Travel Bulletin Southern & East Africa Supplement 2014

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All About

Southern & East Africa February 2014

Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Southern & East Africa

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All About

Southern & East Africa CONTENTS

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do hope you enjoy browsing through this year’s colourful supplement, which is packed full of ideas to inspire you to sell more of these fascinating countries – home to many colourful cultures, magnificent scenery and the best wildlife on our planet.

The sad death of Nelson Mandela has increased interest in South Africa, as a result of which demand has increased for specialised tours such as our Long Walk to Freedom that visits keys sites associated with the life and work of this great man.

Even though South Africa is best known for its big five safari, it offers so much more. Why not suggest a wildflowers tour to the scenically beautiful Cape or, for the historians out there, a guided tour of the Zulu battlefields?

Wheelchair accessible safaris open up more selling opportunities in both Southern and East Africa and enable many to travel where they never dreamed possible.

The classic safari destinations of Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania continue to attract travellers, each with their own special appeal.

For the adventurous, Madagascar is opening up again following its successful elections.

With the recent “Animal Orphans” television documentary where Paul O’Grady travelled across Africa interacting with hippos, rhinos, cheetahs and lions - the demand for safari holidays that give something back is growing. So add a visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre to your customer’s itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

With the rand having weakened by 25% over the past year, I am expecting travel to South Africa and Namibia to increase sharply.

So this is the year to encourage your customers to travel to Africa, as it’s offering the best value in more than 10 years!

Happy selling!

Claire Farley 2by2 Holidays

All About Southern & East Africa

What’s new - 4

Hotel hotline - 5

South Africa - 7

Botswana - 13

Safaris - 16

Regional round-up - 20

Holidays for less than - 23

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What’s new Operators are being more ambitious with their programmes for 2014 with itineraries that will take you far away from the tourist trail into the less-discovered regions of Southern and East Africa

The Selinda canoe trail in the Okavango Delta is a great family adventure, according to specialist Real Africa

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he holiday market to southern and east Africa is a very dynamic space this year with the depreciation in the rand making holidays to South Africa more affordable, while a new East Africa visa that combines Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda has been a great development for operators that put together safaris and gorilla-trekking itineraries.

With Emirates increasing its network from Dubai, this has opened up new routes and holiday options for UK travellers. And there is lots of excitement about the launch of British Airways’ Airbus A380 service to Johannesburg.

We catch up with some of the operators to see how 2014 is panning out.

Cox and Kings The escorted tours specialist has introduced new tours and a new lodge in West Africa for 2014.

The 14-day Ethiopian Odyssey itinerary gets under the skin of this country and its rich heritage.

The highlights include: a half-day tour of the capital Addis Ababa; a visit to Axum, believed to be the centre of early civilisation in Ethiopia and reputed home of the Queen of Sheba and the Ark of the Covenant; and the tombs of King Kelab and Gebra Meskel, the Queen of Sheba’s swimming pool and palace, King Ezana’s Stone and the magnificent obelisks.

Prices lead in at £2,785 per person, including flights, accommodation, some meals, transfers and the services of a guide.

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Wild Frontiers The adventure specialist has introduced a new tour of Kenya for 2014.

The eight-day Kenyan Highlands Horse Safari, which departs on 8 March, will be led

by Wild Frontiers MD Jonny Bealby This trip takes place predominantly around the Laikipia Plateau, which is home to rare black rhino, ancient rock art and some of the largest herds of elephants outside Kenya’s national parks.

The horse-back adventure will take riders across valleys and savannahs rich in wildlife, staying at cattle ranches and camping out beneath the stars, as the trip makes its way into the Lolldaiga Hills and down along the Ewaso Narok River.

Prices lead in at £3,450 per person, excluding flights.

Real Africa The safari specialist Real Africa has rebranded its brochure featuring a new range of Challenge safari.

The operator was prompted to add the Challenge safari option after marketing manager Sara White said she saw a number of her friends “in the 'mid life crisis' bracket running marathons, undertaking Iron Man challenges and going on 100-mile walks and triathlons.

“Challenge trips allow those who have perhaps already been to Africa to experience the continent in a more immediate and exciting way. They are designed to get people out of the 4x4.

“Some of the challenges are also really

good for families with teenagers looking for something a bit different, particularly the Selinda Canoe Trail along the Okavango Delta in Botswana,” she adds.

Real Africa’s 10-day Southern Ethiopia Challenge tour ventures into the Bale Mountains, the Rift Valley Lakes and the Tribes of the Omo Valley.

Prices lead in at £2,059 per person and include domestic flights, accommodation, a guide, transfers and all entrance fees.

International flights are not included.

2by2 Holidays The Southern and East Africa tailor-made specialist has introduced two new tours.

The first one is the 16-day Wildflowers of the Cape small group specialist tour, led by Keith Kirsten, “the Alan Titchmarsh of South Africa”. This tour departs on 20 August and 12 September and explores the spectacular wildflowers and gardens of the Western Cape and prices lead in at £2,995 including flights.

The other new tour is the 13-night Zululand Explorer: Battlefields and Reed Dance plus Safari itinerary, which explores the history and culture of KwaZulu Natal including visiting the Zulu Battlefields and enjoying the annual Zulu Reed Dance Festival.

A safari in Hluhluwe Game Reserve also features along with a visit to the Drakensberg Mountains and Sani Pass before some chilling-out on the warm Durban North Coast.

Prices lead in at £1,995 per person excluding flights.

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New rooms with views

Hotel hotline From camps opening up in areas that have been closed to tourism for 20 years to lodges introducing accommodation to cater for families, it’s a dynamic time for accommodation providers South Africa A new camp opened last month in the Motswari Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

The Geiger’s Camp aims to be a marriage of old and new as the five-star safari lodge attempts to reflect its long, rich heritage and soul of a family who has been involved with conservation for many years.

Marion Geiger has redesigned the camp that was set up by her father Paul Geiger 50 years ago. Previously known as the rustic self-catering Sharalumi Camp, this new intimate and exclusive camp takes a step away from the classic colonial Africa style – with more modern décor and an ambience reminiscent of an old conservationist’s hideaway. Comprising two stone houses with a total of four en-suite bedrooms, a lounge area, a veranda and a swimming pool, refurbishments include private verandahs off each bedroom, minibars, bathrobes, slippers and laptop-sized safes.

Game drives with professional game rangers are available every day, with the option of a guided Motswari trail walk or a night under the stars at the Giraffe’s Nest tree house.

How much? Rates start at £180 per person sharing, which includes accommodation, all game activities, all meals and most drinks including house wines.

To book: email info@ethosmarketing.co.uk Ethiopia A new 15-bedroom, eco-safari lodge in the Bale Mountains National Park 280 miles from the capital of Addis Ababa in south central Ethiopia has opened.

All of the rooms at Bale Mountain Lodge will have a wood-burning stove and furniture is being manufactured locally using sustainable wood.

