, talk shows, reality, feature films and specialevents.

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsiblefor the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destina-tion. It is headed by Moeketsi Mosola as Chief Executive Officerwith Didi Moyle its Chief Operating Officer.South African Tourism, www.southafrica.net

AUSTIN-LEHMAN TARGETS SCHOOL HOLIDAYSFOR EDUCATIONAL SAFARIS

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) believes some of the bestlearning is done outside of the classroom. For 2009 the company isoffering three family safari departures to South Africa around win-ter, spring and summer school holidays.

Designed for families with children seven years and older, empha-

sis is put on fun, culturally immersive, small-group learning oppor-tunities that benefit both kids and parents. Accompanied by veterannature guides and rangers, participants will get up close withwildlife on foot, by bike, on horseback and by four-wheel drive inSouth Africa’s safe and secluded private wildlife reserves. A trip toa township school to watch local artists create trinkets from recy-cled products is also included.

ALA prefers to limit the size of its programs to increase accessafforded only to small groups. “Our credo has always been smalleris better,” says Dan Austin, co-founder and operating director.“With an average of just 12 guests and led by local experts, we cango places and do things that larger safari companies can’t.”

He underscores that his company also arranges custom journeysfor as few as two guests. Tailored to personal schedules and bud-gets these exclusives offer better wildlife viewing opportunities andprovide increased access to special and spontaneous experiences.

The South Africa Family Adventure Safari begins in Cape Town.From upscale family-friendly lodgings, guests head into the bush ofWaterberg and Welgevonden Private Game Reserves to observeelephant, rhino, giraffe and lion. Home base for the remainder ofthe trip is Cape Town where families will swim with African pen-guins, tour a local township and school and enjoy a regional wineand cheese tasting tour.

Three 10-day/nine-night holidays begin February 15, April 5 andJuly 5, 2009. The nearly all-inclusive cost is $5,998 ppdo ($1,280single supplement); $5,398 first child; $4,798 each additionalchild. Children must be age seven and older. Austin-Lehman Adventures, 800-575-1540,[email protected], www.austinlehman.com

andBEYOND LAUNCHES NEW SPECIALISTSAFARI AT NGALA

andBEYOND has introduced an exhilarating new safari—theSpecialist Safari—at Ngala Private Game Reserve in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Expect the Unexpected at Ngala is a five-day experience offeringguests the opportunity to tailor their own personal itinerary with ahighly-skilled senior private ranger and tracker while discoveringone of the richest wildlife regions on the continent. The tempo ofthe day is theirs to choose and they can decide how much walkingthey would like to do, how long they would like to be out on gamedrive and how much relaxation time they’d like in the luxury oftheir suite.

The safari includes activities such as tracking big game on footand a memorable sleep-out option in the bush followed by a heli-copter pick-up the next morning and tour over the breathtakingBlyde River Canyon. Guests are also able to spend as much time asthey’d like at exciting wildlife sightings for photographic opportu-nities, savor Pan-African menus served at a variety of intimatebush settings and enjoy superlative accommodation at either NgalaSafari Lodge or Ngala Tented Camp. andBEYOND, www.andbeyond.com

Shown (left to right) are Paula Newton, South African Airways; Dean Jacobberger, South African Tourism; Ambassador Andrew Young; Dikembe Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo Foundation;and James Makawa, The Africa Channel.


AFRICA

UNCHARTED AFRICA SAFARICO. TO REBUILD LEGENDARYBOTSWANA CAMPS

Uncharted Africa Safari Co., operator offamous Jack’s Camp, continues to push

the benchmark for the ultimate safari experience with the upcoming rebuilding of San Camp and refurbishment of Camp Kalahari.

Known for its authentic pared-down safarielegance with minimal ecological impact,San Camp is being completely rebuilt.

The major upgrade will raise accommoda-tion standards to that of famous Jack’sCamp, without changing the wonderful sim-plicity and intimacy of this camp. SanCamp will see the addition of a brand newcentral mess tent filled with artifacts fromthe area and the campaign furniture that isUncharted Africa’s signature style. The sixnew guest tents will offer swing beds on thebalconies, Persian carpets and percale cotton sheets.

Camp Kalahari, the relaxed eight-tentedcamp on the edge of the ancient super lakeand adjacent to the Makgadikgadi NationalPark, is being totally refurbished. Nestled the among acacias and Mokolwane

palms of Hyaena Island, this camp is a return to Jack’s original 1940s-style safari camps, and offers guests a simple yet sophisticated Makgadikgadi experience.

The eight Camp Kalahari tents are all ensuite with hot and cold running water, flushloos, crisp cotton sheets, and hot water bot-tles in the winter. A traditionally thatchedlibrary, lounge and dining area, allowguests to relax and enjoy the serenity andpeace of this enchanting area.

