Africa Travel Newsletter - January 2008

TRAVEL CENTRE

With the festive season behind us - many of you will now be planning your annual holidays. With this in mind we have decided to dedicate this month's Newsletter to our Travel Center.

If you are considering visiting Africa during July/August September of 2008 then we recommend that you make a booking early in the year, as safari lodges get booked up early in the year during this peak season, particularly in East Africa.

If Africa is your chosen destination for this year's 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 600 individual, varied itineraries - from budget to luxury, offered by many different tour operators throughout the African continent. Click to view the whole selection.

Here are some ideas to tempt you...

New Itineraries for 2008
	Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Safari- Kenya/Tanzania 17 days: This luxury safari takes you through Kenya’s popular game viewing locations, including Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Amboseli NP and then visits the 'big five' areas of Northern Tanzania including Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
	Tanzania Eastern Coast Tour and Zanzibar Beach - Tanzania 9 days: Cultural heritage at the coastal cities of Dar es salaam and Bagamoyo where you can freely mix with tribal people to practice and observe their lifestyle and relax on the beautiful beach and view a scenic beauty and the ecology of the Gezaulole village. Island of Zanzibar which is characterised by beautiful sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.
	Danakil Depression: Erta Ale and Dallol - Ethiopia 10 days: In this adventure you will explore Erta Alle, absolutely unique Lava Lake erupting 24 hours and Dalol, the lowest part of Danakil Depression (116 below sea level) extremely hottest and inhospitable place but enjoyable and extraordinary colorful landscape. It is famous for its fascinating fumaroles amazing rock formations, crystal and mineral deposits. The final part of your adventure takes you to Lake Asale, famous salt mining lake and visits to salt workers when cutting, shaping and loading. Besides, salt merchants along with their endless Camel Caravans will be visited.
	Omo Valley, Gondar and Lalibela - Ethiopia 12 Days: On this trip, you get truly off the beaten track, exploring little visited villages and vibrant tribal markets of the southern Ethiopia. The trip also includes a visit to the historically important towns of Gondar and Lalibela. In Gondar the castle of Faselades, which is known as the Camelot of Africa, will be visited. In Lalibela, the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, often referred to as the 'Eighth wonder of the World', will be visited.
	Madagascar Dhow Camping Trip - Madagascar 8 Days: Dhow Camping Trip, Island-hopping around Nosy Be, where you spend your days relaxing in the beautiful surroundings kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and spear-fishing. Plus to opportunity to spot several lemur species, colourful chameleons and maybe a snake or two amid the forest! and visiting quaint villages with craft markets
	Madagascar North Adventure - Madagascar 8 Days: Small group accommodated tour through Madagascar, offering combination of wildlife viewing, beautiful scenery and relaxation on the beach
	Kruger Wildlife Experience_5 star - South Africa 4 Days: Kruger National Park, in South Africa is best known for the "Big Five" - Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino - and is truly the flagship of Africa and South Africa's game reserves. offering, you, the visitor, an exceptional experience in Africa at its best. Accommodation in a 5-star luxury private Lodge with game walks and drives in Kruger National Park
	Indian Ocean and Big 5 Safari - South Africa/Mozambique 14 Days: Small group safari combined with beach relaxation. Starting and ending in Johannesburg and visiting Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Pk, The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Kruger NP and Maputo and Inhambane in Mozambique.
	Family Self Drive Safari along the Garden Route - South Africa 10 Days: A self-drive Family Tour from Cape Town along the popular South African Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, with special activities that the kids are sure to love. This tour is offered with the choice to have a qualified guide accompany you if you wish.
	Botswana Untouched Mobile Safari_Upgraded - South Africa/Botswana 14 Days: A small group semi-participation Safari from Johannesburg to Livingstone through South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, visiting Moremi GR , Chobe NP and Victoria Falls
	Angolan 4x4 Expedition - Namibia/Angola 14 Days: Small group camping tour from northern Nambia into Southern Angola, visiting nomadic people of Angola are completely untouched by modern society, with time to relax & explore the fascinating coastline
	South Eastern Africa Expedition - Mozambique 27 Days: Learn to scuba dive in the clear blue Mozambique seas, river canoe into untamed Africa, explore the islands of the coast in a dhow, assist in a volunteer program to play and coach soccer with the local community.
	East Africa High Adventure Expedition - Kenya/Uganda 28 Days :Learn in depth about the bush around you, conquer and explore Mount Kenya, venture into North Kenya on camel back with the Samburu as your guides, and navigate the first 100 kms of the River Nile – using water and land.
	Kenya - Uganda Volunteer Expedition - Kenya/Uganda 22 Days :Travelling north-east from Nairobi to Uganda explore Lake Naivasha, help to refurbish local schools and villages, learn more about African tribal customs & cultures and be enthralled by the Masai Mara on your return to Kenya.
	South East African Odyssey - South Africa to Kenya 75 Days :Travel from Johannesburg to Nairobi via Cape Town and Victoria Falls in extra comfort with innovative facilities for the inspired traveller including on-board digital camera download facility.
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Special Offers / Late Deals Special Offers are added to the travel center on a regular basis so keep checking for one that appeals to you... Click to browse through all itineraries that are currently on Special Offer
The most popular destinations for 2007 Below were the top African destinations for 2007. We expect that 2008 is going to be even more popular, so start your planning now....
	South Africa Safaris Such diversity... experience the landscapes, lifestyles, cultures, wildlife and adventure of South Africa. Climb Table Mountain and admire the views of Cape Town, visit world reknown Kruger National Park, Scuba Dive at South Africa's best dive sites. All options available: luxury, lodges, private, budget, participation camping, hotels.
	Kenya Safaris Famous for its birdlife in the lakes in the Rift Valley, it's wildlife viewing opportunities, and as a beach destination, Kenya is a top choice for a combination safari and beach holiday. We have a full selection of itineraries including budget camping safaris, luxury lodge safari, fly in safaris and for the more active Climbing Mt Kenya.
	Tanzania Safaris Explore the Serengeti & Ngorongoro and Southern Tanzanian game parks. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, fitness and physical levels vary from an easy trek to hanging off a cliff face by your fingertips, yikes!!. and then relax on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar Browse through Zanzibar Beach Holidays Spice tours, Historical Stone Town tour, Prison Island tour and leisure time on the white sandy beaches.
	Egypt Tours Enjoy the historical sights of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan; Pyramids, Sphinx, Karnak, Luxor temples, Valley of Kings & Queens, experience a Nile Cruise. Scuba Dive, snorkel and end your holiday relaxing by the Red Sea.
	Madagascar Holidays Discover the beautiful exotic Island Madagascar with its unique nature and culture. A full range of itineraries that include seeing the Lemurs (the only place in the whole to see them in the wild), canoe down the rivers, hike through the rain forest and relax on the beaches
	Morocco Tours Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Imperial Cities. Discover the abundant imprints left by ancient civilizations. Discover the old mystical Berber villages and loose yourself in fascination with each Kasbah. Mountain bike though the Atlas Mountains or join in on one of the annual festivals
	Overland Participation Camping Safaris Overland trips are aimed at the adventure traveller and they were popular last year. Africa is a huge continent and so diverse in its scenery, culture, history, climate, wildlife - an overland trip is an affordable way to travel through the different countries, experiencing the highlights a country or region has to offer. They are ideal for GAP year students and those on a tight budget with plenty of time.
Family Safaris for School Holidays
	Family Safaris Child friendly family safaris - specifically designed with flexibility and activities to keep younger family members interested and happy. Introduce your family to a real safari adventure with people that know what a family needs on holiday, no stress, no fuss. These itineraries are perfect for school holidays - but do get booked up early, so start making enquiries now!!
We can't add all the itineraries to this Newsletter - 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

