For a remarkable African overland, look no further - Dragoman Overland still have availability on November departures from Cape Town to Vic Falls or Addis Ababa to Khartoum. Trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, overland into the immense 1km deep Blue Nile Gorge and visit the spectacle of the Whirling Dervishes, unique to Sudan, or boat safari through Botswana’s Chobe NP, meet Cheetahs at Otjitongwe in Namibia and quad bike through the dunes of the Namib Desert before soaking up the atmosphere in Cape Town – life-changing journeys await!

Deserts, Delta & Dugouts – 21-nights, departing Cape Town 23rd November 2008. (Trip code DDD148).

This action packed itinerary promises a comprehensive insight beyond just the highlights of South Africa. Explore Cape Town and its surroundings, the Cape of Good Hope and iconic Table Mountain. Journey through the Cape Province then cross the Namib Desert, home to extraordinary wildlife, including herds of Elephant, Zebra, Oryx.

 Visit a breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross, then head off to one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wildlands around Spitzkoppe Mountain (1,987m). Continue north to the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta before jeep safaris in Chobe NP, famed for its huge Elephant population. Finally, explore the falls and gorges of the Zambezi River, canoe the Upper Zambezi or take a flight to see Victoria Falls in all its glory.

The overland costs £595 p/p plus kitty of US$550 (~£296) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master.

Ethiopian Highlands & Sudan - 25-night, departs Addis Ababa 19th November 2008. (Trip code EHS48)

Overland journey following the Nile from Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa to Khartoum in Sudan. Expect few western amenities and likely deviations to the planned itinerary, all of which reflect the ‘otherness’ of this region of Africa. Step into a world of ancient Christian and Muslim traditions against a backdrop of memorable sights and sounds – the confluence of the Niles, Blue Nile Falls and Gorge, Gondar, the Grave Dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, Lalibela Churches, Bahir Dar, Axum, Lake Tana and the Monasteries and the stunning Simien Mountains National Park.

The tour costs £925 p/p plus kitty $320 (~£172) including travel aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, hotel and camp accommodation (65% / 35%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

Dragoman Overland
01728 861 133
info@dragoman.co.uk
www.dragoman.com

TAJ SAFARIS

Banjaar Tola and Pashan Garh Opens in Winter 2008

MUMBAI - Taj Safaris will open two new luxury lodges, Pashan Garh and Banjaar Tola, in winter 2008. Following the success of Mahua Kothi and Baghvan, both new lodges will offer Taj Hotels’ legendary hospitality and the expertise of CC Africa’s unique and in-depth wildlife experiences.

Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park

Opening December 2008, Banjaar Tola will consist of two elegant camps, each containing nine tented suites with their own intimate private deck and solar-heated pool overlooking the river. The dramatic tented suites are made with pressed bamboo wall panels, natural bamboo floors, and locally crafted furniture accented with block-printed Madhya Pradesh cottons and silks in tones of delicate saffron and washed green. Conservation efforts at the camps include:

Each suite is set on raised structures, supporting the tent at only seven points on the ground, allowing natural growth and drainage under all the buildings
Instead of conventional electrical units, the tents are designed with double layers of canvas with insulation materials and air gaps to keep them cool.

In winter, hot water for the bathroom will be piped under the insulated bamboo floors.

The eco-friendly air conditioning system uses a reversible cycle to efficiently deliver both cooling and heating.

Banjaar Tola is located near the southern gate of Kanha National Park, one of India’s largest reserves encompassing Sal forests, large bamboo stretches, and lush green meadows. It is prime tiger country and also features 22 animal species, 70 tree species, and over 200 bird species.

Pashan Garh, Panna National Park

Opening November 2008, Pashan Garh will consist of 12 private stone cottages atop a hill, a romantic private sala suspended high above and overlooking the jungle, and Haveli-style guest areas that open into a spacious central courtyard. Drawing inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region, the lodge will have dramatic roofs made from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. The interiors will be sleek and sexy with subtle references to the erotic stonework of nearby Khajuraho. Chocolate brown linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons, and chandeliers complete the decor.

The sprawling flatlands and deep valleys of Panna National Park are a haven to many of India’s endemic species. The thick teak forests, open woods and short grass plains are home to tigers, leopards, wolfs, hyenas, jackals, deer, antelopes, sloth bears, wild boars, and mugger crocodiles.

About CC Africa

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) is the continent’s leading Ecotourism company and one of the most comprehensive safari operators with exceptional lodges and safaris in Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness locations. The company is well known for its success in creating a business that has reaped viable financial returns through long-term investment in commercial wildlife conservation. With over 30 years of tour operating and safari planning in Africa, and a strong focus on guided and walking safaris, CC Africa’s portfolio consists of 38 high-end private game lodges and camps across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. Some of their internationally acclaimed lodges include Phinda, Londolozi and Ngala in South Africa and Mnemba and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 61 hotels in 42 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

For more information on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays analyses specific travel trends. ‘Gap Years’ for Mums and Dads and appeal for single travellers.