Founded in 1993 by Catherine Raphaelyand Ralph Bousfield, Uncharted Africa cap-tures the spirit of Ralph’s legendary father,Jack Bousfield, a pioneering African adven-turer whose vision it was to bring travelersto the otherworldly Makgadikgadi SaltPans. It is one of the last truly traditionalsafari operations in Africa, and home to thefamous Makgadikgadi meerkats. Uncharted Africa Safari Co., www.unchartedafrica.com

Go See For Yourself.

Starting May 1, 2009, South African Airways

will offer daily non-stop service from New York (JFK)

to Johannesburg. Our 11:35 a.m. departure gets you to Johannesburg earlier than on any other airline, and allows for easy seamless network connections to49 destinations in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Wherever you’re going in Southern Africa, South African Airwaysoffers the fastest way to get there with legendary award-winning service. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.

Non-Stop From The Big Apple To The Big Five

No One Is Faster To More Of Africa Than We Are

South Africa Cape TownDurbanEast LondonGeorgeHoedspruitNelspruit (Kruger & Mpumalanga)Port ElizabethAngolaLuandaBotswana Gaborone

Gabon Libreville Kenya NairobiMalawi Blantyre LilongweMozambique BeiraMaputo Pemba

Namibia WindhoekWalvis Bay Tanzania Dar es SalaamUganda Entebbe Zambia Livingstone LusakaZimbabwe BulawayoHarare

Same Day Connections To More Of Africa

PREMIER TOURISM GROUP REVIVING TRADITIONAL ZIMBABWEAN CIRCUIT

Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) is a new grouping of SouthernAfrican tourism offerings, with the award-winning Victoria FallsSafari Lodge as its flagship. The Group made its debut at Africa’spremier tourism showcase, Indaba, last May. AAT links the inim-itable Victoria Falls with the prolific wildlife of Hwange and stun-ning scenery of Kariba. Transfers are by light aircraft. The grouphas an impressive portfolio of properties, as well as new offeringscertain to resuscitate the well-loved Zimbabwean route.

Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge is on the fringes of the UpperZambezi from Victoria Falls, and is frequented by huge herds of ele-phant roaming the bordering Chobe Forest Reserve. In addition tostandard game activities, it’s a superb fishing destination.

The Hide offers an ideal base from which to enjoy wildlife in pro-fusion in the world-renowned game reserve. An elite lodge, it linksto the resort hub of Victoria Falls and Bumi Hills at Lake Karibaby seat-in-plane light aircraft transfers, landing at Hwange MainAirstrip.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, the ultra-luxurious Kariba favorite, re-opens this February as a romantic, Out-of-Africa getaway on thegame-rich shores at the Ume River-mouth and bordering theMatusadona National Park. With a total refurbishment and re-design, the five-star lodge has fine dining, an infinity pool and baroverlooking the shoreline, conference rooms, and a spa with a ma-jestic vista.

Wild Horizons Sanctuary Lodge, a fully-tented 18-bed camp inthe Victoria Falls National Park, is scheduled to open in May 2009.Located downstream of the Victoria Falls bounded by the MasuweRiver and the Batoka gorges, the camp has views of the spray, themajestic Zambezi beyond and awesome gorges separatingZimbabwe and Zambia. One can expect close interaction withwildlife, in particular elephant, cheetah and rhino being introducedat the adjacent Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary. The deluxe lodgedesigned using safari architecture unique in Zimbabwe will boastnine, approximately 700-square-foot air-conditioned units.

Chundu Island is a completely new concept in the middle of thelegendary Zambezi, upriver of Victoria Falls. Positioned as a totallypampered African river island experience pre- or end-of-safari, it’sdesigned to deliver rest and relaxation in 12 luxuriously appointedtented rooms, each with awesome river views. The accent is on exclusivity and superior service, typified by the island’s unique mobile spa. Chundu Island welcomes its first guests in the thirdquarter of 2009.

Santonga is the world’s first bio-park, and will offer an educa-tional wildlife and African entertainment experience in a setting ad-jacent to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Modelled on an Africanvillage, Santonga will fuse audio-visual technology to present ahighly-interactive six-hour geo-historical, anthropological andwildlife encounter. Santonga Park opens in 2010 and is expected toincrease length of stay in Victoria Falls.Africa Albida Tourism, www.africaalbidatourism.com


AFRICAA SELECTION OF REPRESENTATION

COMPANIES

SPECIALIZING IN

AFRICACompany Name: CREATIVE TRAVEL MARKETING

Local Phone Number: 407-578-2290Email Address: [email protected]

Africa Based Client: Wildlife Safari

Company Name: THE FAZENDIN PORTFOLIOLocal Phone Number: 303-993-7906

Email Address: [email protected] Address: www.fazendinportfolio.com

Africa Based Clients: Heritage Hotels (Kenya)Alfajiri Villas (Kenya)Galdessa Camp (Kenya)Express Travel Group (East Africa)Mbali Mbali Camps and Lodges (Tanzania)Choroa Luxury Safaris (Tanzania)Dinknesh Tour (Ethiopia)Ulendo Safaris (Malawi and Zambia)

