Jetsettersblog

Peregrine has added new adventures to its Africa program to tempt travellers beyond the game parks to experience the energy and diversity of the world’s oldest inhabited continent.

In East Africa, the company has introduced a twist on the typical safari with its new Essence of Tanzania adventure, which combines a fully-supported mobile camp (with ensuite toilets) in the best game parks with a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. There is game viewing: elephants (and baobab trees) in Tarangire and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, as well as
up-close encounters with the ‘big five’ in Ngorongoro Crater and the nearby private conservation area. The Serengeti is the site of the greatest animal migration on earth, and the flexibility of the mobile camp ensures the best possible wildlife viewing.

But perhaps the greatest highlight of the trip is spending time with the Hadzabe Bushmen, Tanzania’s oldest tribe and nomadic hunter-gatherers thought to be related to the San people of the Kalahari. Very few tourists have had the opportunity to visit their village and join in a hunt. The 11-day Essence of Tanzania tour departs from Kilimanjaro Airport monthly between June
and March and costs $5335 per person, twin share, including accommodation, transport, Peregrine leader, most meals, park entry fees and domestic flight.

In Southern Africa, Peregrine has introduced two, eight-day adventures that can be combined to form the 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is the ultimate trip, combining private game reserves and some of Africa’s best-known game parks.

The trip starts at Victoria Falls and heads to remote Kafue National Park for two full days on the watch for lion, leopard and antelope. The South Luangwa National Park has one of the richest concentrations of game in Africa – including huge pods of hippos.

Heading into Botswana, first stop is Chobe National Park before the vast, arid expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans (for quad bike exploring) en route for the Khwai River region, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve – where spotting the ‘big five’ is virtually guaranteed! Botswana’s most famous attraction is left until the end: the magnificent, tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, where motorised transport is traded for the peace of a paddled canoe (mokoro).

The 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour departs Victoria Falls every three weeks between June and October and costs $8895 per person, twin share, including all transport, entry fees, accommodation, leader and domestic flight.

The cost of all Peregrine trips includes carbon off-setting the land and domestic air portion of
the trip. For further information call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854
500. Download a .pdf of the new Africa brochure or watch a video of Peregrine’s African adventures at www.peregrineadventures.com

There’s some fabulous last minute offers to be had for anyone seeking some out of the ordinary African adventures…from traversing the west coast of Madagascar on quad bike to mobile camping your way around Northern Botswana.

• Quad Bike Adventure on Madagascar – Take advantage of our introductory offer if you travel before the end of November. A new 9 night itinerary, this quad adventure takes you along the west coast between Morondava and Tulear. Highlights en route include bivouacking on the Magoky River, crossing the dunes and exploring the coral reef at Ifaty. Prices from £1,950.00 per person (valid until 30 November 08, excluding international flights).

• Kenya Migration & More – Travel in October and get two free nights. The 9 night itinerary includes 3 in the Masai Mara, 3 in Meru National Park and 3 in Laikipia.

This trip combines migration hunting in the Masai Mara, escaping the crowds in Meru - the least visited of Kenya’s national parks and reserves, and home of Elsa the lioness in the film, Born Free - with untamed adventure amongst the 24,000 acres of wild bush that is the vast Laikipia plateau. Priced from £2,330.00 per person (excluding international flights, valid for travel in October 08 only).

• Wild West Tanzania – Enjoy one of the wildest and most remote safari experiences in the world combined with some of the best primate viewing in East Africa. Travel to Chada Katavi Camp in Katavi National Park and Greystoke Mahale Camp in Mahale National Park before 20 December 08 and receive a discount on accommodation plus money off flights between Arusha and Katavi / Mahale. Prices from £2,995.00 per person for 8 nights (excluding international flights, price valid 1 November to 20 December 08).

• Botswana Mobile Camping Safari – Join this schedule departure for a substantial last minute saving. Our 10 day / 9 night safari starts from Maun on 31st October, taking in the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Savuti National Park. Camping in private campsites you will be escorted by a guide and camp crew for a truly authentic tented safari, sleeping under the African stars. The price for this trip is £1,695.00 per person (valid for 31st October departure only, excluding international flights. Arrangements starting in Maun and ending in Kasane).

Why go now?

• Madagascar: For some sunshine! Madagascar enjoys year round sunshine, with the west coast at its driest May to December. Go west to enjoy turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, luxuriant flora and amazing fauna.

• Kenya: Kenya has been one of Africa’s most popular destinations for both first timers and experienced safari goers alike. Despite a dent in the tourism industry in the aftermath of the 2007 elections Kenya is once again very much a top safari spot. The Migration is still in the Masai Mara and October is a beautiful, warm month across the whole country.

• Western Tanzania: Highlights include heavily concentrated game in September as the water dries up, a great month for watching lions hunt. October is hot and dry, look out for the amazing sight of crocs and hippos piled up around the waterholes.

November is going into the ‘short rains’ but the dusty haze of the drier months is replaced by clear skies, excellent for photography. In December you can enjoy hot, sunny days with the rivers flowing once more and game collecting along the banks.

• Botswana: Despite November being the start of the southern Africa wet or ‘green’ season, the rains don’t begin in earnest in northern Botswana until late December. Expect a few short, sharp showers but enjoy warm weather, blue skies and fantastic game viewing with far fewer people. This is also an excellent time for birding.