The location of the lodge has been selected to provide guests with the chance to experience a wilderness that incorporates the largest tract of Afro-alpine moorland remaining on the continent, the majority being more than 3,800 metres above sea All About Southern & East Africa

level, while living in a cloud forest that offers access to the rift valley and wider local attractions.

The mix of habitats support a myriad of rare species, many endemic to Ethiopia and some found only within the park. Some 60% of the remaining Ethiopian Wolves are found within the park; other species include the endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck and various rodent species, plus lions, birds rare Giant Forest Hogs and the endemic Bale Monkeys.

How much? Red Savannah offers four nights’ full board from £1,555 per person based on two sharing, including flights and transfers.

To book: www.redsavannah.com Tanzania Luxury hotel group Four Seasons has opened a new lodge in the Serengeti.

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti has 77 guest rooms, an educational Discovery Centre, a spa and a large infinity pool overlooking a watering-hole.

The Discovery Centre at the lodge offers guests the chance to learn about African culture and history with guests having the opportunity to get to know the local Maasai people and support wildlife conservation through the Cheetah Watch Campaign.

The centre has also introduced the Wildlife Photographer in Residence programme, which sees acclaimed wildlife photographers visit the Lodge to accompany guests on their game drive to help them take the perfect shot.

The lodge’s Kijana Kids’ Klub offers children and teens the chance to learn more about the animal kingdom and the plants and insects of the Serengeti.

How much? Prices start at £740 a night based on two people sharing.

To book: www.fourseasons.com Kwihala Camp Asilia Africa has added the Kwihala Camp in the Ruaha National Park in Tanzania to its portfolio of properties.

Described as Tanzania’s undiscovered safari gem despite it being the country’s largest national park, Ruaha is home to 10% of the world’s lion population, the world’s third largest population of wild dogs and home to one of the few sustainable populations of cheetah left in East Africa.

Kwihala is a six tented camp set close to the Mwagusi Sand River in a valley rich with game. The camp is set deep in the bush on a hillside with great views, far away from other camps so as to remain undisturbed.

How much? Rates at Kwihala Camp start at £213 per person per night for full board accommodation and all activities.

To book: www.kwihala.com Namiri Plains A new camp is poised to open in the east of the Serengeti on July 1, an area that has been closed to tourism for more than 20 years to act as cheetah sanctuary.

Namiri Plains, Serengeti will be the only lodge in the area, which has the highest

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The new Four Seasons hotel in the Serengeti has a big focus on conservation and education at its new camp in Tanzania.

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density of cheetahs in East Africa as well as strong leopard and lion populations.

The camp, which will be open for 10 months of the year, is located in the small fever-tree forest overlooking the Serengeti plains that lie north of Gol Kopjes. There is a permanent water source close by so game viewing in the immediate area will be good all year round.

The camp will be made up of traditional safari tents with a contemporary, sophisticated feel.

How much? Prices will start at £400 per person per night, excluding park fees.

To book: www.expertafrica.com Malawi Tongole Wilderness Lodge in the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is preparing to start welcoming younger guests from March with the addition of a new family cottage.

The new accommodation has two bedrooms and a spacious lounge and decking area, and is part of a general refurbishment of the lodge and other suites.

Tongole Wilderness Lodge is part of the Naturally Africa Collection, which comprises a selection of luxury ecotourism lodges and responsible operators in Southern and East Africa.

How much? Prices start at £170 per person per night based on two sharing, including all meals, activities, non-premium bar drinks, park fees and laundry.

To book: www.tongole.com Kenya Satao Camp in Tsavo East National Park in Kenya has put the finishing touches to a refurbishment project, which has included the upgrading of all en-suite bathrooms.

The camp, which is part of the Naturally Africa Collection, has a waterhole at the camp, which during the dry season, is frequented by hundreds of elephants as well as a number of other game in the park. Tsavo East is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya.

How much? Prices start at £178 per person per night sharing and includes local airstrip transfers, two game drives a day, Bush sundowner and house drinks.

To book: www.sataocamp.com

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South Africa

Legendary times South Africa looks set to have a good year with a weak currency making the country an affordable option for many travellers who have been put off by price in the past

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he death of the great Nelson Mandela at the end of last year put the beautiful country of South Africa firmly back in the world’s spotlight.

Operators are optimistic that the passing of the legendary ‘Madiba’ will bring the destination to a new audience, who would perhaps like to follow in the great man’s footsteps and visit the sites that played a huge role in his life and the development of modern-day South Africa.

Operators such as Audley Travel and 2by2 Holidays have their own dedicated itineraries that take visitors to all the sites and museums.

Katie Fewkes, Africa product manager at Audley Travel, says the operator has seen a strong level of interest across the board for South Africa. “I suspect partly to do with Mandela’s legacy and the recent film, but also because of the value aspect of the rand. The exchange rate right now is better than it has been for years and means that people are getting great value for money in South Africa.”

South African Tourism trade relations manager Andrew Sharpe agrees that the increase in visits can also be linked to the depreciation of the rand making South Africa a more affordable destination than it has been for a long time.

British Airways is also putting its confidence in South Africa’s continued popularity with the launch earlier this month of the six-times-a-week Airbus A380 service from Heathrow to Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, SAA has launched a mobile check-in app that allows passengers flying from London to enter their booking details, select a seat and get their boarding pass emailed direct to their phone.

The airline, which will be moving into Heathrow’s Terminal 2, which opens

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later this year, has also employed the services of one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs, Benny Masekwameng, who is creating some new menus for SAA customers.

With so much to offer, South Africa is a destination that agents often need a helping hand to sell, so we have spoken to the experts, who have put some itineraries together so you can give your clients the advice they need when it comes to booking a holiday to a destination that offers such great value for money.

Beach and bush Audley Travel has put together a new Bush and Beach package that combines three nights tracking down the big five on safari at the award-winning Thanda Private Game Reserve in Zululand, Kwazulu Natal with five nights at the chic beach retreat of White Pearl Resorts at Ponta Mamoli in Southern Mozambique with swimming with dolphins, turtle watching, scuba diving and just chilling high on the agenda.

How much? Audley Travel offers the 10night trip from £4,580 per person including international flights, transfers, park fees, all meals and safari activities at Thanda Private Game Reserve, half board basis at White Pearl Resorts and non-motorised water sports.

To book: www.audleytravel.com/ southafrica Walking and wine tours Activity and adventure tours specialist Explore has introduced a new holiday for 2014 that will appeal to foodies and active-adventure seekers.

The new nine-day Cape Town Walking and Winelands tour combines easy walks with sampling fine wines and traditional food.