A recent Ramblers Worldwide Holidays survey has revealed a number of important trends in the walking holidays market.

Filling the Gap

Tony Maniscalco, Marketing Manager for the operator says, “many of our clients over 45 are playing ‘catch up’ with their sons and daughters who have enjoyed gap years whilst studying at universities and colleges. Some, felt they had missed out on the opportunity of travelling to diverse and interesting places throughout the world and experiencing different people and cultures.”

The survey shows that with reasonable disposable income clients are determined to enjoy the fruits of their labours and travel as often and widely as possible.

Walking holidays are a firm favourite because they not only give clients the opportunity to experience exciting and stimulating destinations at a leisurely pace but have added health benefits.

“Now anyone, irrespective of age – can play catch up and fill that vital gap !”, says Tony Maniscalco.

Single without the Stigma

Over 30% of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays’ clients enjoy the experience of travelling alone for a range of personal or family reasons.

Tony Maniscalco says “our survey shows that single travellers don’t want any special attention but simply seek the friendship, safety and the camaraderie of a group holiday - particularly if they are divorced or bereaved.”

Tony Maniscalco added, “most people interviewed said that they preferred the ‘discreet anonymity’ of being single on this sort of holiday – avoiding the ‘you are single’ status often trumpeted by other travel companies and the potential stigma associated.”

Clients, who were travelling alone, liked the fact that they had the choice to make contact and form friendships with whomever they liked without any pressure.

And, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to walking the world.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays offers over 200 holidays in over 70 countries including everything from Botswana and Jordan to The Galapagos Islands and Montenegro.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays

Tel:   01707 331133

www.ramblersworldwideholidays.co.uk

Get to meet the locals with Gecko’s Adventures

African overland trips were pioneered by ‘entrepreneurs’ who threw 20 or 30 backpackers in the back of a Bedford truck and battled bad roads and border police for the length of the continent.

The ‘punters’ naturally did the provisioning, the washing up and all the other camp chores. Gecko’s has up-dated the overland epic, catering to the more discerning tastes of a new generation – while retaining the grass roots, budget-minded appeal of the old days.

The Gecko’s style of overland – showcased in the new 2008-2010 brochure – features custom-built vehicles taking a maximum of 24 passengers; a professional driver and cook plus a local leader who provides an insider’s insight into the journey. Better yet, the passengers don’t have to suffer cleaning or cooking duties.

Best of all, Gecko’s goes to many of the key game parks – such as Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, South Luangwa and the Okavango Delta - that other operators miss or charge extra for. Rather than having passengers carrying large amounts of cash to cover game park costs, the company includes these entry fees in the tour cost – yet their tour costs remain some of the sharpest in the market.

Geckos is the only overland company to purchase a complement of gorilla permits – which are limited in number - at the beginning of each season, giving travellers the best chance of seeing the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda.

The new Gecko’s African overland safaris start with the 25-day African Wanderer which travels between Livingstone (Victoria Falls) in Zambia and Nairobi, Kenya, via the lake and mountains of Malawi; and takes in the laid-back lifestyle of Zanzibar and some of the best game parks in Africa: South Luangwa, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

This trip runs in both north and southbound directions.

The African Wanderer has departures year-round and costs $2695 plus a local payment of US$700, including transport (a combination of custom-built safari vehicle, ferry and 4×4 Land Cruisers); park entry fees, guides and most meals on safari.

At the top end is the epic 60-day Africa Encompassed, which begins in Cape Town and travels north-west through South Africa to the deserts and canyons of Namibia, to the salt pans and Okavango Delta of Botswana. From Livingstone (on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls), the trip continues through Zambia to Malawi and on to Tanzania and Kenya, taking in some of Africa’s best wildlife experiences along the way. The climax of the trip is the gorilla trek, where travellers have the opportunity of spending an hour with our closest relatives in the mountain forests of Rwanda.

The Africa Encompassed safari departs roughly monthly, year-round and costs $5585 including gorilla trekking permit, plus a local payment of US$1750, payable on arrival. This includes transport, park entry fees, specialist wildlife guides in addition to the cook, driver and local leader, camping equipment and mokoros (canoes) in Okavango.

The Gecko’s Africa range also includes overland trips and shorter safaris that can be linked together, as well as time out in Zanzibar and a Mt Kilimanjaro trek. For further information contact Gecko’s Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com to download a pdf file of the new brochure.

Safari property specialist Sanctuary Lodges & Camps has upgraded its private luxury mobile camps in Kenya, giving clients the best means to experience East Africa’s wildlife areas. Adhering to the company’s ongoing efforts to set a global benchmark for sustainable tourism, the mobile camps will all operate on an environmentally-friendly basis.

