Africa Travel Newsletter - October 2008

CONTENTS: New Itineraries Special Offers/Late Deals Featured Destination - Egypt Newly Released African Books Hotels and Accommodation in Africa New Photos Christmas Gift Ideas 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, many lodges are already fully booked.

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

	Cape Town - Kruger Park - Victoria Falls (Luxury Safari) 10 Days: Experience the top 3 destinations of South Africa in 10 days – Cape Town, Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari and the majestic Victoria Falls. Accommodation at 5 star hotels and luxury Private BIG 5 Safari Lodges. Internal flights included
	Cape Town - Kruger National Park - Victoria Falls (Standard Safari) 10 Days: Experience the top 3 destinations of South Africa in 10 days – Cape Town, Kruger Park Big 5 Safari and Victoria Falls. Accommodation in top 3 star hotels and Kruger Park Bungalows. Internal flights included
	Experience Zambia & Botswana 13 Days: The dramatic waterways of the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park in Botswana, mighty Victoria Falls. Plus a couple of days participating in the Livingstone community volunteer projects - all this in one experience.
	Experience Mozambique 12 Days: Your base will be on the outskirts of the coastal village of Vilanculos, a short boat ride from the World Heritage Site islands that make up the Bazaruto Archipelago. The tour includes Guvuru River Canoe Experience, Island dhow safari and Community volunteering
	Pure Namibia Safari 15 Days: Enjoy this Pure Namibia Safari which is a camping and lodge safari. This 15 day 'Pure Namibia' Safari includes Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon and other great Nambian attractions.
	Pure Namibia Upgraded Safari 15 Days: This Pure Namibia Upgraded Safari is an upgraded camping and lodge safari, showing you the best that Nambia has to offer on a semi-particpatian Namibian Safari.
	The Kruger Park Safari 12 Days: The Kruger is probably the best kept secret in all of Africa. The game viewing is amazing, the facilities are well maintained and the access roads to and from the Kruger is fantastic. This is a camping safari visiting different regions of the Kruger National Park
	Experience Cape Town 12 Days: This corner of Africa that makes up the Cape Peninsula is home to the magnificent city of Cape Town. 2 days are spent participating in Cape Town community volunteer projects and rest of the tour visiting the highlights of Cape Town, the winelands and the Garden Route.
	Experience Kenya 11 Days: Kenya is Africa’s quintessential Safari destination. This trip offers the best in wildlife, visiting the Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru NP and Masai Mara National parks, plus experiencing the Masai and Samburu culture and participating in community volunteering experiences.
	Experience St.Lucia - South Africa 12 Days:The area is home to the Zulu tribe; a group of people with a very lively and colourful culture. St. Lucia itself is a comfortable and charismatic town, within walking distance from the beach. Highlights include Hluhluwe and Umfolozi National Parks, Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, iSimangaliso National Park and spend a couple of days participating in St Lucia Community Volunteering .
	Experience Zanzibar and Safari in Tanzania 11 Days: This tour gives you the opportunity to participate in Community volunteering on Zanzibar Island and experience what is regarded as the best wildlife viewing in Africa, in the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks
	Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route - Tanzania 8 days trekking; 6 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending. This route is unspoiled, remote, little-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau
	Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route - Tanzania 6 days - Kilimanjaro's longer, more scenic Route. You can also add an extra acclimitization day and make it a 7 - day trek
	Qurimbas Archipelago Beach Holiday - Mozambique 8 days - combines Pemba Beach’s remote location with the rustic Island luxury of Matemo. Enjoy the unspoilt beaches, friendly people and tropical weather of Mozambique

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.
	Northern Explorer: Vic Falls-Nairobi. 10% Discount on 10th November departure - Save £85. 21 Days: Experience the wonders & culture of Africa in this small group expedition with extra comfort & innovative facilities. Visit world famous wildlife parks plus the pristine beaches of Malawi & Zanzibar.
	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.
	Private Small Group November Kruger safari - South Africa Discounted Departures, 1 TO 5 NOVEMBER 2008 14 TO 18 NOVEMBER 2008 21 TO 25 NOVEMBER 2008 5 Days: These safaris in the Kruger are 5-star service, friendly and fully inclusive (complete with private chef and safari guide) in South Africa’s most prolific big game viewing area.
	Lake Malawi Hippo Expedition £950 (Special Offer for 2008 only) 4 week expedition to monitor and take part in activities to prevent the extinction of the hippos along the southern shores of Lake Malawi. With the opportunity of a Scuba Dive Course .
	Discover the Wild West of Madagascar Special Offer: Group departures 2009 guaranteed with a minimum of two persons, : EUR €2,775 down to 1700 Euro per person sharing departing Every Monday from 6th July to 28th 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 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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FEATURED DESTINATION - Egypt
In our Newsletters this year we are featuring an African country or island - this month it's Egypt