Operators are offering their clients the chance to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela with tours that visit sites of great significance in Madiba’s life

The holiday starts off in Cape Town with a walking tour of the city, a trip up to the top of Table Mountain, a visit to Hout Bay and then Boulders Beach to see the colony of penguins that have made the beach their home. The following day, the tour heads out to the winelands of Franschhoek for the tours of the vineyards before setting off for a hike through the mountain fynbos and vineyards of the Groenlandberg.

Day four takes in Constantia to explore the nature reserve of Cape Point with day five of the tour exploring the farming country along South Africa’s west coast and the wine estates of Swartland and Darling.

A visit to the Langebaan Lagoon, which is home to 300 species of birds, is part of day six’s schedule with an evening spent on a Langebaan houseboat.

The penultimate day of the tour takes in the Cederberg Mountains, which is the best place to view the ancient San Bushmen rock art before returning to Cape Town for the flight home.

How much? Prices lead in at £1,991 per person including return flights, accommodation on a mixed-board basis and a tour guide.

To book: www.explore.co.uk 7

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Audley Travel recommends a stay at the White Pearl Resorts in Southern Mozambique as part of its twin-centre bush and beach package

Epic Africa If your clients are up for a momentous journey across southern Africa, then suggest they consider Titan Travel’s Tracks of Africa 17-day journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.

The tour starts off in Johannesburg then heads to the coastal town of Port Elizabeth for an overnight stay and then goes west to the forested area of Tsitsikamma National Park.

Next stop is a two-night stay at Kynsa, a popular town in the heart of the Garden route before heading west for an overnight stay in the fishing village of Arniston.

Three nights in Cape Town is next on the agenda before jumping on board the luxurious Rovos Rail’s Pride of Africa train for a two-night journey through the South African

Walking tours Cape Town tours specialist Footsteps to Freedom Tours has unveiled a new city walking tour entitled Mandela in Cape Town: from Prisoner to President.

The two-and-a-half-hour tours covers two miles of the historic and cultural heart of Cape Town and brings to life the journey Mandela took from his conviction in 1964 at the Rivonia Trial until his current status as a global icon of bravery and freedom.

When most people think about Mandela and Cape Town, they don’t see beyond Robben Island, but Cape Town has a captivating Mandela story to tell as it provided the setting for the unfolding of a series of significant and secretive meetings that led to the surprise release of Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC in February 1990.

For more details, email: info@footstepstofreedom.co.za 8

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South Africa countryside and goldmining villages. Guests will then arrive in Pretoria for an overnight stay before transferring to Johannesburg Airport for the flight to Livingstone and a road transfer to the Zambezi River. This will be followed by a river crossing into Kasane in Boswana - the gateway to Chobe National Park - for a two-night safari experience.

On day 14, the tour heads back to Livingstone to check into the Zambezi Sun Hotel for a two-night stay and a river cruise on the Zambezi Queen to watch the sun set.

How much? Prices lead in at £4,495 per person and include two nights on the Pride of Africa, 12 nights’ accommodation on a mixed board basis, transfers and excursions.

To book: www.titantravel.co.uk Pedal power Team GB’s cycling success at the 2012 Olympics has inspired a whole new generation to ditch their gym memberships and get on their bikes to stay fit.

Many people are including their passion for cycling in their overseas holidays, and for those that are, Exodus has just the tour for them.

The 11-day Cape Argus Pick ‘n’ Pay Cycle tour offers keen cyclists the chance to take part in the Cape Argus Ride, the largest individual time cycle tour in the world.

The operator brands this tour as challenging as the Cape

Pangolin Photo Safaris Photography tours specialist Pangolin Photo Safaris has introduced photo tours of Cape Town to meet clients who want to visit Cape Town after they have been on safari with Pangolin on the Chobe river in Botswana.

The escorted tours specialist has designed three-day tours for people of all abilities with a photo guide who leads the groups.

The tours include: a full-day Chase the Sun Peninsula Tour, a fullday Township and Winelands Tour and a half-day Cape Town Walking Tour and Cookery Class.

Operators that feature the tours include Red Savannah and Audley Travel.

Prices start at £65 per person and for more details, go to www.capephoto.co.za.

Explore’s Winelands and Walking Tour visits the Cederburg Mountains

Argus Race is a 68-mile route down the Cape Peninsula from Cape Town.

To make the most of the trip to South Africa, Exodus has combined this challenging event with a cyclo-tour through the Western Cape.

Exodus cyclists will take a route from Cape Town and take in renowned wineries, the Karoo and the spectacular Whale Route, which is an ideal preparation for the race itself, which is on day nine of the 11-day tour.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,399 per person including flights, accommodation and most meals. The departure date is March 1.

To book: www.exodus.co.uk Whale of a time The Western Cape of South Africa is said to be one of the best places in the world to see whales. Once a busy whaling town, Hermanus in particular has become renowned as a popular whale-watching centre as several species use the coastline to give birth to their calves before heading back out to the deep oceans for the rest of the year.

Visions of Africa has a 12-night self-drive tour that combines a stay in Hermanus with a Garden Route touring holiday, two nights at a malaria-free safari lodge in the Eastern Cape, three nights in Cape Town and an overnight in Port Elizabeth.

How much? The 12-night self-drive tour leads in at £2,395 per person including international flights eight nights’ bed and breakfast, two nights’ full board, game drives and hire car.

To book: www.visionsofafrica.co.uk

THE 4 STAR

ARNISTON SPA HOTEL The luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of South Africa’s great getaways. Set in the Overberg in one of the Cape’s most exquisite locations with the Indian Ocean splashing on your doorstep.

The hotel offers breathtaking sea views and 60 luxurious rooms.

Relaxing at our Ginkgo Spa, sightseeing, bird-watching, biking and whale-watching on your doorstep are just a few of the things to do in the area.

Tel: +27 28 - 445 - 9000 / info@arnistonhotel.com / www.arnistonhotel.com

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South Africa The Garden Route When it comes to ticking the must-do box on the bucket list of experiences to enjoy in South Africa, a trip along the Garden Route has to be top of the agenda.

The journey, which starts off in Cape Town, finishing some 470 miles later at the Eastern Cape city of Port Elizabeth, is part of most visitors’ itineraries, either as part of a self-drive or an escorted tour.

There are many sites to see along the route including: Bloukrans bridge, home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump; the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn; the treetop canopy tour in Tsitsikamma Forest; the Swartberg Mountains; whale and dolphin cruises from Plettenberg bay and Knysna; and the golf courses of George are a must for the keen golfer.

There are also many beautiful hotels to stay at along the route. Here is a sample choice of what is available.

Barrydale Karoo Hotel Delegates attending this year’s Indaba conference in Durban who are planning to extend their stay may be interested to hear that the Barrydale Karoo Hotel is offering them the chance to experience the hotel as part of an educational opportunity.

The hotel, which is located between Oudtshoorn and

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With just 15 rooms, the Barrydale Karoo Hotel is the perfect place for guests who like intimate settings

Cape Town on the scenic Route 62 will not charge for the educational stays but rooms need to be pre-booked and are subject to availability.

