February 2016
All About
Southern & East Africa
Your one-stop guide to all latest news and developments in Southern & East Africa
Produced by
www.travelbulletin.co.uk
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ALL ABOUT
Southern & East Africa W
elcome to the 2016 edition of All About Southern and East Africa from Travel Bulletin, which is packed full of interesting information that will help you sell this amazing region, that is home to the best wildlife on our planet. Offering the best value in over two decades, South Africa and Namibia in particular are experiencing a resurgence due to their weak currency. Cape Town is a perennial favourite, offering spectacular scenery combined with wildlife, blue skies and world-class food and wine, and is the perfect complement to a tour along the pretty Garden Route. The wildlife, battlefields and mountains of KwaZulu Natal attract those interested in Zulu history and culture, while the Kruger National Park remains a premier safari destination, with the highest concentration of lions in the whole of Africa. Botswana retains its status as the preferred choice of affluent travellers, with its wonderfully wild game reserves and abundance of elephants, especially along the Chobe River. Zambia and Zimbabwe compete for travellers visiting the mighty Victoria Falls, and offer some wonderful off-the-beaten-track experiences, such as walking safaris and canoeing down the Zambezi River. East Africa has struggled in recent times, but the travel advisory to Kenya has been lifted and numbers visiting the magnificent Masai Mara are slowly increasing. It is important to realise that Kenya’s game reserves are hundreds of miles inland and have always been quite safe. Tanzania has been largely unaffected, with the Serengeti and Zanzibar continuing to grow, while a visit to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda remain a ‘bucket list’ item for many. We have also seen interest awakening in the historic and cultural treasures of Ethiopia. As you can see, there is much to see and do in the region where I was born, so please call or email me to request a supply of our 2016 brochures, or to discuss specific client requirements.
Claire Farley 2by2 Holidays claire@2by2holidays.co.uk
CONTENTS What’s new - 4
Adventure - 6
Romance - 9
Family - 11
EcoTourism - 13
Holidays for less than - 15
Published by
Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova, Liam Jackson, Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: Buxton Press - Cover Picture: Maggy Meyer
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WHAT’S NEW
What’s new
Southern and East Africa are hoping for a strong 2016 as operators add new tours and the weak rand makes holidays in Southern Africa more affordable
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OUTHERN AND EAST Africa has had its fair share of problems over the last 18 months. The ebola virus grabbed the headlines around the world practically on a daily basis, and ongoing concerns about security cast a shadow over the travel industry’s hopes for the region throughout the last 12 months. Claire Farley, founder of 2by2 Holidays, says travel to East Africa has been subdued due to safety fears. “All Kenya travel advisories have been lifted now and tourism has started to recover, but the country has been badly affected. However, Tanzania has benefitted hugely from Kenya’s woes, as customers have switched destinations.” Farley said that the decision to introduce full birth certificate requirements for children under the age of 18 means South Africa is no longer regarded as a childfriendly destination. “Despite this, the destination is still showing growth due to the exceptional value it offers, following its sharp currency depreciation, which is also benefitting
Namibia as the rand is tied to the Namibian dollar. “Cape Town and self-drive holidays along the Garden Route followed by a safari, remain the number one choice for firsttime visitors, while Botswana is the safari destination of choice for upmarket discerning safari aficionados.Victoria Falls continues to attract visitors to both Zimbabwe and Zambia.” Operators are optimistic of a brighter 2016. Safari specialist Expert Africa says the weak rand means that flydrive holidays to Namibia and South Africa are the same price as 10 years ago.To put this in context, the operator’s 14-night Caracal Self-drive Safari, which takes in the main highlights of both southern and northern Namibia, costs from £1,057 per person this year. In 2011, when the rand was particularly strong, an almost-identical itinerary was priced from £1,723 per person, while in 2006, the same trip was priced from £1,059 per person. With the Post Office Holiday Money report naming South Africa as the most affordable long-haul destination to visit this
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WHAT’S NEW
Wendy Wu Tours has added an extra date to its new 17day Grand Tour of South Africa due to customer demand
year, Cox and Kings is focusing on promoting some of the best luxury experiences in the country, with savings of up to 50% compared to the exchange rate in 2010. For example, a 10-course tasting menu at the fine dining restaurant,The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, costs £50 per person; in 2010, this would have cost £115. So with operators and tourist boards pulling out all the stops to promote the region, here is a round-up of what’s happening in the region for 2016. Kenya Tourist Board The Kenyan government has launched a series of initiatives to help boost tourism figures to the country. To attract more charter flights to the capital Mombasa and the coastal region of Malindi, the government has scrapped landing fees until 30 June 2018. It has also introduced a passenger subsidy of £21 per seat filled by international passengers who terminate or disembark in Mombasa or Malindi until 30 June 2018. Visa fees for children under the age of 16 have been waivered and park fees will be capped at £41 for the financial year 2016/17, down £62.