Company Name: THE FRAN GELLAR & ASSOCIATESLocal Phone Number: 773-281-3017

Email Address: [email protected] Based Client: United Travel Group (UTG)

800-223-6486www.unitedtravelgroup.com

Company Name: PSC, INC. Local Phone Number: 631-661-6871

Toll Free Number: 800-323-3210Email Address: [email protected]

Africa Based Clients: African Pride Hotelswww.africanpridehotels.comProtea Hotelswww.proteahotels.comSpringbok Atlaswww.springbokatlas.comARP Groupwww.arpsafaris.com

Company Name: TRAVEL PROFILES INTERNATIONALLocal Phone Number: 617-482-9571

Email Address: [email protected] Based Client: United Travel Group (UTG)

800-223-6486 www.unitedtravelgroup.com

Company Name: TRUMARKETINGLocal Phone Number: 305.864.4569

Email Address: [email protected] Website Address: www.trumarketing.com

Africa Based Clients: The Blue TrainFranschhoek Country House & VillasShumbalala Game Lodge Illyria House & Spa Welcome Tourism Services


AFRICA

HORST FREHSE NAMEDASARA’S GENERAL MANAGER

Asara WineEstate & Hotelhas announced theappointment ofHorst W. Frehseas General Man-ager of its luxuryestate hotel in theheart of the CapeWinelands outsideS t e l l e n b o s c h ,

S.A. This coincides with Asara’s induction as a member of the prestigiousRelais & Chateaux Association, a selectParis-based association of hoteliers andrestaurateurs.

Horst has been the delegate of theSouthern-East African & Indian OceanDelegation of Relais & Chateaux since2004, as well as an internationally electedmember of its International Board ofDirectors since 2005.

Horst also has longstanding experiencewith other luxurious Relais & Chateauxproperties, including Paarl’s Grande Roche Hotel and Singita Grumeti GameReserves in Tanzania and the KrugerNational Park.

He, with his team, will be instrumental inplacing Asara on the high-end tourist map,continuing his excellent relationships in thetravel and tourist trade and ensuring commitment to exceed client and guest expectations.

Criteria for Relais & Chateaux member-ship selection include the commitment andpresence of the owner and GeneralManager and their teams, the secluded andexceptional location of the hotel, as well asthe highest standards of service, hotel keep-ing, top-quality cuisine and wine list, out-standing accommodation facilities andamenities.

Asara is centrally located in the CapeWinelands, with luxury accommodation,two restaurants, a cigar and whisky loungefor aficionados, and a grand ballroom forweddings and conferences.

The deli/confectionery and a high-endkitchen showroom highlight the individual-

ity of the extraordinary estate. With Frehse at the helm, the dedicated

team aim to establish Asara as the ultimatefive-star Relais & Chateaux destination, liv-ing up to its motto of ‘out with the ordinaryand in with the extraordinary.’Asara, [email protected],www.asara.co.za/

ROYAL MADIKWE EXCELS AS TOP LUXURY VILLA IN AFRICA

Royal Madikwe, an exclusive game lodge in South Africa’s North WestProvince, confirmed Africa’s place within the fold of private luxury villas when it was honored at the coveted 2008Luxury World Hotel Awards.

Competing with the world’s top villa destinations, this five-star bush retreat, situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, excelled as the only African property among the four top-seeded contenders in the Luxury Villa Resorts grouping of these annualawards.

Selected from votes cast by travel industry delegates from across the globe,Royal Madikwe shares the esteem of final-ist with DISINI Luxury Spa Villas inIndonesia and Paradise Luxury Villas inCrete, while Greece’s exquisite EloundaGulf Villas & Suites was crowned overallcategory winner.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards was es-tablished in 2007 as a celebration of the ul-timate achievement in the hospitality indus-try, with finalists and winners representingall categories in the luxury hotel industryacknowledged for world-class facilities andservice excellence.

This latest accolade follows RoyalMadikwe’s recent success at the SATourism Welcome Awards 2008, where itclinched poll position in the LodgesCategory.

The five-star private ‘safari home,’ situ-ated in a game-rich wilderness region adja-cent to the Botswana border, offers undi-vided use to each reservation, allowing asingle party of up to only 10 guests to inter-act with nature in a lavish milieu that has

exceptional accommodation, service andcuisine.

The lodge recently unveiled its new RoyalSuite, which offers a freestanding Africanresidence ideal for a small party or familyof four.

The same contrast of natural tones andcontemporary yet comfortable design existsthroughout the rest of the property whichincludes five open-plan styled privatesuites, each with its own distinct setting, aswell as an additional family suite in themain lodge.

Royal Madikwe is passionately committedto responsible tourism practices and is thefirst establishment in the North WestProvince to carry the esteemed Fair Tradein Tourism South Africa (FITSA)Trademark, which embodies a devotion tocombining tourism, environmental manage-ment and local economic development.Royal Madikwe, www.royalmadikwe.com/

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