Egypt is a popular choice for a holiday all year round and offers a diverse experience that will be enjoyable to all the family.

Visit the pyramids in Cairo, enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Nile River taking in the culture scenes as you travel along stopping off at the many different temples and monuments. Visit the unique White Desert region orparticipate in water sports and scuba diving in the Rea Sea or simply relax on the sandy beaches.

Below are a few itineraries to temp you

		Egypt: sights of Cairo and Nile Cruise 8 Days: Spend 3 days in Cairo, enjoying the historical sights, travel to Aswan by sleeper train, and then relax on a Nile Cruise.
		A taste of Egypt, includes Cairo Nile Cruise Luxor Enjoy 11 days in Egypt: 4 nights in Cairo, 3 nights cruising down the nile, 1 night in Luxor and a trip to Alexandria.
		.All of Egypt - 14 days 14 days: Experience the very best Egypt has to offer - 3 nights in Cairo, 3 nights cruising down the Nile, 2 nights in Luxor and 4 nights relaxing by the Red Sea
		Egypt & Petra - Starting for wonderful Sightseeing 11 Days: offering you the ultimate way to enjoy the most important features of Cairo - a wonderful Cruise on the Nile with a side trip to The Red Rose City of Petra
		Red Sea - 7 days Hurghada 7 days relaxing by the Red Sea , where you can enjoy the many leisure activities available diving , snorkeling and glass bottomed Boat
		The Western Desert and Oasis of Egypt 10 Days: Explore some of most interesting sites, Cairo, Fayoum, Baharia & the Farafra Oasis . Experience the White Desert and sand dunes, Valley of the Golden Mummies. Swim in hot springs & waterfalls. Bedouin nights.

