Africa Travel Newsletter - August 2008

CONTENTS: New Itineraries Special Offers/Late Deals Christmas/New Year Getaways Featured Destination - Namibia Hotels and Accommodation in Africa Independent Travellers

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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 almost 800 individual, varied itineraries - from budget to luxury, offered by many different tour operators throughout the African continent. Click to view the whole selection.

If you are thinking of travelling around Christmas and New Year then you need to consider firming up your plans and securing your booking very soon, as this is a peak season.

There have been many new itineraries added recently, below are just some of them

	Cape Town, Garden Route & East Coast - South Africa 13 Days: This holiday is a combination of self-drive adventuring and a chauffeur driven, guided tour. You will pick up your hire car in Cape Town and drive yourselves through this wonderful region, before catching a plane from Port Elizabeth to sunny Durban. Here your Guide will meet you and will act as the chauffeur of your air-conditioned touring vehicle. His/her interpretation of what you see, places you visit, advise on safety and companionship during your tour, will make this a holiday you won’t forget.
	Wildlife, Garden Route & Southern Tip of Africa - South Africa 9 Days: A varied tour including highlights such as game viewing, wine tasting, local culinary delights, fauna & flora in Cape Town and along the Garden Route, the drier Route 62 and the Southern Tip of Africa
	East Africa Safari – Tanzania & Kenya - Tanzania/Kenya 13 Days: Fulfil your lifelong dream on this safari extraordinaire, experiencing thousands of big game animals on the savannahs of Africa. For those wishing an unforgettable fortnight of game drives in Kenya's legendary game preserves--Samburu, Masai Mara and Amboseli, and in Tanzania's famous national parks--Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, this is the ultimate adventure package.
	Adventure, Wildlife Safari and Beach holiday - Tanzania 13 Days: This trip offers you the the chance to experience the 3 top reasons for visiting Tanzania. Starting with a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by a wildlife safari visiting the Northern circuit National Parks of Tanzania and to top it off relaxation in the beautiful beach in Zanzibar. Experience and enjoy the nature, wildlife and habitat of small to large mammals, birds and reptiles in their natural areas.
	Horseback Riding to Hot Springs & Wildlife Safari - Tanzania 10 Days: Horseback riding safari, pass farm and bushland and dry riverbeds with rough but beautiful vegetation on the way to Kukuletwa Hot Springs. Then view the Big Five on game drives in our open-top safari vehicles in Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater – great for photography! Enjoy an African Sundowner: Experience authentic African safari “sundowners” at exclusive Tanzanian game reserves.
	Discover KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa & Lesotho 14 Days: This tour covers the highlights of KwaZulu-Natal, one of South Africa's most diverse provinces and includes a visit to Lesotho travelling along the spectacular mountain road - Sani Pass. From whale watching to the Drakensberg, game reserves to battlefields - this tour has it all!
	Romantic Getaway & Classic Wedding - Zanzibar 5 Days: The wedding ceremony will take place under a beautiful Palm & Bougainvillea canopy on the white, sandy beach. Following the ceremony, Canapés and Sparkling wine are served after you say I do. Iflavoursn the evening we have arranged for a private and intimate dinner featuring the islands finest produce fused with the spices and flavours of the Indian Ocean…a wedding cake follows your dinner. (can be customised to suit you)
	Wedding Ceremony "Hakuna Matata Beach" - Zanzibar 5 Days: For the most memorable ceremony you will use the beautiful old Chuini ruins for the wedding ceremony. After the official wedding you can enjoy the sunset at the beach during the reception and later on have dinner between romantic bonfires. For the dance and music after the dinner the Chuini Restaurant is the best place with its magnificent sea view. (can be customised to suit you)
	Cross River Gorilla Surveys - Cameroon 14 Days: Volunteer in Africa on this great apes conservation and community development project to protect endangered gorillas and chimpanzees. Volunteering on this conservation project will take you to work on the frontline of conservation, taking part in surveys of the montane rainforest (some of which have never been surveyed before), and in community education and awareness-raising activities.
	Whale and Marine Research - Mozambique 30 Days: Live and work on the tropical beaches of Mozambique- study the diverse marine life and colourful culture that this country has to offer. Highlights * Identify and Study Humpback and Southern Right Whales * Live and work on the tropical Mozambique coastline * Meet and work with the local rural community * Play an important role in researching and conserving a highly endangered marine ecosystem
	Kadiki Kids- Volunteer in a Preschool - South Africa 15 Days: Assist teachers with local kids between 2 and 6 in various pre-schools in the colourful and vibrant township of Kayalethu. Playing games, teaching English and helping with the syllabus are all part of the daily schedule. No experience necessary.
	Ethiopian Epiphany- Timket Festival Celebration - Ethiopia 8 Days: Fixed departure Jan 16- Jan 23, 2009 - An opportunity to enjoy the colorful religious celebration Timket (Epiphany) and also learn about Ethiopian ancient History and culture and visiting other highlights the country has to offer
	Northern Explorer - Angola 10 Days: samples the very best of Angola; from the vibrant capital Luanda to remote waterfalls, stunning landscapes scattered with coffee plantations, a fabulous coastal drive as well as a stop at Kissama Game Park. Although still pioneering and including a lot of travel over some of the worst roads in Africa, this tour will appeal to those looking for a slightly softer adventure. Being a hotel based trip; with no camping this is the perfect way to discover a hidden and most remarkable corner of Angola.

