Jetsettersblog

It’s time to get out of the game vehicles and adventure into the bush! The most exciting way to see big game is out on a walking safari. The chance to walk amongst wildlife allows travelers to fully immerse in African smells and sounds.

Born Free Safaris Walk with the Lions walking safari takes place in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the Timbavati Game Reserve and Kruger Park in South Africa.

The area is private with no other vehicles in sight. Game wanders freely over vast areas and guests are likely to see all the amazing animals of the African bush like rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, in addition to a whole host of other wildlife.
On night safaris the nocturnal animals come alive and guests can expect to see African wildcat, genet, Serval, spring hare and other nocturnal animals. In addition to the mammals, the area offers prolific birdlife, such as vulture, lilac breasted rollers, Marabou Stork and various raptors. Activities include walking safaris, game drives in open 4×4 Land Rovers as well as night drives with a spotlight. Sleep outs at the tree houses can be arranged upon request.

With comfort and safety always in mind, Born Free offers groups as well as custom trips designed to offer additional dimensions not found on standard journeys.

For more information about rates and trip options, contact Born Free Safaris & Tours at (800) 4-SAFARI,or visit www.bornfreesafaris.com

Witness the migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra across the magnificent Manyara landscape to the famous Serengeti Plains and the Mbalageti River with Born Free Safaris’ exclusive The Great Migration Safari tour. Tour dates vary each year as experts track down the most likely pattern and timing of each migration. Adventurers won’t a find a tour more tailored to providing the best views of migratory game in the most spectacular sites East Africa has to offer. In 13 days of unforgettable adventure, take in the majestic snow-capped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the breathtaking and diverse land of Manyara, the marvels of the Elephant Caves, the spectacular depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, the vast wildlife sanctuary of the Serengeti, and the sensational Maasai Mara where hundreds of Africa’s native animals roam the countryside. Travelers will be met with an experienced tour guide for every step of this adventure and are given premier accommodations for nights and meals of unexpected luxury just steps away from the untamed wonders of Africa. Tours can be tailored even more to fit an appetite for adventure- soar above it all in a Hot Air Balloon Safari, stay a couple extra days and go gorilla trekking and see Victoria Falls, or spend a day exploring a village and learning about the natives culture and traditions. The experts at Born Free Safaris do the work so travelers can have the adventure of a lifetime.

Various dates are available from May to Mid-July for The Great Migration Safari tour, and Born Free Safaris offers several other tours to suit the time of year you would like to travel. Call the Born Free office at 800-372-3274 to talk about planning your trip. Costs will vary depending on the dates of travel and include all sleep accommodations, internal flights, most meals, transportation in 4×4 safari cruisers, and activities as outlined in each itinerary. Feel free to visit www.bornfreesafaris.com for more information.

www.bornfreesafaris.com

On A Safari and Humanitarian Adventure

Get to know the African people whose cultures and traditions in the Maasai Mara have existed for centuries, while offering aid during a women’s only journey to help locals overcome multiple barriers. Be part of educating young Kenyan children about African wildlife conservation, visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary and an elephant orphanage, stay in an African ecotourism camp that is part of a Maasai community project, and get to know the “Nanyuki spinners,” a successful project to provide livelihoods for single mothers.

This African safari and humanitarian journey by AdventureWomen, Inc., takes you into private conservation areas and some of Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserves: the Samburu Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Africa’s Great Rift Valley, and the Maasai Mara Reserve in the northern reaches of Serengeti National Park.

Experience the vast panoramas of the open bush and learn along the way of the people, animals, birds and plants that live in this extraordinarily beautiful area.

Vast herds of buffalo, wildebeest, antelope, zebra, and elephant bring the bush alive with exciting drama of predator and prey, the ideal subjects for our Kenya wildlife photo safari. Accommodations are in first-class hotels, thatched roof cottages, and classic, tented safari camps, which reflect the highest standards for both adventure and luxury. English-speaking, expert local driver-guides accompany you as you’re transported by specially outfitted 4 X 4 vehicles with hatch tops, ideal for photographing the African wildlife.

With other surprises in store like an option balloon safari over the Maasai Mara Reserve and enjoying the hospitality and beauty of the Maasai people and their culture, this is a once in a lifetime experience. www.adventurewomen.com . Dates: June 2-15, 2011. Cost: $7,995 all-inclusive from the U.S.A. to Nairobi, Kenya ($800 deposit).