The boutique, country-house-style hotel has just 15 rooms, individually decorated, and a large swimming pool set in landscaped gardens.

The hotel’s restaurant serves up authentic Karoo dishes, and is a particularly popular lunch stop for travellers on Route 62 as there are a number of attractions close by including Barrydale Cellars, South Africa’s top brandy producer and the famous Tradouw Pass.

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South Africa Indaba takes place from 10-12 May 2014 at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban How much? Room rates start at £50 per night in low season.

To book: www.barrydalekaroohotel.co.za Views Boutique Hotel and Spa Located overlooking Wilderness beach and the Indian Ocean in Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo region, Views Boutique Hotel and Spa is just 20 minutes from George airport which has regular connecting flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The contemporary hotel has 21 suites that range from mountain-facing deluxe, two-bedroom family suites to romantic honeymoon rooms with the icing on the cake being the penthouse suite.

All rooms have floor-to-ceiling picture windows to maximise natural sunlight and the bathrooms have underfloor heating.

The Views’ award-winning spa has four rooms with a menu of treatments that aim to enhance the balance of body, mind and soul. There’s also a Tylarium Herbal Sauna, Vitality Pool and a Moroccan-style Rasul Chamber along with a gym that offers a range of cardiovascular equipment.

Other facilities include a restaurant and a roof-top pool

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and cocktail deck with uninterrupted ocean views.

The hotel has a number of packages available including a Winter Madness two-night stay, a stay four and pay for three nights break and a honeymoon package.

How much? The Winter Madness costs from £52 per person per night for a minimum two-night stay in a luxury suite.

To book: www.viewshotel.co.za Arniston Spa Hotel Who wouldn’t relish the chance to do a bit of whale watching from the balcony of their hotel?

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Well, the four-star Arniston Spa Hotel located just off the Garden Route in the Overberg region is a beachfront hotel next to the old fishing village of Arniston sheltered bay where whales come to play. In fact from June to November, the southern right whales make Arniston Bay their home.

The beaches that surround the hotel are safe and unspoilt and are perfect for fishing and snorkelling, and the hotel itself makes the most of its seaside location with a menu packed full of great seafood with oysters from nearby shores

and the freshest fish from the local fishing boats, The hotel has 60 en-suite rooms, and has recently introduced a VIP suite. The Gingo Spa has four treatment rooms, a lounge and two saunas and the hotel is also a popular destination as a wedding venue, and also boasts full conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.

How much? Prices lead in at ÂŁ54 per person per night for bed and breakfast in a pool-facing room.

To book: www.arnistonhotel.com

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Premium class When luxury is all that will do, then Botswana is guaranteed to deliver

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otswana’s popularity as a safari holiday destination has been at a slow but steady pace, which has really helped the country to carve out a reputation as a premium safari holiday experience.

The tourism chiefs have been mindful of jumping in at the deep end and ensured that the development of the country’s safari-holiday offering has been a meticulously planned one.

The strategy has really paid off as demand for the destination regularly outstrips supply, with a limited number of lodges in a given area ensuring that visitors who have paid a lot of money to go there will enjoy a real wilderness adventure.

Consequently, it means it is one of the best places to see wildlife as the restrictions on the number of visitors means that there will only be a limited number of tourists at each reserve.

Dawn Parr, UK representative at the Botswana Tourism Organisation, says there has been some mid-range accommodation opening recently, which has made the destination more accessible to a larger range of people.

“Many of them have been on another safari to a different destination and now want to see what better opportunities there are in Botswana. They are also looking for different activities - I am often All About Southern & East Africa

asked about walking safaris, horseback safaris or cycling and even recently motorbikes.

“People are also starting to look further ahead and book holidays more in advance. For the past 18 months during the recession, people were booking Botswana much closer to their travel date and this is now lengthening again,” adds Parr.

Twin centres are becoming more popular too, according to Parr as a result of the new Air Botswana flight from Cape Town to Maun. “It means visitors can avoid Johannesburg and go to Cape Town first before heading to Botswana for a safari. Other options that we are seeing is Botswana and Mauritius for the beach.”

Botswana is also starting to make an impact on the honeymoon market due to its luxury and exclusive reputation, adds Parr.

We catch up with some of the Botswana specialists to find out about packages they can recommend to get the best out of a holiday to this magnificent country.

Riding safaris Horseback safari specialists In the Saddle says Botswana is the ultimate riding safari destination because of the vastness of the reserves and the luxuriousness of the horse safari camps in the Okavango Delta.

It is a particularly appealing destination for experienced riders as there are unfenced reserves that are home to elephants and a variety of big cats.

The operator recommends its five-night horseback safari in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, which are the remnants of a vast lake that dried up 1,500 years ago.

A great time to visit is at the start of the wet season in October and November when the pans fill with water and the grass grows, which results in a vast migration of zebra and wildebeest, followed by their predators.

While it’s not possible to ride on the pans during the wet season, there are lots of opportunities for long canters across the grasslands, and lots of game viewing.

During the dry season from May to September, there are less zebra and wildebeest, but as the pans dry out, there are great opportunities for fast riding across the vast expanses of salt crust.

How much? Prices for the five-night safari start at £2,035 and include three nights at Camp Kalahari and two nights at a fly camp. International flights are not included.

To book: www.inthesaddle.com African Pride The safari specialist says it has seen a marked increase in demand for a range of experiences in Africa.

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Botswana In the Saddle’s five-day riding safari canters through the Makgadikgadi salt pans

Sales manager David Holland says this has come from all types of travellers from families to silver travellers. “To reflect this demand, African Pride is offering travel agents access to a range of such products, including a canoeing safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.”

The five-day Selinda Canoe Trail is a canoeing and walking safari that navigates 27 miles through the heart of the Selinda reserve in Canadian-style canoes.

There are lots of opportunities for game viewing along the way, with evenings spent in dome tents put up along the way.

How much? Prices for the five-day canoeing experience lead in at £2,198 per person.

To book: info@african-pride.co.uk Three’s the magic number Visions of Africa recommends a triple-centre desert and delta safari that offers diverse game viewing along with the chance to help raise awareness and funds for the Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Project.

Guests can experience the diversity of the country from the arid landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on the edge of the Kalahari Desert to the flooded waterways of the Okavango Delta.

The Rhino Rendezvous Tours includes accommodation on a fully inclusive basis at Leroo La Tau Lodge in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Camp Okavango in the heart of the Okavango Delta and the predator-renowned area of Savute Safari Lodge.

How much? Prices lead in at £3,160 per person and include international flights, six nights’ safari accommodation, all 14

light aircraft transfers between lodges, game drives and conservation fees.