The luxury lodge operator has introduced solar power for lighting and ecological sewage disposal systems in all its refurbished tents in Kenya. New custom-designed tents have also been launched using interior products made by local craftsmen and women. Sanctuary Lodges & Camps now plans to upgrade its mobile camps in Tanzania.

Sanctuary’s mobile camping allows guests to actively follow the African animals with an experienced professional safari guide, who will liaise with guests before and during a safari to design an itinerary to suit guests’ own pace and interests. A mobile expedition has no fixed timescale and all schedules are customised according to guests’ desires and the movement of the big game.

Sanctuary’s private mobile camps can be located deep in the African bush at secluded campsites chosen for their privacy and excellent game-viewing opportunities.

The luxury tents have been custom-made using heavy duty canvas and boast private sleeping facilities with large comfortable beds that are covered with luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets and protective mosquito nets. They have all been beautifully furnished with African cushions and hand-woven rugs in warm organic colours to blend in with the surroundings. A personal butler is also included for an extra level of five-star service.

Guests can enjoy relaxation and candle-lit meals with unlimited wine, spirits, beers and soft drinks in a main tent. Sanctuary chefs prepare all menus with fresh ingredients and bake the finest breads and pastries for breakfast. The company can create meal plans to suit guests’ preferred schedules and can prepare delicious picnics to take into the bush if requested.

Booking information

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps’ properties can be booked through a number of tour operators, including:

Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.com
Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
Africa Travel Centre www.africatravel.co.uk
Africa Travel Resource www.africatravelresource.com
Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com
Bailey Robinson www.baileyrobinson.com
Expert Africa www.expertafrica.com
Inspirational Travel www.inspirational-travel.com
Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk
Magic Globe www.magicglobe.com
Rainbow Tours www.rainbowtours.co.uk
Steppes Travel www.steppestravel.co.uk
Travel 2 www.travel2.com

Explore Egypt with a tourist guide

Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times

OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.

OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.

Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:

1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.

2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.

“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).

Launched By Sanctuary Lodges & Camps

Luxury safari operator Sanctuary Lodges & Camps will be launching new walking tours through Kenya’s Masai Mara, which is renowned for being Africa’s big game territory. This will coincide with the opening of two new luxury tents at the company’s deluxe lodge, Olonana.

The expansion of Olonana will be completed on 1st August 2008 and will bring the total number of rooms at the Kenyan property to 14. A new mini-spa featuring local Africology products will also be opening in a few weeks time. Sanctuary Lodges & Camps has recently made history by opening the first full-service spa in Botswana at its luxury lodge, Chobe Chilwero.

Bordering the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Olonana’s new nature walks and tree planting excursions will bring guests up close to zebra, cape buffalos, elephants, hyena and the resident hippos lazing in the Mara River. Kenya’s Masai Mara region is also home to Africa’s largest concentration of lion, cheetah and giraffe.

Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River and consists of 14 spacious permanent tents, each featuring two queensize beds, en suite bathroom with shower, and large verandas with picturesque views. The camp boasts its own secluded swimming pool and a riverside dining room and lounge.

At Olonana, Sanctuary Lodges & Camps’ professional driver guides take guests on game drives in open 4×4 vehicles to observe the area’s excellent game viewing. Guests at Olonana can also experience Kenya’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the traditional Masai people in the adjacent local village.

Other excursions at the lodge include a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a scenic flight in a classic biplane – both across the impressive Masai Marai.

Booking information

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps’ Zambian properties can be booked through a number of tour operators, including:

Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.com
Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
Africa Travel Centre www.africatravel.co.uk
Africa Travel Resource www.africatravelresource.com
Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com

Bailey Robinson www.baileyrobinson.com
Expert Africa www.expertafrica.com
Inspirational Travel www.inspirational-travel.com
Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk
Magic Globe www.magicglobe.com
Rainbow Tours www.rainbowtours.co.uk
Steppes Travel www.steppestravel.co.uk
Travel 2 www.travel2.com

Bailey Robinson (www.baileyrobinson.com  tel 01488 689 700), the luxury tour operator who designs bespoke itineraries to over 60 countries on all five continents, this month suggests the following African holiday ideas for travellers looking for spas, romantic getaways or for rooms with the ultimate views:

• LEOPARD HILLS, South Africa
• WOLWEDANS BOULDERS CAMP, Namibia
• CHOBE CHILWERO, Botswana – NEW SPA
• FORDOUN SPA & HOTEL, South Africa
• MOUNT NELSON HOTEL, South Africa – NEW SPA
• ALFAJIRI BEACH VILLA, Kenya
• MAKWETI SAFARI LODGE, South Africa

LEOPARD HILLS, South Africa is located on a private hilltop in the heart of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park and offers fantastic big five game viewing - elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard. The property has eight luxurious glass-fronted suites complete with sundecks and a rock plunge pool with views across the African bush, as well as outstanding cuisine and world class wines. Prices start from £1,125 per person for three nights, full board accommodation, excluding private transfers and international flights.