NAIROBI, Kenya;–’Walking Wild’ in Laikipia Masaai-land is a walking safari experience through some of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing habitats, and some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa. A wide variety of game including the “Big Five”, over 420 species of birds, Reticulated Giraffe, Cheetah, numerous different antelopes, and endangered species such as the Grevy’s Zebra and Sitatunga, may be seen. Professional guides lead the 3 to 6-day Walking Wild safaris starting on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, recognized as one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Walking Wild treks across Lewa to Il Ngwesi and Lekurruki depending on the number of days, with all nights spent camping out under the stars. The focus of the safari is learning about the ecosystems as well as the local Masaai culture. Guests will be shown tracking techniques and other vital bush skills, as well as how to identify and understand the behavior of the insects, plants, and animals they come across. Laikipiak Masai will join the guests to give insight into Masaai customs. www.bush-and-beyond.com

GLENDALE, Cali. – Just in time for Bachelor Brad Womack and his three bachelorettes’ dream trip to South Africa, airing Monday February 28th on ABC, Great Safaris has designed an ideal trip for couples looking to experience their own romantic trip of a lifetime in South Africa.

Great Safaris’ 10 day “South Africa – Adventure Wildlife Romance” tour features the most romantic experiences that South Africa has to offer,including a stay in gorgeous Cape Town and a wing safari to Makalali Game Reserve. While in Cape Town, couples will enjoy a relaxing spa treatment for two at the Taj Hotel’s Jiva Grand Spa, a romantic sunset cruise aboard a yacht, and cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for a sunset picnic complete with champagne and views of Table Bay. Couples will then fly to one of South Africa’s greatest wildlife refuges for 5 days of superb game viewing. Daily game drives and walking safaris in the Makalali Game Reserve will feature lions, rhinos,leopards, elephant, buffalo, zebra, cheetah, giraffe and kudu. During the stay at Makalali couples will be treated to a romantic candlelit dinner for two with private service and views into the African Bush.

As a Bachelor-esque bonus, Great Safaris will provide each guest with a sealed envelope containing a secret romantic activity or outing to surprise their partner with during their trip. Examples include bonus spa treatments or an evening at a high-class Cape Town bar for cocktails and horsd’oeuvres. What a perfect way to add a romantic surprise to an already incredible experience.

Great Safaris’ “South Africa – Adventure-Wildlife-Romance”is a 10 day tour including 4 days at the luxurious Taj Hotel in Cape Town and 5days at the Makalali Private Game Lodge. Land-only pricing starts at $2,595 per person with individual departures on the first Friday and Saturday of each month from April through September. Visit www.greatsafaris.com/south-africa-adventure.html to view the full itinerary.

Great Safaris is a luxuryAfrican safari outfitter offering the convenience of a US booking office coupled with 10 on-site offices in Africa, which are fully staffed by dedicated professionals. Destinations include Botswana, Kenya, the Seychelles, Zambia, Egypt, Namibia, South Africa,Zimbabwe, Jordan, Rwanda and Tanzania. Great Safaris offers luxury programs to help adventure travelers explore Africa and create enriching life experiences. For more information please visit the Great Safaris’ web site at www.greatsafaris.com. Great Safaris is a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association, ASTA Tops, and Airline Reporting Corporation

Bush and Beyond
CONTACT: Elizabeth Bean Crookston
TEL: 647-344-9492
E-MAIL: info@bush-and-beyond.com
WEB: www.bush-and-beyond.com
Kit

NAIROBI, Kenya—Kenya is a “bucket list” destination for many travelers who dream of journeying to this unique part of Africa to experience its landscape and amazing wildlife. Kenya travel experts such as Bush and Beyond have identified several Kenya travel trends for 2011, including the fact that many travelers are looking for more adventurous pursuits while traveling to Kenya. Kenya travelers now have adventure travel options that take them beyond the inside of a safari vehicle, such as these exciting and more active options:

Saddle Up In Kenya
A program called Ride Kenya offers travelers the chance to go on a 2-14 day horseback riding safari near the Chyulu Hills in Southern Kenya giving them closer access to wildlife and stunning views. The horseback riding safaris take place over 300,000 acres of wilderness that afford travelers view of Mount Kilimanjaro in addition to wildlife sightings of Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo, zebra, while offering a personal glimpse of the fascinating local culture.

‘Walking Wild’ In Masaai-land
‘Walking Wild’ in Laikipia Masaai-land is a walking safari experience in some of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing habitats. Guests are treated to sightings of a wide variety of game including the “Big Five”, over 420 species of birds, and animals such as the reticulated giraffe, cheetah, and others. Professional guides lead the 3 to 6-day Walking Wild safaris starting on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, recognized as one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Guests have an unforgettable safari experience and camp under the stars while learning about the area’s ecosystems and the local Masaai culture. Other highlights include learning tracking techniques and other vital bush skills. Laikipiak Masai will join the guests to give insight into Masaai customs.