To book: www.visionsofafrica.co.uk Titan Travel The small group tours specialist has a 13-day Okavango Delta and Chobe Safari with Victoria Falls that combines a threenight tented safari experience in the Okavango with a unique river safari in Chobe and the chance to visit Victoria Falls, one of seven natural wonders of the world.

How much? Prices lead in at £4,195 per person and include 10 nights’ accommodation, most meals, excursions, game drives, transfers and international flights.

To book: www.titantravel.co.uk

New openings Ta Shebube has opened three new lodges in the predatorrich Nossob River valley of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Rooiputs comprises of 11 luxury thatched chalets made out of a mix of wood, canvas and glass, Polentswa has nine tents and Union's End six tents.

It’s the perfect location for people who want to escape into the wild and enjoy the solitude that this unique desert safari can offer.

There’s lots of wildlife to see here including the blackmaned Kalahari lion, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, jackal and wildcat. www.tashebube.co.bw All About Southern & East Africa

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honeymoons on the wild side...

+44 (0)207 647 1018 dparr@botswanatourism.org.uk botswanatourism.org.uk

indulgence with romance as standard.

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Safaris

Game players From horseback safaris to river adventures by canoe, there’s plenty of ways to experience the wilderness and wildlife of Southern and East Africa

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one are the days when going on safari meant being squeezed into the back of a 4x4 with people you don’t know fighting to get a glimpse of the big five.

Safari providers have really upped their game, and there is so many ways to see the big five and more.

From budget, overland truck doors to trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda, your clients are really spoilt for choice in 2014.

Bird’s eye view If your clients fancy taking to the skies to track down game in the African wilderness, then suggest they consider one of the guided air safaris offered by Kenya’s luxury flying safari operator, Scenic Air. For 2014, the flying safari specialist has introduced two new guided air safaris that will complement its existing eightday guided Southern Circuit.

The new Northern Circuit Wings Over the Rift Valley is an eight-day professionally guided trip in Cessna Grand Caravans aircraft that includes stays at Joy’s Camp in Shaba, Chui Lodge at Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley and Karen Blixen Camp on the Mara River.

Guests can reserve seats on any of the weekly departures with a maximum of nine passengers on board.

In addition to the weekly guided trips, Scenic Air is running the Ultimate Guided Luxury Air Safari through east Africa and down to southern Africa.

This 16-day guided trip takes in the northern Serengeti, Mahale Mountains, Lake Malawi, Chongwe, Chobe and the Okavango Delta, finishing with two nights at Victoria Falls.

How much? Prices for the eight-day guided trips start at £3,061 per person, while the 16-day guided trip leads in at £12,229 per person.

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Ranch Riders offers horseback safaris in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana with holidays for beginners and experienced riders

To book: www.scenicairsafaris.com One hump or two?

You may have clients keen to experience a safari from the saddle, but just in case you have enquiries for something a little different, why don’t you suggest they consider a walking and camel safari in Kenya?

Original Travel has a five-night adventure in the Laikipia region of northern Kenya where the only traffic you are likely to experience is the camel train that you are part of.

Led by guide Kerry Glenn and accompanied by a Laikipia Masai tracker and few riding camels who carry your refreshments and day-packs.

The pack camels and mobile camp usually follow behind, passing by to set up the next camp and allow you to spend time investigating things of interest you see on the way. By the time you arrive at the next camp a cool drink and gourmet lunch is waiting for you.

The heat of the afternoon means the only thing to do is relax and enjoy your surroundings before going for an evening walk and sundowners.

How much? Original Travel offers a fivenight walking and camel safari in Kenya from £2,680 per person, based on two people sharing. The price includes fullboard accommodation, park fees, all transfers, and international and domestic flights.

To book: originaltravel.co.uk Riding high Horseback safari specialists Horizon Horseback Safaris has opened a new camp high in the bushveld above the Matlapeng Valley in South Africa Camp Davidson, which has four luxury ensuite tents, has been built on Horizon Safaris own land and is a welcome addition to the Horizon Signature Lodge.

The operator has an eight-day African All About Southern & East Africa

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Safaris Explorer itinerary that combines four days at the new Camp Davidson with four days in Botswana with Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris.

On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, guests are transferred to the Horizon Signature Lodge where they are introduced to their safari horse before they head off to Camp Davidson.

En route through the Matlapeng reserve, the ride will stop off for a sundowner break at the Red Lake, where they are likely to encounter a pod of resident hippo, before climbing the ridge up to Camp Davidson.

The following three days involve exploring the plains of the reserve on horseback following game trails and narrow kloofs before packing up and heading to the Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana for another four days of horseback safaris.

How much? Prices lead in at £1,590 per person for the eight-day African Explorer itinerary, excluding transfers and flights.

To book: ridinginafrica.com

expeditions in search of desert adapted elephant and rhino and in the Fish River Canyon.

The ride combines dramatic canyon landscapes, spacious desert plains and the mighty Orange River and offers riders the opportunity to experience both inaccessible countryside and real wilderness areas, as well as riding without limitations.

The trail takes riders right up to the canyon rim to experience the stunning views from the top, before descending into the canyon and exploring alongside the Orange River. The trail then leads away from the canyon and takes riders across open savannah plains and rocky landscapes to reach Klein Aus Vista for the chance to see the wild horses of the Southern Namib Desert.

Riders must be fit, experienced and competent at all paces.

Accommodation along the way includes a mixture of lodge accommodation, tented camps and basic camping.

How much? The 10-night leads in at £3,500 excluding flights and runs from May to October.

To book: inthesaddle.com

In The Saddle Horseback riding safari experts In The Saddle operates riding safaris in Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia.

The specialist’s 10-night Namibia – Greater Fish River Canyon itinerary is an adventure with a difference as it involves riding on Arabian horses in a private reserve as well as challenging riding

Ranch Rider Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, believes South Africa is the ideal place for a horseback safari. “The malaria-free Waterberg region is home to various luxury bush homes, cattle farms and camps where the inexperienced rider can saddle up with Africa’s game in a private reserve.”

www.naturallyafricacollection.co.uk | info@naturallyafricacollection.co.uk | 01622 370 270

Naturally Africa Collection Naturally Africa Collection comprises a unique selection of luxury ecotourism lodges & inbound safari operators, providing exceptional responsible travel and safari experiences.

Satao Elerai, Amboseli, Kenya Wake in the early morning to watch the first few rays of sun hit the blue Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s greatest mountain. Satao Elerai is an eco-friendly luxury camp with views over the famous Amboseli ecosystem. Game viewing activities are offered to Amboseli National Park and the Elerai Conservation area.

Scenic Air Safaris "Make your journey as exceptional as the destination!" Discover Kenya and its stunning highlights, travelling in the greatest of comfort and style, accompanied by your professional guide and wondering at the Kenyan scenery below; the journey truly becomes part of your luxury safari experience and not simply a means of getting there!