Special Offers / Late Deals

	Fly In Bush & Beach Safari - South Africa and Mozambique This itinerary is offered at a special rate of £1,585.00 (GBP) or $3,165 (USD) per person sharing for the months of August through to November. 10 Days: An adventure across 2 countries, we start with a safari in the world famous Kruger National Park, and combine this with a beach holiday off the pristine and unspoilt Coast of Mozambique. Miles of unpopulated turquoise beaches for you to explore.
	Private Small Group November Kruger safari - South Africa Special Offer: 10% discount for November departure dates 1 to 5 November 2008, 14 to 18 November 2008 21 TO 25 November 2008 5 Days: privately guided safari in the Kruger National Park. Includes 5-star service in nature guiding (ranger) and cooking (chef) staying in two private Kruger bushveld lodges.
	13 Day Cape Town, Garden Route, Kruger Park - South Africa Discounted departures: 05 Jan.09 ; 2 Nov.09 13 Days:Escorted Small Group tour from Cape Town, Garden Route, Durban, Zululand, Kruger Park, Panorama Route. Includes: activities, breakfast, dinner, local flights.
	Botswana Northern Parks Custom Safari Special SPECIAL OFFER ON 4 REMAINING SEATS Departure date: 4th to 20th October 2008 ONLY 16 Days: covering all of northern Botswana national parks as well as Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pan National Park and central Kalahari Game Reserve. It will also include the Okavango Delta , Victoria Falls together with private game concession areas in Botswana. The safari starts and ends in Livingstone, Zambia.
	Discover the Wild West of Madagascar Special Offer: Group departures 2008: 12th and 26th August, 9th and 23rd September 16 Days: Highlights include: Canoeing down the Tsiribihina River in a traditional wooden boat – Tsingy de Bemaraha NP – Andranomena Special Reserve – Avenue of the Baobabs – Walks and Exploration of the baobab Forest
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

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Christmas/New Year Getaways
If you thinking of getting away for Christmas and are considering a holiday in Africa you will need to book early as early as possible, it is peak season and lodges and flights are already getting booked up.