Zimbabwe Operators have welcomed the opening of a new $150 million Victoria Falls International Airport. Arno Delport, sales and marketing manager at Acacia Africa, says,“Zimbabwe’s new airport has opened up the possibility of new direct flights, which could well be a “game changer” for Southern Africa.We would expect Victoria Falls to become a major hub on the overland travel circuit and it will undoubtedly boost tourism to neighbouring countries.” Arabella Lakin, sales manager for bespoke wildlife tour operator, Natural World Safaris is also optimistic that the new airport will boost visitor arrivals to the region. “Victoria Falls is often the first stop for safari goers before they head off to the parks and reserves of Zimbabwe. A larger airport will open up new routes and mean that it will no longer be necessary to fly from the UK via Johannesburg, meaning that Zimbabwe is much more accessible from the UK. Neighbouring countries, Botswana and Zambia, should also benefit.” Wendy Wu Tours The escorted tours specialist has expanded its portfolio beyond Asia for the first time with the introduction of a tour to South Africa. The new group tour has been added following feedback from customers. The 17-day Grand Tour of South Africa itinerary travels from Kruger National Park, through the lands of the Zulu along the Garden Route to Cape Town. Other highlights include the former home of Nelson Mandela, Johannesburg, the landscapes of the Kingdom of Swaziland, wildlife viewing in HluhluweImfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the colonial and art deco architecture of Durban and a Cape winelands tour. The tour departs on 11 November 2016 and 17 March 2017 and prices start at £3,590 per person on a fully inclusive basis. Ben Briggs, head of marketing, says: “Initially targeted at Wendy Wu Tours’ existing customer database, the new 17day Grand Tour of South Africa proved such a success in its first few weeks on sale that an additional departure date has now been added on 25 November.”
Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines has launched a threetimes weekly service to Durban from Addis Ababa.
The new flights connect on from Ethiopian Airlines Heathrow thrice-weekly service to the Ethiopian capital. Lead in low season fares start at £608 economy including taxes. Ethiopian Airlines already offers daily connections from Heathrow to Johannesburg and four-times weekly connections to Cape Town via Addis Ababa. Acacia Africa The Africa specialist has turned its attention to Zimbabwe for 2016, introducing the destination to three of its small group safaris. The tours that will feature several stops in Zimbabwe include the 14-day Southern Africa Magic, the seven-day Kruger and Victoria Falls and the 11-day Delta and Chobe Waterways. Also,Acacia’s seven-day Okavango Wilderness Trails will also start at the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. All of the itineraries will visit the Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and the Matobo National Park - one of the best places to view rhino in Africa. Prices for the 14-day Southern Africa Magic start at £1,395 per person with a safari pass costing from £870 per person and including transport, accommodation, most meals and services of a tour leader/driver.
2by2 Holidays The Southern and East Africa specialist has launched its 2016 brochure featuring a new Latin America programme. The new 128-page brochure includes an extensive holiday programme to Central and South America, alongside its staple destinations in Southern and East Africa. Saga Holidays The 122-room Blue Marlin hotel on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast has launched a new all-inclusive package aimed at the UK market. Saga Holidays features nine nights’ all-inclusive at the property from £1,499 per person. The Fine Collection A new luxury marketing brand has launched which features accommodation and experience providers. The Fine Collection includes Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel in Cape Town, Nut Grove Manor in Mpumalanga, South Africa, L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas in Franschhoek and Park Inn by Radisson Newlands. The experiences are Cape Canopy Tour and Cape Sidecar Adventures. For more information, go to thefinecollection.co
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ADVENTURE
Thrills, spills and safaris
Robin Pope Safaris celebrates its 30th anniversary with a specially extended mobile walking safari in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia
Searching for adventure? Then look no further than the landscapes of Southern and East Africa
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DVENTURE SPECIALISTS to Southern and East Africa have seen an increase in demand for holidays to the region, particularly South Africa and Namibia, due to the weakness of the rand. Abbey Thomas, national sales manager for Visions of Africa, says: “The weak rand combined with some amazing air-fare offers from South African Airways and British Airways has helped to increase bookings. “The trade has clocked this and as a result, it is very busy. Already we are struggling for availability in some areas for October, November and December.” Thomas said the operator is planning a calendar of agent training events for 2016 with a particular focus on South Africa and Botswana, although dates have yet to be confirmed. “The tourist boards to these two destinations are extremely proactive with the trade,” says Thomas, who is planning to embark on a trade sales mission throughout the UK to promote these two destinations. “Face-to-face training with the support of tourist boards and suppliers who know these destinations inside out are the best ways to engage with agents and help them sell these destinations. “We are also planning a fam trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar for eight agents between 12 and 21 June.” A spokesman for G Adventures agreed that during 2015, South Africa had remained consistent and Namibia had
grown nicely but the year was particularly tough for Kenya due to ebola and concerns about security. “However, this has given neighbouring countries in East Africa the opportunity to come forward. Uganda has grown significantly, while Tanzania has also been stable and had some growth. A new addition of late has been Rwanda, which is also holding its own in terms of bookings.” We catch up with the operators to get their top adventure tips for this year. Exodus The adventure specialist has added a new tour that takes intrepid visitors on an adventure through Botswana and Zimbabwe. The new 16-day Botswana and Zimbabwe Lodge Safari includes seven days in Botswana, starting at the cascading Victoria Falls. Then it’s off to Kasane to embark on a four-wheel-drive and river safari through Chobe National Park. On day four, the safari heads to Maun, the town on the edge of the Okavango Delta, which is one of the largest inland deltas on earth. The camp at the delta is a great way to experience the African wilderness at its best, particularly at night, when far from any light pollution, there’s the opportunity to gaze at the millions of twinkling stars in the sky. During the day, there is plenty of time to explore the delta waterways and islands by mokoro dugout canoes on the lookout for the wildlife that populate the delta.