Karen Blixen Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya Set on the banks of the Mara River, Karen Blixen Camp’s location is spectacular; with wildlife drawn to the river to drink throughout the day and set in the game rich Mara North Conservancy, with its abundance of resident predators. Luxury and strong eco-tourism values blend to create a quintessential safari experience.

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Tongole Wilderness Lodge, Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Malawi Tongole Wilderness Lodge, situated deep within the breathtakingly beautiful Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, is the idyllic setting from which to enjoy the tranquillity of this unspoilt wilderness. Enjoy complete freedom to choose how you spend your days, including nature walks, canoeing, birding safaris and fly fishing, or simply relax at the lodge, waiting for elephants to come down to the river to drink.

Satao Camp, Tsavo East, Kenya Experience the classical African safari with fantastic wildlife viewing from the comfort of your luxury green canvas tent, drawn to a very popular watering hole in front of the camp. Satao Camp is a peaceful oasis beneath the shade of old Tamarind trees, treating guests to personal and friendly service.

Severin Safari Camp, Tsavo West, Kenya A combination of adventure, relaxation and wellness, escape and unwind at Severin Safari Camp and KenBali Spa, with African wilderness as a backdrop, watching the wildlife pass by and at one with Kenya’s magnificent nature.

Skyship Company The ultimate safari experience, flying high above the African savannah, viewing nature at its best from a bird’s eye perspective, as dawn breaks and you drift over the Masai Mara in a Hot Air Balloon.

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Safaris The horse-riding safari specialist, which offers holidays for beginners and experienced riders, also features mobile horse safaris in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia which are either camp or lodge based, and where there are opportunities to ride with the big five.

Due to the diverse vegetation in the Waterberg region, the game reserves of Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill carry a wide range of different game species, including rhino, sable antelope, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and brown hyena.

The horses live out and graze among the game on a daily basis so the wildlife are familiar with the horses so give riders to get up close to the animals roaming the reserves.

How much? Ranch Rider is currently offering seven nights for the price of six at Ant’s Nests and Ant’s Hill with prices leading in at £1,295 per person for 1 March -24 March stays. Flights are available from £839 per person.

To book: www.ranchrider.com

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East Africa specialist Premier Safaris has put together a dedicated Uganda itinerary due to the increasing demand from operators.

The 11-day Uganda Meander tour combines game and water safaris in the Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest, and the ultimate bucket list tour for safari lovers, gorilla trekking from Silverback Lodge in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Premier Safaris guides are about as knowledgeable as they come and their specially-designed vehicles are equipped with charging points for tablets and camera equipment.

How much? Prices start at £3,202 per person sharing and is fully inclusive of all meals and accommodation as well as chimp and gorilla trekking permits. International flights are not included.

To book: premiersafaris.com

Pakamisa Lodge and Private Game Reserve Located in the hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Pakamisa Lodge and Private Game Reserve is celebrating the year of ‘the horse’ with a three nights for the price of two offer during May, June, and July 2014.

The reserve specialises in horse-back safaris so whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, the lodge owners will pair you with a horse suited to your level of competence While the reserve is home to plenty of wildlife, it is not home to any of the big five, so guests can expect to encounter herds of zebras, giraffes and wildbeests, for example, but none of their predators.

The lodge focuses very much on the variety of activities available, such as archery, clay target shooting, air rifle shooting and fishing. And for guests who want to track down the big five, visits to another local game reserve can be arranged.

Pakamisa Lodge has eight luxury suites individually positioned in the indigenous gardens.

How much? Rates start at £104 per person per night and include meals and a choice of two activities per day.

To book: www.pakamisa.co.za

Up stream Norman Carr Safaris knows a thing or two about river safaris, and in particular, ones that follow the Luwi River in South Luangwa National Park.

The safari specialist has three camps around the Luwi River and its eight-night Luwi River Trail visits all of them. This safari is particularly suited to adventurous types who want to immerse themselves in the wilderness experience.

The Luwi Camp is the starting point for the adventure, exploring the wild areas up towards the source of the Luwi.

Then a few days are spent at Nsolo, downstream of Luwi, and at Kakuli camps with its wide views high on the banks of the Luangwa, with an option to “return to the wild” and sleep outside under the stars with just a mosquito net, a guide and a scout for company and camp fires to ward off nocturnal visitors.

The safari is led by one of Norman Carr’s veteran guides, and this eight-night privately guided safari is perfect for adventurers and those looking for a really involving wildlife and wilderness experience.

The bush camps are tiny – only four rooms each and each one is designed to blend with its surroundings.

How much? Prices start at £3,187 per person based on two sharing, with park fees from £340 and domestic flights from £340.

To book: www.normancarrsafaris.com

Walk on the wild side For your clients who have a passion for hiking, why don’t you suggest they consider Intrepid Travel’s epic 39-day Gorillas to Victoria Falls.

The tour explores the Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda on a walking safari to catch glimpses of chimpanzees playing in the forest canopy, before hiking into the mountains for encounters with rare mountain gorillas and enjoy traditional game drives spotting rhinos, zebras and more through the vast plains of the Serengeti and the deep crater floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.

There’s the opportunity to camp amid tropical gardens on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, relax on the golden sands at Lake Malawi with the tour climaxing at Victoria Falls.

How much? Prices lead in at £3,411 per person including 30 nights’ camping, three nights’ hotel accommodation, three nights’ dormitory and two nights’ bungalow accommodation, transport, most entrance fees and activities and local tour leader throughout.

International flights are not included.

To book: www.intrepidtravel.com

Keep it in the family 2by2 Holidays has put together a 10-day self-drive Zulu Wildlife Tour that explores the magic of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Recognised as a World Heritage site, the mountain range forms the backbone of Southern Africa, running all the way from the Great Rift Valley.

As well as being a walkers paradise as there are so many routes to explore, the region packs a punch on the history front.

The mountains are home to rock art by the San Bushmen, who populated the region thousands of years ago. In fact, some of the art is believed to be up to 10,000 years old.

The self-drive itinerary then heads up to the Natal Midlands for some sun, sea and sand time at the coastal region’s beautiful beaches. Tours of Durban city including botanical gardens are recommend and a trip to uShaka Marine World, situated in the old harbour area, is a must.

The final leg of this trip heads to the Hluhluwe National Park in Zululand, renowned for its wildlife including all of the big five and is the perfect alternative to the better known reserves such as Kruger.

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Safaris about the Tsonga and Venda culture.

Kids can learn bush skills on the Junior Rangers programme, take part in special ‘bugs and spoor’ walks, go pony-trekking to spot lions, elephants, buffalos, brown hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, endangered black rhinos and meerkats.

How much? The 11-day tour costs from £2,895 per adult and £1,945 per child, based on two sharing and includes return flights, hire car, nine nights’ accommodation, most meals and guided activities.

