Africa Travel Newsletter - May 2006

TRAVEL CENTRE

If Africa is your chosen destination for a holiday our Travel Center is the perfect place for you to have a browse through to get some ideas and make some enquiries. There is the choice of over 500 individual itineraries - from budget to sheer luxury, offered by many different tour operators throughout the African continent. Click to view the whole selection.

Newly added itineraries This past month many new, unusual, unique and adventurous itineraries have been added to our Travel Center. Here are a few to tempt you:-
		Angola Discovery Tour- Angola/Namibia 15 Days: Starts in Lubango, Angola and ends in Windhoek, Namibia. Now at peace, the Discovery tour is an opportunity to explore Angola, Southern Africa's final frontier. A spectacular land of stunning natural wonders and a people of broad smiles and big hearts. This itinerary also includes the chance to spot the ‘Big 5’ in the Etosha National Park.
		Eritrea Discovery Tour- Eritrea 12 Days: This tour offers a fantastic insight to this little visited corner of Africa, with 12 days to discover the highlights of this former Italian colony. We explore by 4WD, taking in Asmara, Keren and the Red Sea
		Eritrea Dankalia Adventure Tour- Eritrea 12 Days: Join this pioneering opportunity to explore the full length of the Dankalia. A stunning expedition style journey by 4WD into one of the remotest areas of the world. Using expert local guides and drivers, we safely cross the desert landscape, meeting along the way many local Afar people.
		São Tomé Discovery Tour- São Tomé 8 Days: a unique opportunity to travel in one of the world's least visited countries. This West African country, 300km off the coast of Gabon, welcomes just 20 tourists a week. We offer the perfect mix of adventure, discovery, and a few comforts along the way, including a stay at an excellent resort that straddles the Equator.
		Sudan Kingdom of Black Pharaohs Tour- Sudan 8 Days: Along Sudan’s remarkable Nile Valley, a wealth of archaeological treasures awaits the intrepid traveller. Join this tour and discover a land of preserved temples dating back to ancient Egyptian times, painted tombs and numerous pyramids.
		Ethiopia Tour - Historic Route by 4WD- Ethiopia 11 Days: Explore Ethiopia's principle historic sites, as well as having the opportunity of visiting many small towns , villages and the Simien Mountains. Specializing in 4WD tours of Ethiopia
		Ethiopia Rift Valley Lakes and Bale National Park- Ethiopia 11 Days: This 4WD tour is an opportunity to meet local people, in an area of the country where tourism is an unknown concept. The region is known for its abundant wildlife and excellent trekking.
		Camel Riding Expedition - Tanzania- Tanzania 8 Days: Here is your chance to experience a true African safari, but on camelback instead of by jeep. For 5-7 hours a day you can ride as the groups of giraffes passing by, or follow alongside herds of zebra, antelope, gazelle, and wildebeest, and from a safe distance watch the lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo. You will ride between Mount Meru and Lake Natron, through savannahs, bush country, and swamps, and stay each night in safari camps.
		Kenya Safari & Lamu Island Beach Holiday- Kenya 7 Days: Experience the best.... a safari in Kenya's best parks, and then air transfer to for relaxation on the unspoilt, vehicle free Lamu Island, famous for its carved doors. A beach holiday in old style
		Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari- Kenya 4 Days: four day lodge safari, taking in a couple of Kenya's best National Parks; Masai Mara - where you have the opportunity of seeing the BIG 5 and Lake Nakuru National Park, which has a fantastic array of bird life including flamingos, white pelicans and the marabou stork, all water birds, that breed in the lake’s alkaline waters.
		Mombasa Beach Holiday & Kenya Safari- Kenya 7 Days: Combine beach holiday with safari to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Flight to Masai Mara and drive via Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru.
		Meru, Samburu, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara- Kenya Kenya Lodge Safari -Experience Meru National Park amongst other major Game parks in Kenya with a true feeling of nature at it's best and wildlife in higher concentration. The opportunity to experience the tribal culture is an added bonus.
		Rift Valley Lakes and Rain Forest Safari- Kenya 7 Days: Perfect for Bird Watchers - visiting the Great Rift Lakes, where thousands of pink flamingos, and other birds migrate to and hiking in the Kakamega rainforest, the only rainforest in East Africa. Accommodation is camping.
		Best of Uganda Tour- Uganda 11 Days: The itinerary offers the perfect chance to see the incredible primates of the African jungle whilst staying in comfortable lodge-based accommodation or good quality permanent tented camps. Also include Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls
		Essaouira Gnawa Festival & Tour - 22 - 25 Jun 2006- Morocco 10 Days - Essaouira Gnawa Music Festival is a celebration of the mysterious music of the Gnawas, the product of a mystic tradition with branches as widespread as Haitian voodoo and Brazilian Candomblé. We can customize your trip for 10 days including the number of days that you would like to join the Festival in addition to exploring the rest of Morocco according to your interest (Private Tour)
		Moroccan Sacred Music Festival & Tour- Morocco 10 Days - 10 Jun 2006 - Fez Artists from around the world flock to Morocco's spiritual capital during the annual Fez Sacred Music Festival. The event features performances in a variety of styles, ranging from local Sufi chants to haunting gypsy songs from Spain - a romantic setting for a fine selection of devotional music.
		Marrakech Popular Art Festival and Tour- Morocco 10 Days - 10-15 July 2006. For five days now, the bustling city of Marrakech manages to cram in even more popular sights and sounds than it boasts already during the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival. From the Berber musicians and dancers of the High Atlas to the Andalous-inspired musicians of the North, from the trance-inducing music of the Southern Gnawas to the art of the belly dancer, every element of Moroccan culture combines to create a vibrant impression for visitors and locals alike.
		Live 1001 night in the Moroccan Sahara- Morocco Celebrate New Years Eve 06/07 in the Sahara Desert. Discover the mystical Saharan landscape as you ride by camel over the stunning sugar-fine sands of Merzouga as the red sun sinks. As night falls, watch traditional folkloric dance and listen to the heady intoxicating beat of Berber drum music and song.