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ADVENTURE
The following days involve visiting the Nata Sanctuary to watch the sunset on the Makgadikgadi Pan. On day nine, it’s time to cross over the border to search for rhinos and leopards in Matopos and spot wild dogs in Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park. The trip rounds off with two days at Victoria Falls. How much? Prices lead in at £3,599 per person including flights, all accommodation, most meals and a tour leader throughout. The next departure is 2 July 2016. To book: exodus.co.uk
Saga Holidays For your clients who have plenty of time on their hands and are keen to explore a number of countries in Southern Africa, then suggest they try out Saga Holidays’ 25-night Southern Soul adventure. This epic journey takes travellers across 3,200 miles on a journey of a lifetime to explore South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The tour begins in Cape Town for a two-night stay where they will have the
All About Southern & East Africa
chance to experience the highlights of this amazing city, including the epic Table Mountain and the San Education and Culture Centre, 40 miles from Cape Town. The tour then crosses the border to Namibia to explore the Fish River Canyon and its Ai-As hot springs before heading to the Sossousvlei sand dunes and the desert settlement of Sesriem and the dunes and salt plan of Sossousvlei and the clay pan of Deadvlei. After two nights in Swakopmund, it’s time to head off to Damaraland and the old capital of Krhoizas to discover the Petrified Forest and the UNESCO-listed Twyfelfontein rock engravings and paintings. Two nights at the Etosha National Park for some intense wildlife spotting follow, before heading off to the capital of Windhoek for travel on to Ghanzi, known as the capital of the Kalahari, for some more game walks. On day 17, the tour crosses the border into Maun in Botswana with three days exploring the Okavango Delta, before heading to Nata in central Botswana to
experience the Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the largest salt pans in the world. Two days at Kasane follow for two nights at the Thebe River Lodge in Chobe National Park to enjoy some game drives before finishing this epic adventure off with two days at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. How much? Prices lead in at £3,999 per person based on 1 June 2016 departure. The price includes: seven nights in hotels; 13 in lodges, three nights in camps and two in flight; most excursions and visits; most meals; return flights and transfers; and the services of a Saga tour manager. To book: travel.saga.co.uk G Adventures The adventure specialist has moved into the world of vehicle manufacturing with the launch of its very own overland adventure vehicle (OAV). The fleet of 10 ‘Landos’ will be introduced on most G Adventures overland trips in Eastern and Southern Africa from May 2016, with the rollout being completed by July. Each truck
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ADVENTURE features full body seatbelts, reclining seats with side-seat movement for extra shoulder room, a 250-litre water tank to reduce the use of plastic bottles, in-built wifi, USB chargers at every seat, large front windows for better views of wildlife, and windows designed for photography. The Lando will be operating on 22 G Adventures You Only Live Once (YOLO) itineraries (adventures for 18 to 39 year olds) covering Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. G Adventures Yolo trips in Africa are primarily camping trips that are fast-paced, cover a lot of distance, and provide younger travellers with the opportunity to see as much as possible at a more affordable price. How much? A sample itinerary on the G Adventures featuring the new Lando vehicle include the 14-day Kenya and Uganda Gorilla Adventure. This trip offers the chance to meet a myriad wildlife include chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest. There's also the option to join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. How much? Prices lead in at £1,649 per person for a 14-day trip from Nairobi return. Flights are not included. To book: gadventures.co.uk 2by2 Holidays The Southern and East Africa specialist has a great self-drive, adventure tour along the Garden Route that has a real bite. The 14-night Adventurous Cape tour starts off in Cape Town before heading along the Garden Route through the winelands to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and on to the seaside town of Hermanus for whale watching. Day seven sees the adventure side of this experience step up a gear with a visit to the small village of Gansbaai for shark cage diving. Thrill seekers are transferred by boat to Dyer Island and Shark Alley where they can enter a cage to spot the fearsome great white sharks. Another highlight of this tour is the Bloukrans Bridge near Nature’s Valley, to experience the adrenalin thrill of bungee jumping from the highest single span arch bridge in the world. Located in Tsitsikamma Forest, which is known as the adventure capital of South Africa, other activities include black-water tubing down the Storm’s River, abseiling down Storms River
The Lando, the new overland adventure vehicle from G Adventures
gorge, an exciting tree-top canopy tour, marine walking and snorkelling trails. The tour ends with a visit to Addo Elephant Park before heading off to Port Elizabeth for the flight home. How much? Prices lead in at £994 excluding flights and car hire. To book: 2by2holidays.co.uk Robin Pope Safaris The specialist in walking safaris is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a specially extended mobile walking safari in the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. The seven-day tour immerses participants in their surroundings, encouraging them to stop to spot clues that are everywhere but which largely go unnoticed, for example the subtle swish of a tail through tall grass, or the significance of certain droppings underfoot. Beginning with a celebratory night beneath the stars, each day begins at sunrise with a morning walk. After lunch