To book: www.wildlifeworldwide.com A sunset cruise as part of Premier Safaris’ Uganda Meander in Murchison Falls National Park

How much? The 10-night, self-drive adventure in KwaZulu-Natal staying in guesthouses and Ezemvelo resort camps costs from £4,875 for a family of four, including international flights, accommodation, transfers, park entrance fees for all private tours and for certain lodges where specified.

To book: www.2by2holidays.co.uk Wildlife Worldwide has a nine-night family safari holiday in the less-visited, malaria-free game reserve of Limpopo.

Families travel between Welgevonden Game Reserve, the Soutpansbeg Mountains, Watersberg Biosphere Reserve, Philanesberg National Park, and Madikwe Game Reserve, and the children can enjoy vehicle safaris, birding walks, game drives, mountain biking, horse-riding, art and craft workshops and learn

Budget safaris For your clients who want to make their money go further, suggest they try an overland truck safari with Tucan Travel.

The trucks make safaris more affordable as they can carry more people than the smaller 4x4 vehicles.

The operator currently has a nine-night Kruger to Victoria Falls overland tour that visits Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Palapye, Nata and Chobe National Park before arriving at Livingstone in Zambia. The tour involves camping with upgrades to lodges available en route.

How much? Prices start at £599 and includes nine nights’ camping, most meals, game drive in Kruger National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a sunset game cruise down the Chobe River and entrance to Victoria Falls. International flights are not included To book: www.tucantravel.com

Superbly located on the high plateau of Pakamisa Mountain overlooking the Pongola River Valley, this secluded retreat will rejuvenate your soul.

8 Luxury suites | 5-star Cuisine | Horseback Safaris Game Drives | Walking Safaris | Archery Clay target shooting

PAKAMISA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE Pongola, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Tel: +27(0)83 229 1811 & +27(0)83 229 2116 Email: res@pakamisa.co.za Website: www.pakamisa.co.za All About Southern & East Africa

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Regional round-up

Best of the rest From Namibia to Swaziland, we get the lowdown on new lodges and additions to operator programmes for 2014

Namibia The Namibia Tourist Board UK is planning to build on its relationships with agents this year with a number of trade events throughout 2014.

The NTB is holding a roadshow in the UK with events in Dublin, Manchester and London from 29 April to 2 May. The roadshow will provide agents with the opportunity to get some training on Namibia as a destination as well as individual products in each of the cities, with a product manager workshop and media breakfast to be held in London too.

The product manager workshop at Network Namibia will take place with the exhibitors having one-to-one meetings with up to 25 tour operator product managers.

The NTB UK is also planning to have a bigger presence at WTM in 2014 and is able to offer support for product managers planning fam trips through assistance with flights.

Trade support for agents looking to promote Namibia is also available, for more information.

Wilderness Safaris has added the Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp to its portfolio of camps in Namibia’s remote Kaokoveld.

Located in the private Palmwag Concession straddling the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, the Classic Camp will comprise eight tents, including one family unit, and is expected to be ready in August.

Air Namibia has introduced a new Airbus A330-200 on its Windhoek-Frankfurt service, offering 214 economy seats and 30 business class seats that will feature fully flat beds with seat back video and video on demand.

Kenya KLM has strengthened its co-operation with Kenya Airways by adding four new routes, increasing the total KLM-Kenya Airways joint venture to a total of six. The new routes include: London to Nairobi; Amsterdam to Entebbe/Kigali; Amsterdam to Lusaka/Harare; and Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro/Dar-es-Salam These additions bring the total number

See the wildlife from the water during a canoe safari at Lugenda Wilderness Camp in Mozambique

of frequencies operated jointly by KLM and Kenya Airways to approximately 44 flights per week.

Prices lead in at £491 for London to Nairobi.

Wildlife Worldwide has introduced a new programme of family wildlife adventures for 2014 including a Masai Warriors and Wildlife Galore safari.

Featuring visits to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the whole family will enjoy the opportunity to get up close to the wildlife, while staying in small exclusive camps and lodges.

Spot lions, zebras and giraffes on a private family game drive at Nairobi National Park, feed the Rothschild giraffes, and enjoy a private viewing of the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage where the children can adopt an elephant.

They will also be able to visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, meet Baraka the black rhino, go lion tracking and explore the hippo hide in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Prices for the 11-night safari lead in at £4,575 per adult and £2,995 per child and include international and internal flights, transfers, nine nights’ accommodation, most meals and guided activities.

Real Africa has introduced a new range of Challenge safaris, aimed at those who are looking for something more exhilirating from their holiday to Africa.

One of the Challenge options is an 11day Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb. This tours heads up the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro under the guidance of local guides.

While the trek may be challenging, the overnight accommodation adds a bit of luxury to the experience with comfortable tents, porters to carry all the kit, homecooked food under the African night sky

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All About Southern & East Africa

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and washing and toilet facilities.

Prices lead in at £2,645 and include international flights, transfers, full board while on climb and mixed board-basis throughout the rest of the holiday.

Titan Travel has a 10-day Grand Safari of Kenya classic safari based on hotels and lodges in the Masai Mara where they will be game-viewing opportunities aplenty.

Prices lead in at £2,395 per person and include seven nights in hotels and lodges on a mixed board basis, excursions, game drives, international and internal flights.

Tanzania Abercrombie and Kent has introduced two lodges in Tanzania for 2014.

The Sanctuary Saadani Safari Beach Lodge is set on the southern border of Saadani National Park on the coast of Tanzania.

The lodge has six eco-friendly suites, each with ocean views opening on to the sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean with verandas overlooking the Saadani National Park.

The lodge offers a variety of activities ranging from traditional game drives to sand bank picnics to a Maasai Community Tour.

Meanwhile, the Sanctuary Saadani River Lodge is a new river retreat hidden within the trees bordering the Wami river, boasting 17 stilted suites.

The lodge offers guests a range of activities including game drives and river excursions.

Zambia Norman Carr Safaris has introduced a new walking safari in Zambia during what they call the secret green season.

The Week on the Wild Side tour is a walking tour in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia from January to April that uses Norman Carr’s three camps, the new Chinzombo, Kakuli and Kapani, in the region as its base.

The secret itinerary promises to optimise wildlife sightings across the week and includes nights at Kakuli, which is located on an elevated stretch of the Luangwa riverbank and whose traditional walk-in safari tents offer the only true bush camp experience in the green season.

Guests can also experience night safaris at Kapani Lodge, and then for a taste of luxury in the African bush, guests will stay at the recently opened Chinzombo.

Prices lead in at £1,856 per person including all meals, game drives but excluding flights.

Wildlife Worldwide has added an 11-day Zambia and Zimbabwe twin-centre safari.

The Scenic Wonders of Kafue and Hwange includes a stay at Kafue National Park in Zambia, one of the best places to see cheetah, with a visit to Hwange National Park in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Hwange is renowned for having one of the largest elephant populations in Africa with as many as 40,000 roaming the plains. A free day to explore the Victoria Falls provides a fitting finale to the trip.