WOLWEDANS BOULDERS CAMP, Namibia, set in the private Namid Rand Nature reserve, is perched on a dunes plateau offering panoramic views in all directions. Within walking distance of the main lodge is the self contained Mountain View Suite with its own lounge, dining area, spacious en-suite bedroom, shaded patio and hammock, fantastic views, east-facing verandah and a sundeck which leads down to the dunes.

For the intrepid visitor there is also a ’star-gazing’ bed which can be used in summer for the ultimate ’sleep-out’ experience. Prices start from £865 per person for three nights full board accommodation. Excludes private transfers and international flights.

CHOBE CHILWERO, Botswana is Botswana’s first official spa, complete with two treatment rooms, a treehouse, spa bath and hydrotherapy rooms. Opened this month (July 2008) the spa also boasts a treetop located treatment room overlooking the river and treatments that include “African heated stone massage” and “African potato anti-ageing body experience”. Treatments are from both the Africology and Thalgo product lines. Prices start from £1,177 per person sharing for a three night stay, including all meals, all game viewing activities, park fees, laundry and all beverages, (with exceptions of premium brands).

FORDOUN SPA & HOTEL, South Africa offers a traditional African healing experience with Zulu-style treatment rooms and the services of Dr Elliot Ndlovu, a reknowned medicinal and spiritual healer whose garden contains over 120 different species of healing plants. A stay here can be combined with wine and battlefield touring. Prices start from £160 per person in a luxury room on a b&b basis for a three-night stay.

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL, Cape Town, South Africa has a new day spa, The Librisa, featuring world class treatments specially developed for this spa and three signature product ranges - the locally produced Africology and Victorian Garden, and French brand Algologie. The Spa, with its eclectic décor combining timeless elegance and a contemporary style, is housed in three original late Victorian buildings. Spa facilities include sauna and steam baths, showers and heated marble slabs. Prices start from £1,905 per person for seven nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a superior suite, including international flights with British Airways.

ALFAJIRI BEACH VILLA, Kenya is owned byrenowned husband and wife team Fabrizio and Marika Molinaro, experts in design and hospitality in the luxury safari sector. Alfajiri is an exclusive three-villa resort on Diani Beach overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Gourmet food, unobtrusive butler service, snorkelling, unlimited golf, yoga, in-house massage and reflexology are all included in the price which starts from £1,520 per person for 7-nights full board in a ‘Beach’ villa, excluding flights and transfers.

MAKWETI SAFARI LODGE, South Africa is located in Welgevonden Game Reserve where the rolling mountains, steep gorges, flowing rivers and open plains provide a magnificent game viewing area. The Lodge features five secluded stone chalets with polished timber floors, open fireplaces, verandahs, antique furnishings, Victorian baths and invigorating outdoor showers. Each chalet also has its own teak deck providing superb views of the Makweti Gorge.

Prices start from £455 per person and includes 3-nights full board accommodation and two safaris (choose from game drives in an open vehicle or walking safaris with skilled rangers) but excludes flights.

-Ends-

VoyageTrek Travel
Cliff Hawk
(206) 695-2915
cliffh@voyagetrek.com
www.voyagetrek.com

SEATTLE—VoyageTrek Travel, the free online travel directory that provides destination match-making services for travelers, announced that it is expanding its program to African safaris and Galapagos Islands adventure cruising. This unique company premiered the AdventureMatch matching service in March 2008. The program has been enthusiastically received by the travel industry.

Current match-making categories include tours to Alaska, select fly fishing lodges, and dude ranches throughout the Western United States. VoyageTrek Founder Cliff Hawk says tour operators are responding well to the new program and the company has had an easy time recruiting top new tour operators. Answering to its initial success and ongoing demand, VoyageTrek continues to expand its travel segments and commitment to helping people find their ideal vacation.

“By adding Africa and Ecuador as travel segments, we provide exceptional value to travelers interested in these areas,” says Hawk. “No one wants to pick the wrong tour operator, and on the other end, the tour operators who are providing the best tours in the business often don’t have a marketing budget or are only known by word-of-mouth so they need an easier way to find leisure travel customers suited to their services.”

As the leading customer referral and match-making program in the adventure tourism industry, VoyageTrek provides multi-category, customized match-making between high-end travelers and suppliers. For adventurers wanting to find their ideal Alaska tour, fly fishing, or rafting destination, as well as a dude ranch, safari or Galapagos cruise, they can do a search at www.voyagetrek.com and click on the “Get Matched Now!” button and program link.

For tour operators interested in the adventure match program, log on to www.voyagetrek.com/operator  or call Hawk at (206) 695-2915.