and a siesta, the leisurely afternoon walk begins, reaching camp in time for sundowners and dinner under the open sky. The camp is moved and set up in a new location each day for guests and as travellers walk from one location to the next, they have the opportunity to spot elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe and hippo – plus 450 species of bird that thrive in the sanctuary of the Luangwa River. The maximum group size is just six people, led by a highly-experienced guide and accompanied by an armed game scout. How much? Prices start at £4,820 per person and includes nine nights’ accommodation, all meals and safari activities, most drinks, laundry and transfers to/from Mfuwe airport in Zambia. National and international flights are not included. The scheduled departure dates are 20th July, 1st August and 17th September only. To book: robinpopesafaris.net
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Let’s all do the Congo
AFARI LODGE specialist Kamili is preparing to offer travellers the ultimate safari adventure following a partnership with Congo Conservation Company to market its three Odzala Discovery Camps in Congo-Brazzaville. Located in the northwest of the Congo, Odzala is a place of impressive biodiversity with towering forests, crystal-clear streams and expansive open savannah. Really off the beaten track when it comes to safari experiences, visitors to this region of northwest Congo will have the opportunity to track western lowland gorillas through pristine rainforest and discover a mosaic of grasslands and waterways as they search out unique birds and wildlife. The three camps Kamili will be marketing include the Lango Camp, the Ngaga Camp and the Mboko Camp. Rates start at just $485 per person per night for full board accommodation at the camps, excluding the gorilla permit, which is $320. For more information, rates and images or if you would like to arrange a presentation/staff training on Odzala Discovery Camps, contact hannah@kamilisafaris.com
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ROMANCE
All you need IS LOVE As the Oscar-winning, Hollywood blockbuster Out of Africa marks its 30th anniversary, operators recommend their most romantic spots The long weekend There’s nothing like a surprise weekend away to keep the romance alive in a relationship, but most couples would consider a few nights in Paris as the ultimate lovers’ escape. But what about a long weekend in Zimbabwe and Botswana to really impress that special someone? Africa Albida Tourism has put together a three-night Long Weekend Safari package that features an overnight stay at either Victoria Falls Safari Lodge,Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites to enjoy commanding views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. After a spot of lunch, spend the afternoon on a romantic and luxurious sunset cruise down the mighty Zambezi River, sighting wildlife. The following day, couples are whisked away for a tour of the Falls before being transferred in under three hours across the Botswana border for a two-night stay in one of the luxury suites at Ngoma Safari Lodge. Located on a high ridge above the beautiful Chobe flood plain, guests are treated to stunning views of elephant herds, giraffe and even the rare roan antelope. Longweekenders spending two nights at the luxury Ngoma Safari Lodge can enjoy exhilarating morning and evening game drives in the Chobe National Park, as well as a boat safari across the Chobe River, metres from huge crocodiles and hippos. Returning to the comfort of the lodge in the early evening, guests can soak up the sunsets from Ngoma’s viewing deck, before indulging in a three-course feast. The following day, Longweekenders can take in one final game drive in the early
A luxury suite at Ngoma Safari Lodge in Botswana
morning before beginning their return journey home. How much? The Long Weekend Safari package costs from £1,122 per person, staying in Victoria Falls Safari Lodge on a bed and breakfast basis for one night, and on full board basis with activities at Ngoma Safari Lodge for two nights. Price includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi Explorer's signature
deck, dinner at The Boma - Place of Eating, a guided tour of Victoria Falls (excludes National Park fees) and all road transfers. International flights are not included. To book: africaalbidatourism.com Small is beautiful For couples who are looking for a really exclusive, intimate setting, Somak Holidays
New rooms with romantic views South Africa The five-star Leeu Estates hotel is set to open on 15 June. Set in 68 hectares of vineyards and landscaped gardens in the Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estates will consist of 17 rooms and suites on this working wine farm with wine tastings available in a specially designed venue as well as a gym and spa. Aimed at couples, prices will lead in at £208 per room per night including breakfast, local drinks and a complimentary wine tasting. Kenya Luxury safari operator Elewana will be opening a new luxury tented camp in the Loisaba Conservancy next month. The Loisaba Tented Camp will comprise four double rooms, one tented suite and two family tents, each made up of two double en-suite tents with shared verandas. An exclusive family residence will offer three en-suite rooms complemented with a shared private lounge, dinning tent