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	Cameroon 2nd (Bradt Travel Guide) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe explores the geographical diversities of Lake Chad in the north, Mount Cameroon in the west, and the dense rainforests of the south. Details of getting around the country by bush-taxi, rail, car or on foot, together with accommodations from camping to mud-hut 'royal palaces', are balanced by a wealth of background information on history, geography, culture, and the environment.
	The Rough Guide to Tunisia 8 (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe the definitive guide to this Afro-Mediterranean destination. The full-colour introduction covers the mile-long beaches of the distinctly European northern coast, as well as the fortified kasbah’s of the mountainous interior and the sub-Saharan oases. There are lively accounts of all the sights, from Roman remains and Islamic monuments to the ancient Medinas of Tunis, Sfax and Sousse. You’ll find two full-colour sections that highlight Tunisia’s striking architecture and varied wildlife, information on the best resorts, and exciting excursions into the mountains and desert.
	The Rough Guide to South Africa 5 (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe The full-colour section introduces the country's highlights, from the game trails of Kruger National Park to the picturesque Garden Route towns of the Western Cape and seclusion of the Eastern Cape. With informed accounts and unparalleled coverage, clue-up on all the top sights and experiences from the colourful residential streets of Cape Towns Bo-Kapp district to the fine and affordable vintages of the wine routes. The guide takes a detailed look at South African history, literature, culture and wildlife with expert background on everything from Cape dutch architecture to Zulu traditions.
	Sao Tome and Principe (Bradt Travel Guide) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Largely unexplored and unexploited by tourism, these tropical volcanic islands off the west African coast are the antithesis of mass-market destinations – and one of the most unspoilt places on earth. The author guides pioneering travellers round this African island paradise, 75% of which is covered by rainforest, and its unspoilt palm-fringed beaches, towering volcanic peaks, and fascinating colonial heritage. She also provides in-depth coverage of Sâo Tomean culture and history as well as contemporary political issues.
	Algeria (Bradt Travel Guide) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe This new Bradt guide will be the first to focus on the renascent Algeria and bring out the many features of this beguiling North African country. The attraction of Algeria lies in its fascinating mix of cultures. The towns ooze French charm with churches crowning vine-covered hills and cafés lining the streets; however, a short trip will bring you to a mud-brick town or Sahara oasis that echoes a muezzin’s call and where Europe feels a world away. The guide covers fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites, Al Qata of Beni Hammad, Djemila, M’zab Vakkey and the Roman sites of Timgad and Tipasa, all free from thronging crowds.
	Travellers Cape Verde: ( Thomas Cook) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe perfect guidebook for visitors wanting to explore the stunning and diverse islands of the archipelago.It provides expert advice, tracking down the best sights and experiences. It provides a detailed background on people, geography, culture and history, including features on shipwrecks, Cape Verdean music and wildlife. It offers clear and accurate mapping for orientation at country, individual island and city levels.
	FootPrint Handbook 2009 Namibia (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe provides fantastic coverage of all the national parks and their incredible wildlife, including a 32-page wildlife guide. It includes detailed maps and listings to help you explore and get around, from the Skeleton Coast to Naukluft Park and the world's largest sand dunes. It provides accommodation listings for those with a sense of adventure - from bush camps to B&Bs. It offers great coverage on all the diverse activities on offer, including sandboarding and safaris, ballooning and bush hiking. It features a new lightweight, durable format.
	Mozambique Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe It provides a visitor with an invaluable introduction to Mozambique by concisely highlighting the region's 'must see' areas in a practical and user-friendly format, thus encouraging the tourist to make the most of his/her available time. All the essential information you need to get around an unfamiliar region is compacted into useful and practical 'At-a-Glance' sections at the end of each chapter. The fold-out map of Mozambique is ideal for tourists and visitors. In addition to the main map of Mozambique, which highlights scenic routes, it features 13 detailed area maps and 6 town plans.
	Seychelles, 3rd (Bradt Travel Guide) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun, starry skies and delightful people, the Seychelles are an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. A haven for those interested in natural history, the guide gives fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves and conservation projects. Seychelles' many secrets like the coco de mer palm forest, island bird sanctuaries and Creole cuisine are all revealed
	Africa: A Photographic Safari by Carlyle Thompson (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Thompson's stunning pictures and vivid descriptions create a sobering portrait of Africa's poverty. In a place so rich in mystical beauty, minerals, and wildlife, Africa's poor present a marked contrast to their environment. Yet Thompson shows the warmth and strength of these people who love life despite having to do without.
	Healthy Travel: Africa (Lonely Planet) (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe Getting the most out of a trip to Africa means staying healthy. This user-friendly book is an indispensible guide to minimising health risks for travelers throughout the continent, from Swaziland to Egypt. Tailored advice for travelers of all ages and needs Clear guidelines on treating common travel illnesses How to avoid wildlife hazards, from insects to Hippos Safety tips for outdoor action, including safaris and trekking Comprehensive first aid section
	The Great Rift Valley of East Africa (amazon.com) - USA    (amazon.co.uk) - Europe The book showcases the fauna of the region: the only wolves of Africa in the Ethiopian Highlands; the flamingos of the soda lakes, adapted to survive in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth; the diverse wildlife of the Ngorongoro crater, and the epic migrations across the Serengeti plains; the gorillas on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes; and our closest relatives, the chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The text and images reveal traces of our own human origins in the rich palaeontological discoveries of hominid remains, and celebrate the way of life of the Hadzabe people of Lake Eyasi.
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Christmas Gift Ideas

It may be a little early to start thinking about Christmas - but time flies and before you know it - it will have arrived.

If you're looking for that ideal, special, individual and unique gift why not come along a have a browse through our Africa Shop- there are many items listed that will fit in with every budget

If you are stuck for a gift then have a browse through our Gift Ideas section

For Her | For Him | For Children/Babies | For the Home | Games | Wedding Gifts | Christmas Items

Jewellery	Arts & Craft	Musical Instruments	Music	Kitchen Accessories
Fabrics & Clothing	Cosmetics	Wicker Baskets	African Dolls	Posters
Photographic Equipment	Videos & DVD's	Christmas & Festive Items	Books	2009 Calendars

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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