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Special Offers / Late Deals Some of the new Special Offers and late deals include:
	14 Day Gorillas & Game Parks - Kenya/Uganda SPECIAL OFFER : 50% discount on 14th May Departure Camping Safari: This memorable safari takes in the awesome scenery of “The Pearl Of Africa”, Uganda, as well as the unforgettable scenes of wildlife, which abounds in the lake and game parks of Kenya.
	Northern Nomad SPECIAL OFFER : 18 June 2006 fixed departure - 15% discount 27 days: Nairobi to Victoria Falls in comfort! Famous Game Parks, idyllic Zanzibar & Lake Malawi, and the best of Zambia.
	Botswana Mobile Safari - Botswana SPECIAL OFFER 4 places still available 24 May to 7 June Maun to Kasane at 2005 price of Euro 2,786 per person 14 Days: Visit Botswana's premier game viewing Parks and Reserves, Moremi and Chobe, together with more remote but equally exciting unfenced game areas. Includes a flight over the Delta and a days makoro trip on Chiefs Island
	Mobile Safari, Botswana and Zambia - Botswana/Zambia SPECIAL OFFER price of Euro 2,150 - departing LUSAKA, Zambia 20 JULY 2006 arriving MAUN, Botswana 5 August 2006 15 Days: This semi-participation mobile safari covers some of the best national Parks in Botswana and Zambia incl Moremi, Chobe, Kafue and Victoria Falls.
	Botswana Mobile Safari - Botswana SPECIAL OFFER: Departing 18 June, starting Maun to 2 July ending Kasane at the 2005 price of Euro 1610 per person. 15 Days: Visit Botswana's premier game viewing Parks and Reserves, Moremi and Chobe, together with more remote but equally exciting unfenced game areas. Includes a flight over the Delta and a days makoro trip on Chiefs Island
	The Culture of the Menabe region - Madagascar SPECIAL OFFER : Normally 1150 Euros per person - discounted to 650 Euros per persons for scheduled Departure dates 27th May and 25th September 2006 10 Days: We get to know the Tsiribihina River and we visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha. We will look for lemurs in the private Kirindy reserve. We finish at the fabulous Baobab-alley near Morondava.
	Adventure on a forgotten island - Madagascar SPECIAL OFFER : Normally 2950 Euros per person - discounted to 1770 Euros per persons for scheduled departure dates of 11th September 26 days: We go to less common parks and places. We stay more in tent as usual. We take the train to Manakara on the East coast and get to know the West by a pirogue (canoe) tour on the Tsiribihina River.
Click to browse through all itineraries that are currently on Special Offer

We can't add all the itineraries to this Newsletter - but if none of the above appeal then I am sure you will find one that suits you in our Africa Travel Center where you can search by country, price, number of days, activities and national parks.

and if you can not find an itinerary that suits your specific requirements and there are 2 or more of you travelling we would be happy to assist you in designing your own itinerary. Please complete our Customised Request Form

For travellers who wish to make their way round Africa independently of tour operators and guides, the Africa Guide has comprehensive Travel information about each Africa country. Please visit our Africa Countries Index and select the country you are interested in