and private pool. In addition to its bar and restaurant facilities, the property will have a second infinity swimming pool, additional to the private pool, with views across the Laikipia Plains to Mount Kenya; views that are shared by each of the property’s rooms. Namibia The Namibia Tourism Board is looking forward to a strong year with UK arrivals following an overall 10% year-on-year increase from the UK, despite the lack of a direct flight to the southern Africa country. The tourist office has also noticed an increase in the average length of stays which has now risen to over 17 nights, with self-drive holidays still dominating bookings. A new safari lodge provider has launched in the country. Namibia Exclusive opened Sorris Sorris Lodge, four nine-room luxury eco-camps situated in Namibia’s remote northeast Khaudum National Park, with Omatendeka Lodge, Xaudum Lodge and Shey Shuushona Lodge now scheduled to open end April 2016.
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ROMANCE
suggests they check in to Sanctuary Baines’ Camp, which is set in a private concession on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Set in a grove of trees, and surrounded by papyrus beds, Baines’ Camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River. The swimming pool and the wide wooden deck that surrounds the main dining and sitting room is the perfect place to relax while observing the varied wildlife present here. The camp has just five suites, all luxury personified with en-suite bathrooms and four poster beds, which can be wheeled out on to the suites’ private deck for a night under the stars. There’s also the option to enjoy a bath under the stars too. The intimate theme continues when it comes to dining with the option to enjoy private dinners for two under the Africa night sky by the lodge’s pool. How much? Somak Holidays features an overnight stay at Baines’ Camp from £514 per person per night including all
meals, local brand drinks, activities and park fees where applicable. To book: somak.com The big anniversary With the Oscars just around the corner and this year marking 30 years since Out of Africa hit the big screen, Real Africa is aiming to keep the romance alive of this epic movie that showcased the beauty of Kenya to the whole world. The specialist has introduced two Out of Africa Fly-in Safaris that will give couples the chance to relive some of the romantic moments from the film. These fly-in safaris allow guests to maximise their safari time and combine several different areas easily and comfortably in one trip. Real Africa has hand-picked accommodation to reflect the classic style of the film Out of Africa and to celebrate Kenya's key safari destinations. Real Africa managing director Robert Ferguson says the wild plains of Kenya, captured so beautifully in the film 30 years ago, can still very much be
experienced today. “In Mara North Conservancy there is 1 guest to around 350 acres”, he says, “this unfenced wilderness is the perfect place to recreate the drama and romance of the film”. In addition, visitors can fly north and get off the beaten track in Kenya with a stay in the rugged hills of Laikipia, or fly south-east to Amboseli and Tsavo in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. How much? A seven-night fly-in safari with Scenic Air Safari costs from £2,745 per person and includes stays at tented camps in Tsavo East and West, Amboseli and the Masai Mara, all domestic flights and transfers. A nine-night Kenya in Style experience includes nights under canvas in the Masai Mara at Alex Walker's Serian, soaking up views of the Samangua Valley from beautiful Borana, and Laikipia. There’s also overnight stays at Tortilis Camp in Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Prices lead in at £5,395 including all domestic flights and transfers. To book: realafrica.co.uk
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FAMILY Handpicked Africa recommends the Borana lodge in Kenya, which has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained
Adventures for all ages From game drives in Madikwe to turtle watching in Mozambique, a family safari Africa is guaranteed to provide a lifetime of memories
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HILDREN ARE fascinated by bugs, birds and beasts of all shapes and sizes from a very young age, so why not embrace kids’ passion for wildlife and take them on a trip of a lifetime to Africa. We catch up with operators to get some recommendations on where best to take a family on safari. South Africa Agents booking holidays for families know that the pressure is on them to ensure that they find the perfect resort where the kids will be kept entertained while the parents and carers enjoy some well-earned rest. For a family break in the sun with a difference, Sun City ticks all the boxes. As well as a children’s programme of activities that will keep the kids on the go from dawn ’til dusk, there’s a whole range of activities to keep the children busy if they want to dip out of the kids club. These include: the Valley of Waves Water Park; the Maze of the Lost City, which happens to be the largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere; the outdoor centre which offers quad biking, archery, hot-air balloon rides and rhino tracking; a water sports centre; and the world’s fastest zip slide. As well as the game drives for all the family in either Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves to spot the big five, parents can escape the kids and spend a day at the spa, squeeze in some tennis, or enjoy some of the adrenaline-pumping activities. In the evening after dinner, there’s the