For further information visit www.zambezi.co.uk

Cox & Kings Launches New 2009 Africa Brochure Including New Tailor-Made Safari Options Throughout The Continent.

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Africa brochure for 2009, featuring escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made itineraries throughout Africa.

Cox & Kings has reported a dramatic increase in tailor-made travel to Africa in the last year, with 41% more passengers travelling on independent, bespoke itineraries in 2008 than in 2007. Africa Product Manager, Louise Stanion, explains: “People are feeling a lot more confident about devising their own itineraries in Africa with input from our experts, and tend to have a greater knowledge of the destinations they want to visit. Clients are increasingly venturing away from the traditional tourist trails to see lesser-known sights and with our flexible and comprehensive tailor-made programme there is very little that travellers cannot do or see.”

In response to the recent growth in tailor-made travel, Cox & Kings has greatly expanded its coverage of the bespoke opportunities within its Africa brochure. “While we could not begin to demonstrate all of the options available, the new tailor-made sections in the brochure serve as a taster of what is available in each region.”

The fastest growing group tour of the year has been Mali: The Road to Timbuktu, with 80% more passengers travelling than in 2007. Stanion says “We are very excited to see some lesser-known countries at the top of the growth charts for Africa, and particularly Mali, which has, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating cultures in all of Africa. The standard of facilities and service throughout the country is still very basic but, while standards of accommodation and service are gradually being raised, this is not the reason that people visit.” The tour, which takes in the key sites of this little-known country, including Bamako, Timbuktu, the mud mosques and markets of Djenné and the villages of the spectacular Dogon Escarpment, costs from £2,295 per person.

In January 2009, Cox & Kings is offering a special departure of its Mali: The Road to Timbuktu group tour to coincide with the Festival on the Niger. Departing 27th January, this unique departure includes two extra days in Segou and entrance to the colourful event, which features traditional and contemporary Malian music, dance and river races. The tour costs from £2,895 per person.

Asked her predictions for travel trends in 2009, Stanion forecasts further growth in the tailor-made sector, and requests for more unusual destinations and experiences. “On a tailor-made holiday in Africa, visitors can have some truly unique and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from elephant-backed safaris and photography tours in Zambia, to cooking demonstrations in South Africa and sleeping al fresco on moveable beds in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. With greater exposure in the brochure of what is on offer, I think we will see a increased demand for these exclusive encounters.”

NEW: South Africa: Wildlife & Wine (Page 19): Ideal for second-time visitors to South Africa and those looking to get away from the beaten path, this self-drive private journey offers a chance to learn about the wildlife, wine and rock art of this spectacular country, as well as meeting the local South African people. The 10-night tour features hand-picked, luxury accommodation and costs from £2,895 per person.

NEW: Boutique South Africa (Page 21): This nine-night self-drive private journey combines two outstanding game reserves with the Garden Route and Cape Town, and includes small luxurious boutique hotels and wildlife camps that have been hand-picked for their unique features and highly personalised service. Travel during the low season between May and September to benefit from greatly reduced rates. Prices from £2,495 per person.

NEW: Namibia in Style (Page 32): Travel in style on this fly safari over the remote deserts and rugged landscapes that make Namibia one of the world’s most spectacular wilderness destinations. Visit the dunes of Sossusvlei, search for the desert elephant in Damaraland, and experience the wildlife of Etosha National Park. The nine-night private journey costs from £4,395 per person.

NEW: Botswana Explorer (Page 37): This new nine-night camping safari travels through some of Africa’s greatest wildlife viewing areas: the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Staying in luxurious tented camps, groups are restricted to a maximum of six guests and are accompanied by an expert CC Africa safari guide throughout. Prices from £3,495 per person.

NEW: Madagascar Tailor-Made: Madagascar Classic Camping (Page 48): New for 2009 is a luxurious camping experience at Mandrare River Camp, set in the grounds of a colonial plantation house on the banks of the Mandrare River. Wildlife is abundant in this area, including four species of lemur and at least 25 resident bird species. Three-night packages from £1,095 per person.

NEW: Zambia Tailor-Made: Lower Zambezi National Park (page 43): On the banks of the Zambezi, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park has 120kms of river frontage and features numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains, which attract most of the area’s wildlife. Chiawa Camp accommodates just 16 guests in eight spacious and luxurious tents. Safari activities include morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, canoeing and aqua safaris aboard comfortable pontoon boats. Prices from £340 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Rwanda Tailor-Made: Gorilla Tracking (Page 54): Gorilla tracking in Rwanda makes an ideal extension to a Kenyan safari or can be combined with other activities in this small and fascinating country. Visit Volcanoes National Park and stay at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge for gorilla tracking activities and visits to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. A three night stay costs from £1,075 per person, inclusive of meals and activities.

NEW: Kenya Tailor-Made: Shaba National Reserve (Page 54): Shaba National Reserve was made famous for its association with well-known conservationists Joy and George Adamson, and the film Born Free. Cox & Kings is able to organise stays at Joy’s Camp, built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented home. Resident wildlife includes elephant, lion, buffalo, oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. The camp is ideal for discerning guests looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Prices from £220 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Tanzania Tailor-Made: Serengeti Under Canvas (Page 60): Cox & Kings offers stays at CC Africa’s luxurious ‘roaming camps’ in the Serengeti. The location of the four camps has been carefully plotted to coincide with the great annual wildebeest migration. Prices from £325 per person per night, all inclusive.

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