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Join the call of the wild

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Stunning Rovos Rail Journey Johannesburg Cape Town Mala Mala & much more

Book any Titan itinerary to be entered into a draw to WIN a guaranteed place on a magical 8 day South African FAM. Departs 15th May 2014.

To be a part of this amazing opportunity e-mail your name, booking reference and ABTA number to agentincentives@titantravel.co.uk

For more information or call FREE on 0800 988 5166 or visit www.titanagents.co.uk

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Norman Carr Safaris has a new walking tour in the Luangwa Valley that incorporates a stay at its three lodges: the new Chinzombo (pictured above), Kakuli and Kapani

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Prices start at £3,895 per person based on two sharing including all flights, transfers and accommodation.

this year, so 2014 is a great year to experience this lesservisited African country.

Mozambique A lodge in the Niassa National Reserve in the remotest corner of Northern Mozambique is offering its guest the chance to enjoy safari by canoe.

The reserve is home to thousands of elephants and buffalos, wild dogs, lions, leopards and a 37 species of bird life (more than 37 species). In fact, herds of elephants are often seen in and around the lodge.

A stay at Lugenda Wilderness Camp includes a host of activities such as canoeing along the Lugenda River, game drives, bush walks, rock climbing, hiking, birding and star gazing.

Canoe safaris can last up to three days, and guests can expect to see lots of bird life, hippos, crocs, elephant and buffalo.

Accommodation at Lugenda comes in the form of eight luxury tents that are discreetly situated on the banks of the Lugenda River beneath towering fig trees, each with its own patio deck with wide-angle views.

Room rates start at $560 per person per night for fully inclusive accommodation.

Swaziland If you have clients who love their festivals, suggest they head to the tiny nation of Swaziland, which has three big events in 2014.

These include the Marula Festival in March 2014, which is a royal tribute to the riches of Mother Nature, where local Marula fruit is harvested and used to make beer to a traditional recipe and celebrated with song and dance.

Then there’s the Bushfire Festival in May which will see some of Africa’s best artists performing; then there’s the Reed Dance in August 2014, which sees the coming together of the nation’s women to cut new reeds to present to the Queen Mother. More than 60,000 young women take part in this visual spectacle at the royal residence.

Swaziland has lots to offer visitors, from tracking down protected rhinos in the wild lowveld or seeking out rare birds in the rugged highveld.

Historians can visit the world’s oldest known mine at Ngwenya or follow the colonial trail of the early settlers, while adrenaline junkies can keep busy with horse riding and river rafting.

Malawi Described as the warm heart of Africa, the nation of Malawi has a lot happening this year with the biggest success story being the restocking of Malawi’s Majete Wildlife.

The transformation has taken a desolate area devoid of any wildlife, and turned it into a thriving big five destination with more than 2,500 animals including black rhino, lions and leopards.

A number of new lodges and hotels have opened in Malawi too which means that the country has a greater range of international quality accommodation to offer.

The country is also celebrating 50 years of independence

Zimbabwe Southern and East Africa specialist 2by2 Holidays has a dedicated tour of Zimbabwe for 2014.

The 10-night Grand Tour covers all the highlights of Zimbabwe, travelling from Harare to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and then on to Bulawayo and the granite Matopos Hills, where former colonial master and diamond mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes is buried.

The tour also includes a big five safari at Hwange National Park and a stay at Victoria Falls.

Prices lead in at £2,695 per person, excluding international flights.

All About Southern & East Africa

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Holidays for less than...

From exploring South Africa’s scenic Garden Route on a self-drive holiday to exploring the Namib desert and the wildlife of Etosha National Park in Namibia, we have put together a round-up of some the best package offers around at the moment

2by2 Holidays has a 12-night self-drive tour of Namibia that leads in at £1,665 per person

…£1,500 Tucan Travel has an 11-day Cape Town to Johannesburg itinerary that drives along the Garden Route and takes in the dramatic landscapes, waterfalls and indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma wilderness area of the Garden Route National Park, then delves into the underground world of the Cango Caves, before going on safari at Addo Elephant National Park and heading into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho.

How much? Prices lead in at £1,139 per person including flights, one night in hotels, hostels and guesthouses, nine nights’ camping, nine breakfasts, nine dinners, travel by Tucan Travel Expedition Vehicle and an English-speaking local guide.

To book: www.tucantravel.com

Panorama Route Kruger Swaziland, Zululand, Durban, Garden Route, Cape Town and Winelands.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,419 per person and includes international flights, mixed board basis and transfers.

To book: www.virginholidays.co.uk

…£3,000 Audley Travel has a 10-day small group Kenya Adventure Camping Safari that explores the Amboseli and the Masai Mara national parks with accommodation in dome tents. Safari activities include night drives, game drives and guided bush walks.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,745 per person including flights To book: www.audleytravel.com

…£5,000 Visions of Africa has an eight-night Botswana safari holiday featuring two nights at Victoria Falls. The tour starts off at a hotel in Victoria Falls before crossing the border into Botswana for two nights at the Chobe Safari Lodge for two days of game drives and safari cruises in the Chobe National Park.

Next stop is the heart of the Delta with two nights at the Moremi Crossing Lodge, which is a water based camp, with all game viewing by motorised boat, mokoro canoe or walking on neighbouring islands.

Virgin Holidays has a 14-day A World in One Country Southern African safari that visits Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, All About Southern & East Africa

2by2 Holidays has a 12-night Namibia Highlights self-drive tour that covers the highlights of Nambia, such as the Namib Desert and giant sand dunes of Sossusvlei and Sesriem in the south; the seaside town of Swakopmund; Bushman rock paintings and unique geology in Twyfelfontein; and the wildlife of Etosha National Park in the north.

How much? Prices lead in at £1,655 per person including flights.

To book: www.2by2holidays.co.uk

The final stop is at Sango Camp located on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, for twice daily game drives and guided walks into Moremi and the Khwai concession.

How much? Prices start at £3,435 per person including accommodation on a mixed board basis, game-viewing activities, inter camp and airport transfers. International flights are not included.

To book: www.visionsofafrica.co.uk …£10,000 Mountain Kingdoms has a 14-day Ngorongoro Highlands and Serengeti Wilderness small group trekking adventure that takes in a game drive in Ngorongoro Crater before beginning the three-day trek through the highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation area under the guidance of a local Masai tour leader.

The trek then heads into the wide open plains of the Serengeti to embark on the walking safari. Here travellers are privileged to be among the few allowed to trek in this unique area far from normal safari routes. Undoubtedly they will have the chance to see Africa’s Big Five game, from a safe watching distance.

Accommodation is in luxury safari tents.

How much? Prices start at £5,375 including flights. Departure dates are 12 July and 30 August.

How to book: www.mountainkingdoms.com 23

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