option to enjoy a poker game or sip a cocktail and look forward to the next day’s game drive. How much? Hayes and Jarvis has a 14night trip to South Africa with prices from £2,449 per family of three (two adults, one child). Departing on 7 July 2016, this trip includes five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Sun City Hotel and return flights from Heathrow with Emirates. To book: hayesandjarvis.co.uk South Africa and Mozambique For families who want a mix of safari and beach in two very different destinations, Natural World Safaris recommends they consider a South Africa and Mozambique twin centre. The specialist has an 11-day experience that includes a stay at Leobo Private Reserve, which promises to be the ultimate safari experience for a family who like the idea of an exclusive getaway. Leobo Private Reserve is a completely private 20,000-acre estate based in the
beautiful Waterberg mountains, three hours’ drive north of Johannesburg. Owned by an English family as their private home, the reserve is rented on an exclusive basis only so it is the perfect place for families to stay who really want to escape from the modern world. There’s the option to do as little or as much as you like. There’s game drives by day or by night, and there’s also horse riding, quad biking and rock climbing. The lodge also has its own observatory, and its location far away from any light pollution makes it the perfect spot to do some star gazing. After a stay at this stunning lodge, it’s time to head to the paradise retreat of Vamizi Island, which is located in the Quirimbas Archipelago in the calm, cyclone-free waters off the coast of northern Mozambique. Offering the definitive experience of barefoot luxury,Vamizi Island has just six private villas, which lend themselves to being the most high-end type of family accommodation with the largest villa,
Fam trip to Tanzania TAKIMS HOLIDAY is offering agents the opportunity to experience the beauty of Tanzania by hosting a fam trip in November. The operator has opted to host the educational following the success of last year’s event, and is keen to show the trade what a fantastic safari destination Tanzania is. The trip is running from the 28 November - 7 December 2016 and will visit Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and the Pangani Coastline. Accommodation includes; Hatari Lodge, Gibb's Farm, Chaka Camp, Kiota Camp and Kijongo Bay Beach Lodge. For more information, please contact hannah@kamilisafaris.com
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FAMILY
Papilio, being able to accommodate up to 15 adults and children. There’s diving and deep-sea fishing to enjoy as well as snorkelling trips, castaway picnics, whale-watching expeditions, kayak trips, traditional dhow sunset cruises, nature walks, community visits and miles of beaches to explore. Guests are also encouraged to get involved with the island’s conservation projects through turtle watching and releasing. And of course a stay in such a luxurious property wouldn’t be complete without the services of a personal chef and hospitality team who can suggest and plan the activities that will make this trip unforgettable. How much? Prices for this 11-day experience lead in at £5,980 per person based on a family of six (four adults, two children) excluding international flights. To book: naturalworldsafaris.com
Tanzania Tours specialist Tauck has rolled out a new Africa tour for families for 2016. The 10-day Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari is the perfect tour for young safari enthusiasts, which not only gives them the chance to embark on guided game drives during the day, but with the help of night vision goggles and thermal imaging, families can experience Tanzania’s nocturnal society. This tour gives parents and their offsprings the chance to wake up to views of Mount Kilimanjaro, discover who lives on the
Fun for all the family at Sun City’s Valley of the Waves water park
slopes of this mighty mountain, experience the real life home of Maasai warriors and Africa's Big Five. They will also get a true taste of daily life in the African bush when they learn how to make beaded jewellery and throw a spear, and visit a village school. The 10-day experience includes three nights at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Multiple-night stays in tented camps and lodges, private game drives in open-top safari vehicles, hot-air balloon over the Serengeti, visits to a primary school Tauck helps to support and a visit to the traditional home of a Chagga family, dinner under the stars and a drum circle, the chance to learn Maasai dancing and to speak Swahili. How much? Prices lead in at £4,325 and includes accommodation, game drives, transfers and some meals. Flights are not included. To book: tauck.co.uk
Kenya For the young budding conservationists, Handpicked Africa has the perfect 13-day hands-on safari experience. The Conservation Safari is on the Borana Reserve In Kenya and guests are encouraged to get involved in the conservation work that takes place. As well as all the standard game drives and walks, guests can experience horse and camel riding, mountain biking and swimming that is available at the Lewa Wilderness lodge and the Borana Cottage. However, the highlight of the trip is the opportunity for guests to get involved in the conservation projects at the reserves. While these change on a regular basis, the activities can include tracking rhino on foot, using telemetry to follow lions as well as collecting images and helping update IDs of both lions and rhinos and looking at camera trap footage from migratory gaps. Guests can also help rangers push elephants away from community land, spend a day with tracker dogs and get involved in an anti-poaching training exercise. How much? Three nights at the Lewa Wilderness lodge and three nights at the Borana Cottage on an all-inclusive basis lead in at $3,660. This does not include international flights and transfers to and from Lewa. To book: email Sachacraig@handpickedafrica.co.uk