Take A Camel Assisted Walking Safari
Sarara Camp, a tented camp located in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust of Northern Kenya, offers tailor-made, camel-assisted walking safaris in the Mathews Mountain range of Northern Kenya. Guests get “off the beaten track”, giving them an opportunity to explore areas that are rarely seen by tourists. Travelers enjoy intimate insight into the conservancy while exploring Samburu tribal grazing lands on foot. A camel-assisted walking safari is the ideal means of travel. Free of the constraints of a vehicle, guests have flexibility and freedom that allows them to explore untouched areas. The camels do all of the heavy lifting and carry the supplies and equipment required to camp comfortably in the bush. Guests move from camp to camp by foot, following traditional game trails, as well as Samburu livestock trails. This kind of safari also offers a great alternative to flying between luxury camps, saving on the cost of the flight and spending a few days exploring the land in between destinations.

For more information about adventure travel in Kenya andBush and Beyond, contact Elizabeth Bean Crookston at 647-344-9492 or by e-mail at ebean@bush-and-beyond.com

This is the Africa you’ve been imagining! Tanzania has more of Africa’s crown jewels than any other destination: the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Selous and many more. Experience the ultimate wildlife experience in this majestic land with Born Free Safaris Serengeti to the Selous safari. Travel to the best areas of East Africa, including the fabulous Serengeti National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the remote, wild Selous Game Reserve in Southern Tanzania. The areas are uncrowded and there are no towns – just wildlife and miles of untamed wilderness. Game viewing in the Selous is on foot, in open vehicles and by river boat. The professional guides have a keen sense of the bush and will reveal something exciting around each corner.

Various dates available June 1 – October 31, 2011. Rates begin at 6475.00, double occupancy and include land arrangements and internal air flights: Serengeti – Selous; Selous – Dar Es Salaam.

For more information please visit Born Free Safaris at www.bornfreesafaris.com  or call 1-800-4-SAFARI.

African Travel, Inc., recently announced a new itinerary to Zimbabwe that includes special pricing and an up close and personal look at the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. Known for its plentiful wildlife and being home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World, Zimbabwe offers countless opportunities to have an unforgettable dream Africa vacation, and this new tour is sure to delight adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts. On this Africa tour, guests spend two nights in Victoria Falls, 3 nights in Hwange, and 3 nights in Mana Pools, exploring the best of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and landscapes. Guests will experience the grandeur majestic Victoria Falls—also known as ‘the smoke that thunders’—the largest curtain of water in the world. Travelers will wonder at the great herds of elephant, buffalo, and sable in Hwange National Park, and experience close encounters with the superb wildlife located within the floodplains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley at Mana Pools. Light aircraft transfers combine these three spectacular destinations to offer travelers an unsurpassed safari adventure and a new perspective on Zimbabwe’s landscapes—from the sky.

Other highlights and special pricing include distinctive accommodation in Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Davidson’s Camp, Hwange National Park Ruckomechi Camp;meals and scheduled game activities; a special sunset cruise; all transfers to and from airports and hotels via private vehicle, all park entrance fees, and more. Prices start at $3895 per person/ double occupancy.  

Visit http://www.africantravelinc.com/african-safaris-and-travel/zimbabwe-hwange-mana-pools-victoria-falls.html  to see a full itinerary and details of this special offer.

NAIROBI, Kenya–At ol Donyo Lodge located in Southern Kenya, travelers can participate in Ride Kenya, a unique program that takes travelers on 2-14 day horseback riding safaris near the Chyulu Hills in Southern Kenya. The riding safaris take place over 300,000 acres of wilderness that afford travelers view of Mount Kilimanjaro in addition to wildlife sightings of Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, eland, and more. Ride Kenya and ol Donyo Lodge have exclusive access to the concession that allows these horseback safaris to take place, offering guests a completely exclusive, unaltered view of wild Southern Kenya that tourists that only visit neighboring Amboseli National Park would never see. This area is right next to Amboseli National Park and shares territory that’s part of the Amboseli ecosystem, offering guests a truly off the beaten path horseback riding experience. Visit http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/rk/index.html  for more information.
www.bush-and-beyond.com

Spend 10 days and 9 nights in Rwanda, home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. On this amazing journey by Terra Incognita Ecotours, guests will track these gentle giants twice in the African wilderness who inhabit areas with some of the most spectacular scenery on earth near the Virunga Volcanoes. Travelers will also be treated to a visit to the grave of famed primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the conservation and protection of the African Mountain Gorillas as well as a chance to meet Dr. Mike Cranfield, a veterinarian from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinarian project who will detail some of the threats facing these incredible animals. Other highlights include seeing a variety of birds, elephant, hippo, giraffe, spotted hyena, buffalo and crocodiles in Akagera National Park, staying in Virunga Lodge, and much more. Dates: May 28th-June 4th; September 3rd-10th; December 10th-17th. Cost per person: $6,849, Single supplement: $1,000. For each participant, a donation will be made to the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project to continue the important task of providing preventive and emergency health care to these critically endangered creatures. Group size is limited to 16 individuals. www.ecotours.com