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NEW BOOKS, MAPS & MUSIC

	The Rough Guide to Tanzania      (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - UK - by Rough Guides the definitive guide to one of Africa's most beautiful destinations. A 24-page, full-colour section introduces Tanzania's highlights, from the volcanic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater to the Indian Ocean beaches of Zanzibar. In addition, there are two, full-colour, 4-page inserts:
	Northern Tanzania: Safari Circuit, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar      (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - UK - by Philip Briggs this book includes everything form choosing a safari, to the hows, whys and wheres of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Manyara. It presents Tanzania's natural history, with a separate wildlife guide. It also talks bout climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, and the Swahili - an introduction to the language.
	Cape Verde Islands : The Bradt Travel Guide  (amazon.com) - USA     (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Aisling Irwin, Colum Wilson Talking about Local culture including music, customs and history, this book includes hiking routes for all levels of experience. It also includes maps and town plans of key areas of the island.
	Marrakesh (Lonely Planet Best of ... S.)   (amazon.com) - USA     (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Alison Bing full-colour guide to Marrakesh with fold-out city maps. It features mapped walking tours, including Marrakesh by Design for the best of the city's elegant interiors. An entertainment chapter provides myriad options from clubbing to performing arts.
	Travel Egypt Nile Cruise   (amazon.com) - USA     (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Janet Wood tells you how it really is! Given from an experienced perspective that does not shy away from confronting the issues, it provides a valuable insight into what you can expect from a Nile Cruise by letting you know the scams, as well as the pleasures awaiting you on your Egyptian vacation. Our Travel Egypt books offer straight answers, with sound and practical holiday advice.
	Namibia (Footprint Travel Guide S.)   (amazon.com) - USA   (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Lizzie Williams Includes Highlights map showing the best sights. Helps you stay ahead of the game in Namibia's national parks. Includes 32 pages of brilliant colour wildlife photography. Adventure tourism for incorrigible adrenaline junkies and relaxed ambiers alike
	Berlitz Libya Pocket Guide (amazon.co.uk) - UK covers all the main sights, area by area, in a handy, compact format. Descriptions of tourist attractions include Tripoli's medina, markets and National Museum, the magnificent Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, the imposing Greek city of Cyrene and its harbour Apollonia, the Ubari Lakes and rock art of the Fezzan region.
	Benin (Bradt Travel Guides S.)   (amazon.com) - USA     (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Stuart Butler exploring this small but varied country which is gaining popularity with adventure and exotic travel enthusiasts. National parks, game viewing, markets, pristine tropical beaches, and surfing are just some of the highlights of Benin that are readily available with aid of this guide, which caters to cultural and historical visitors, those tracing their roots in Benin's slave trade, overland adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
	Niger Bradt Travel Guide   (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Jolijn Geels A travel guide dedicated to Niger. Providing coverage of Niamey, Zinder, Maradi, Massif de L'Air and Tenere desert, it features the ethnic groups, the Hausa, the Peul and the Tuareg and vocabulary and phrases. It covers Niger culture and religion, Islam and animism, and social and ecological issues.
	Burkina Faso Bradt Travel Guide   (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Katrina Manson the Bradt guide brings to life the many attractions of this stable country which offers a thriving culture, laid-back cities, and wildlife encounters. The authors help visitors discover dramatic mask festivals, Fulani horse-dancing, and both the pan-African film festival in Siao and the craft fair in Fespaco, two of the largest events of their kind on the continent. The romance of the Sahel desert can also be explored and information on desert markets, camel safaris, and secret dune encampments is covered for the intrepid traveler.
	Lonely Planet Egypt (amazon.com) - USA   (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Virginia Maxwell, Mary Fitzpatrick, Siona Jenkins, Anthony Sattin Special chapter on Pharaonic Egypt by world-renowned Egyptologist Dr Joann Fletcher. Packed with information for the tourist and tips on how to escape the crowds and enjoy the country's archaeological heritage in peace.
	Botswana Travel Map  (Maps Worldwide) 2006: published by International Travel Maps - This country, one of the most popular in Africa, has done a lot of road improvements recently - a new map is essential. this one Includes inset imap of Central Gaborone at 1:12,500, plus extensive text on Botswana wildlife and history.
	African Safari Photography   (amazon.com) - USA   (amazon.co.uk) - UK by Chris Weston reveals that knowledge that has helped him make it as a pro. Packed with inspirational images this book includes: how to plan your safari and what to take; photographic tips and techniques from a leading professional; advice on where and when to travel; in-depth guides to the best locations; and vital information on the behaviour patterns of animals.

NEW PHOTOS

This month, we thank Nigel Cheal, Daniel Collett and Peter Frank for their contribution of beautiful photographs taken in Mozambique. Visit our new Mozambique Photo Library

Let you family, friends and colleagues who are thinking of visiting Africa know about The Africa Guide. They have access to all the information they need to plan their travels.

Happy Travels