All About Southern & East Africa
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ECO TOURISM
The right stuff From ocean conservation to elephant watch, there’s plenty of scope to be “hands on” during your holiday
A
S PEOPLE travel more, research shows that travellers are keen to get more involved in the destinations they are visiting. Here are three very different experiences where your clients can “give back” to the local communities who make them feel so welcome during their stay. Dolphins and yoga Steppes Travel have put together the perfect package for travellers keen to combine their hobbies with community projects in the locations they are visiting. This 10-day Dolphins and Yoga retreat in Mozambique starts off with an overnight stay at the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban before driving up the coast and into Mozambique to the Ponta D’Ourr area, which is well known for its pods of dolphins. On arrival, travellers check into the Ponta Malongane Beach House, which is a private beachside retreat. Here, each day begins with yoga and breath-control sessions at sunrise on the pool deck, readying the body and mind for the diving later in the day. After breakfast, the I Am Water team take guests out to take part in deep-diving sessions along a weighted rope before heading out in search of dolphins. Regardless of their free-diving ability, close encounters are guaranteed, with the dolphins eager to interact with visitors to their aquatic domain. As the day draws to a close, guests are taken back to the villa for some time relaxing by the pool or on the beach with the option to venture further afield to a nearby lake where hippos and crocodiles can be found, or on to a colourful local market. As the sun sets, there’s the final yoga session of the day before dinner which is cooked by Victoria Dudley, a Cape Town chef. The ethical tourism aspect of this holiday is brought to guests
by the I Am Water team, which is an Ocean Conservation Trust that was founded in 2010 by ocean lovers who acknowledge that mankind and nature cannot survive without each other. I Am Water works with the children of the nearby Momoli Orphanage, and during the week, there’s a visit to this invaluable project. Once terrified of the power of the sea, the children have learned – with the help of the charity – to embrace the majestic vastness of the ocean. Now they swim and snorkel with carefree abandon, learning to explore and respect the world beneath the waves. How much? This 10-day experience costs from £2,395 per person, excluding international flights. To book: steppestravel.com Ethiopia:Tribes of the Omo Valley If you have clients that have been to Africa before so this time round, they are looking for a really cultural experience, 2by2 Holidays has just what they are looking for. The nine-night private tour of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia offers a fascinating insight into the tribes of the remote Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia. The experience begins with a city tour of Addis Ababa for a visit to the National Museum and Trinity Cathedral before climbing up the captivating Mount Entoto for panoramic views over the city. Day two begins with a five-hour drive south to the Rift Valley with its chains of stunning lakes including Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, Lake Abijatta and Lake Shala. There’s even the opportunity to swim in Lake Langano. The following day involves a seven-hour drive to Arba Minch – the gateway to the tribes of the Omo Valley – travelling through the villages of Alaba and Wolita to meet the locals. The stay in the Omo Valley starts with a visit to the Dorze village, one of many small tribes of the great
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ECO TOURISM Omotic language group of southern Ethiopia. Once warriors, they have now turned to weaving and farming to earn a living. In the afternoon, there’s the option to enjoy a boat ride on Lake Chamo, where you can see the giant Nile crocodiles sunbathing. A six-hour drive to Turmi starts day five, passing through the village of Benna Tsemay and Dimeka. On arrival in Turmi, the tour guide takes the group to the settlement of the Dassanech people. The last few days of this journey takes visitors to the market town of Jinka, located in the hills north of the Tama Plains to visit the small Omo Valley Cultural Museum before heading to the Mursi Village, where the local custom for young women reaching maturity is to have their lower lips slit and circular clay disks inserted. On the return journey to Addis Ababa, the tour stops off at Tiya Stelea, the remains of an ancient Ethiopian culture whose age has not yet been precisely determined. There are 36 monuments at this UNESCO World Heritage site, including 32 carved stone slabs covered with symbols. The tour also visits the Melka Kunture Archeological Site in the Awash River Valley, where many ancient stone tools and huge mammal fossils nearly two million years old have been discovered. How much? This nine-night tour leads in at £1,895 per person excluding flights. To book: 2by2holidays.co.uk Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary: This 14-day experience project allows volunteers the chance to travel and work as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary with cheetahs, lions and other big cats. Much of Namibia is certified ‘cheetah country,’ and is home to one-third of the world's entire cheetah population. With 95% of cheetahs living outside protected areas and on farmland, they are sadly often killed by landowners who regard them as a threat to their livestock. This journey also includes some involvement at local schools and teaching English. How much? This 14-day experience costs from £795 per person and includes full orientation and support from project managers for the duration of the project, accommodation and three meals per day and tea and coffee. To book: gapyear.com