Below are some ideas for Christmas & New Year holidays in Africa

		Egypt Holidays Egypt is a very popular destination at Christmas time, the climate is perfect. If you want to include a Nile Cruise you must book far in advance - as they get booked up very early. The itineraries in our travel center include the historical sights of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, Nile cruises and relaxing holidays by the Red Sea. Click to view full selection
		Tanzania Safaris Explore the world famous Serengeti & Ngorongoro National Parks or the more remote parks of Southern Tanzanian. Climb Kilimanjaro so just simply spend Christmas and New Year getting away from it all and relaxing on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar Click to view full selection
		Kilimanjaro Climbs Do something totally different and very exciting this Christmas or New Year - summit the highest mountain in Africa - Kilimanjaro. Our travel center has itineraries that cover all routes up Kilimanjaro and you can end off with a short safari and/or total relation on the beaches of Zanzibar. This year Full Moon falls on Dec 24 - perfect for summitting Christmas Day !! Click to view full selection
		Zanzibar Holidays The lure of the 'spice islands' is legendary. Zanzibar is famous for Stone Town's ancient themes, exotic atmosphere and fascinating architecture not to mention the pristine white sandy beaches, where you can pass the days just relaxing. The ideal "get away from it all" location Click to view full selection
		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. Click to view full selection
		Victoria Falls Spend Christmas and New Year at one of the worlds' most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls, which spreads 1,700 feet wide and is an awesome sight as the mighty Zambezi river falls into the gorge below. Many activities and safaris are available in the exciting and vibrant surrounding areas. Click to view full selection
		South Africa 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. Click to view full selection

FEATURED DESTINATION - Namibia
In our Newsletters this year we are featuring an African country or island - this month it's Namibia - a “Land of Contrasts”.

The well-developed infrastructure throughout the country is comparable to world standards, and Windhoek, the capital is one of the cleanest cities. The north-western part of Namibia is still very much an unknown tourist attraction, hosting some of the great worldly wonders. The skeleton coast park is an untouched wilderness area, with spectacular landscapes, stretching from the Ugab River northwards to the Kunene River. The desert-adapted elephant are found only in this region and is a must to see.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be surprised how easy it is to spot some of the most endemic mammal species, like the handsome black-faced impala and other rate endangered mammals. Etosha National Park is the third largest game reserve in Africa and lies in the North-central part of the country.

If you are looking for a dream holiday to fulfil your appetite for diversity, Namibia is the destination that will offer you an unforgettable experience.

Below are a few itineraries to temp you

		Northern Namibia Explorer 11 Days: This tour takes you on safari in the Etosha National Park plus a visit to Kaokoland, one of the few corners of Africa that can truly lay claim to the title 'Africa's last Wilderness'
		Southern Namibia Explorer 10 Days: This itinerary gives you the chance to explore endless stretches of golden and red desert dunes of the Namib and Kalahari Deserts. Including a visit to Fish River Canyon and concludes with dinner with a local family in the township.
		Complete Namibia Self Drive 21 Days: This self drive itinerary is designed for you to experience the best of Namibia, a varied land of contrasts. Cultural experiences, Wildlife viewing and stunning Scenery are all included. Luxury air conditioned vehicle with itinerary and accommodations arranged for you
		Desert Escape: Namibian Family Safari 8 Days: Namibia at its best and the perfect itinerary for the kids, from wildlife viewing in Etosha to meeting and learning about the cheetah. Swakopmund adds the adventure and the desert a beautiful backdrop
		Best of Namibia Wing Safari 7 Days: Guests on this wonderful fly-in safari experience and explore the highlights of Namibia - Sossusvlei and the Namib; the Skeleton Coast; Swakopmund; Damaraland and Etosha. Namibia at its best!
		Namibia Introduction - Bushmanland 7 Days: A very exciting new safari into the undeveloped area inhabited by the Bushman - now called "San" people. We concentrate on an area now called "Kaudom" bordering Botswana
		Namibia Mobile Safari Special 2008 15 Days: The safari will cover a number of distinct eco-systems within the Namibian bush environments, including the awe inspiring and fascinating remote areas of Damarland and Kaokoland. It is a mobile safari, which means that many nights, camp will be pitched and struck again the next morning. Your crew will take care of all this without intruding on your privacy.

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.

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Independent Travel
The Africa Guide website also has loads of information that will assist travellers who wish to make their way round Africa independently of tour operators and guides. Please visit our Africa Countries Index and select the country you are interested in

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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