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TRAVELLING AFRICA INDEPENDENTLY

Although this Newsletter is mainly dedicated to what's in our travel center - the Africa Guide has so much useful information for travellers who wish to see Africa independently. Before embarking on a trip to Africa, research is key to getting the most out of your experience, there are very few websites that cover the whole of Africa with up-to-date, useful and comprehensive information. For those of you who wish to travel independently, The Africa Guide website has the following sections that will prove to be invaluable for making your plans.

Country Information
Extensive travellers information about each country in Africa - including, climate, money and visas plus information about regions, towns and game parks, photographs and more...

Hotels & Accommodation
In association with an established hotel reservation companies we bring you an on-line booking service for hotels and accommodation throughout Africa. We now have over 500 hotels that you can book on-line - you can find more information about the hotel, as well as check availability and make an on-line reservation via their secure server.

Car Hire
Have the freedom of getting around without having to rely on local transport - rent a vehicle for your holiday. A selection of vehicles for hire/rental including Saloons, 4WD and Mini Buses at very competitive prices throughout the African continent.

Visas & Embassies
We have provided details of the various African Tourist Offices and/or embassies located around the world. These offices will be able to provide you with further tourist information as well as help and advise on applying for visas.

Travel Insurance
Travelling to Africa ? don't go without it! We have a selected several companies offering comprehensive cover at very competitive pricing, catering for travellers from USA, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand

Travelogues
Travelogues are the diaries of people travelling in a variety of different ways in or through various countries. If you are considering travelling in Africa this will be a great place to find out how other people do it and their experiences along the way.

Maps & Atlases
A full range of Road Maps, General Maps, Individual Country Maps, Specialist Maps and Wall Maps, extremely useful and not easy to find in high street shops.

Travel Books
It's always useful to have a travel guide to help show you the way.... we have carefully selected relevant books for each country in Africa. These can be found in each individual country section and our main book shop.

Forum Boards
Have a question but can't find the answer?
Want to provide feedback for other visitors about your recent trip?
Feel free to post a message on our forum boards (no advertising please)

We hope you have enjoyed this Newsletter. Please let you family, friends and colleagues who are thinking of visiting Africa know about The Africa Guide where they will be able to find all the information they need to plan their travels.

Happy Travels

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