Swim with the dolphins on a 10-day Dolphins and Yoga experience with Steppes Travel
Fam trip offer at Tanzania's Simba Safari Lodge A TANZANIA safari lodge company is hosting a fam trip in late May to give agents the opportunity to experience its portfolio of properties. Simba Portfolio Safari Lodge offers three camps on the world-renowned Tanzanian Northern Circuit of Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Each camp is located in prime game-viewing areas and the accommodation features classic canvas safari tents constructed on wooden platforms, each with en-suite facilities as well as an outdoor shower and private veranda with views to the bush. Solar power provides both electricity and hot water, while furnishings are handcrafted from African hardwood and decorated with local fabric. Food is prepared using the finest home-produced ingredients available, with an emphasis on healthy eating, catering for special diets, with the same attention to detail and good taste. Agents interested in taking part in the fam trip in May to see all the properties should email info@lightsonmarketing.co.uk
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HOLIDAYS 4 LESS
Holidays for less than... For budget-conscious travellers to those with a bit more money to spend, here is a round-up of some great packages to Southern and East Africa
…£1,500 ITC Luxury Travel features seven nights at the Residence Zanzibar, which stretches along a mile of coastline flanked by coconut palms. Each of the 66 villas at the hotel has its own swimming pool and terrace. How much? ITC Luxury Travel is offering a saving of 40% on accommodation rates with prices from £1,399 per person based on two adults sharing a luxury garden pool villa for seven nights on a half board basis including return economy class flights and private transfers. This price represents a saving of up to £620 per person. To book: itcluxurytravel.co.uk Intrepid Travel has introduced an 11-day Kruger and Cape Town By Train trip for 2016. Visitors will spend time in Johannesburg and experience a three-day safari in Kruger National Park before taking the overnight train to Cape Town. In Cape Town, they’ll have a walking tour of the city, visit Robben Island and Table Mountain, and head out to Stellenbosch for some wine tasting. How much? Prices start at £1,450 per person, excluding international flights. The prices include accommodation in four
All About Southern & East Africa
star hotels, ground transport, selected meals and the services of a local guide. To book: intrepidtravel.co.uk Somak Holidays has a fournight package for the marathon that takes place at the Lewa Conservancy in Kenya which includes three nights’ accommodation at Maridadi Campsite on a full board basis. How much? Prices lead in at £1,370 per person and include airport transfers, one night’s accommodation at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi on a bed and breakfast basis, three nights’ accommodation at Maridadi Campsite on a full -oard basis, return flights to Lewa from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and transport to Lewa Conservancy for game drives and various project visits. Kenya Airways offers return flights from Heathrow to Nairobi from £772 per person. To book: somak.com/lewamarathon-2016 …£2,000 Cosmos Tours and Cruises has launched a 10-day Garden Route, Safari and Winelands holiday ideal for experiencing Cape Town as well as the easily accessible regions around the city such as the
Little Karoo and Garden Route including Knysna, game drives in the Albertina region, plus the pretty coastal town Hermanus and wine growing area of Stellenbosch. How much? Prices start at £1,652 per person including flights, seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation, some meals, all travel and overseas transfers for a departure from Heathrow on 18 April. To book: cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk …£3,000 Saga Holidays offers a 15night tour of South Africa that takes visitors on a tour of the must-have experiences in this remarkable country. The World in One Country tour includes a Pretoria city tour; a safari in Kruger National Park; a scenic tour of the Drakensberg escarpment; a Lake Jozini boat cruise; a visit to Shakaland cultural village; a visit to Tsitsikamma National Park; a Knysna Lagoon cruise; a Outeniqua tour; a tour around Cape Aghulas; Wine tasting in the Cape Winelands; and a Cape Town city tour and Table Mountain. How much? Prices lead in at £2,599 per person based on 17 nights departing on 16 July. The
price includes 15 nights in hotels and two in flight; most meals; return flights; transfers; and the services of a Saga tour manager. To book: travel.saga.co.uk …£5,000 Full Circle Travel has a 22day Cape Town to Victoria Falls experience that takes visitors through the spectacular landscapes of Southern Africa, through sand dunes, canyons and spectacular waterfalls. There will be the opportunity to spot cheetahs and elephants in wildlife-rich game parks, as well as witnessing the incredible Victoria Falls. How much? Prices lead in at £3,699 per person for 22 days based on two sharing with departures between 30 April and 21 May. The price includes return flights from London and all transfers, all accommodation, all transport and the services of a tour leader. To book: fullcircletravel.co.uk
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