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津巴布韦的口味以Okavango游览&徒步旅行队

Okavango游览&徒步旅行队在津巴布韦、所有B&B或者全盘提供9夜逗留在上述小屋，从£2,672每人分享。 Price includes long-haul flights from London-Johannesburg-Victoria Falls, and Harare-Johannesburg-London on BA, all internal flights/transfers, and park fees To book: Okavango Tours & Safaris - www.okavango.com ; Tel: 0207 343 3283.

ALICIA KEYS AFRICA DOCUMENTARY online

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD ON SPIRALFROG

SpiralFrog was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for the documentary of Alicia Keys’ month-long journey through Africa.

NEW YORK, NY, - SpiralFrog, Inc., (www.spiralfrog.com) the free and legal, ad-supported web-based music service, today announced it was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland,” the documentary of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder, Alicia Keys’, month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep a Child Alive is the non-profit organization that engages the public for a-dollar-a-day to buy the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs that keep children and their families alive in Africa. Alicia’s commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort to spread the message of KCA, “Start a Virus to Stop a Virus,” virally, so she has selected a number of prestigious interactive media partners to help get the message out. Running April 9 - May 19, the full-length film will be available for download exclusively at SpiralFrog.com with information provided and donations accepted at www.AliciainAfrica.com

“We are proud to support the efforts of Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys,” said Matthew Stern, vice president of marketing for SpiralFrog. “This is a powerful and important story to tell. We hope to help make a difference in the lives of the African children affected by AIDS by driving donations to AliciainAfrica.com.”

“We have received extraordinary support from the music and entertainment industries,” says Leigh Blake, founder of Keep a Child Alive. “We are incredibly grateful to those organizations and celebrities who demonstrate their support by helping us generate awareness and donations for the families and children battling this disease everyday.”

SpiralFrog is enlisting the help of its advertisers in further spreading awareness by creating turn-key, cross-platform sponsorship packages. The exclusive availability of ‘Alicia in Africa’ on SpiralFrog will include promotion on American Idol on April 9th, advance screenings of the documentary on college campuses, viral marketing and an email marketing campaign that will reach over 20 million people. Additionally, Alicia Keys will also be embarking on her US tour in more than 30 cities to let Americans know where to find the film and how they can help. SpiralFrog will be promoting the exclusive availability to download the film on the ground at each of these events.

“Supporting artist initiatives and organizations like Keep a Child Alive is important to us,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of SpiralFrog. “Our members are active and aware and want to know what is happening in the world. This is a serious issue and we are proud to play a part in spreading the word and opening the eyes of many who may not know how devastating the impact of AIDS is in Africa.”

“Keep a Child Alive is an amazing charity and we applaud every effort they make in helping to change the world,” said Mel Schrieberg, CEO of SpiralFrog. “Alicia Keys’ efforts with the organization are noble and extraordinary. We hope to help their efforts by offering this film to watch again and again, and motivate active support.”

When downloaded from SpiralFrog, “Alicia in Africa” will play on multiple formats, including PCs and Macs.

About SpiralFrog

Headquartered in New York, SpiralFrog (www.spiralfrog.com) is a Web-based advertising-supported music experience that combines music discovery tools with free and legal downloads of audio and video content licensed directly from the catalogs of the world’s leading music owners. With more than 2.6 million monthly uniques, over 900,000 registered users, 1.1 million songs and 4,000 music videos, SpiralFrog offers music-lovers a compelling alternative to illicit file-sharing and pirate sites, with a secure environment for them to satisfy their unyielding passion and thirst for music and entertainment information at no cost.

About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive is a charitable and educational foundation committed to accelerating action to combat the global AIDS pandemic. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructures and creating tragic family devastation. KCA provides life-saving medication, social support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. KCA also develops global awareness campaigns targeted at boosting funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. For just a dollar a day, you can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care in some of the world’s poorest countries. http://www.keepachildalive.org

Take a friend to Africa at 50% off

Spy gorillas in the lush jungles of Rwanda, encounter the tribes in Kenya, listen to the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls or search for the “Big Five” in Kruger National Park - if you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing an African adventure, now is the time to book!

Intrepid is offering all travellers who book an African adventure in April a second African trip at 50 per cent off. The offer is valid for travel between 1 July 2008 and 31 October 2008 and all bookings must be made before midnight 30 April 2008.

Take a friend lion spotting for half price, or extend your trip and book yourself a second African overland journey at the discounted rate. With this amazing offer from Intrepid the options are immense!

A selection of the incredible African trips to which the discount applies, include:

Gorillas and Game Parks

Duration: 14 days (ex Entebbe)
Price: From $1885 (NOW from $942.50)

With the help of expert local guides, head deep into the heart of the forests for the pinnacle of wildlife experiences - an encounter with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda. With superb game viewing, beautiful scenery, colourful towns and friendly locals, you’ll quickly understand why Uganda is often called the Pearl of Africa.

For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/YOG

Kruger and Victoria Falls

Duration: 7 days (Johannesburg to Livingstone)
Price: From $1625 (NOW from $812.50)

Combine two of southern Africa’s most famous sites, Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Victoria Falls, on a short but exciting journey. Look out for the “Big Five” and uncover Africa’s incredible natural beauty on an amazing week’s adventure through the south.

For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/URP

The Masai Heartlands

Duration: 15 days (ex Nairobi)
Price: From $1675 (NOW from $837.50)

Combining the best that Kenya and Tanzania have to offer, this overland adventure goes deep into the heartland of the Masai tribespeople, as well as to the finest game parks of East Africa. From the world-renowned Masai Mara and the vast open plains of the Serengeti, to the stunning lakes of the Great Rift Valley and the dramatic scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, the opportunities for wildlife viewing are endless. For further information on this trip visit: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/YOM

Visit www.intrepidtravel.com/africapromo  for full terms and conditions.

Africa Launched Two New Under Canvas Camps

About CC Africa From March 2008, Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) welcomes guests to their two new intimate semi-permanent luxury tented camps, Chobe Under Canvas and Savute Under Canvas, located in the game-rich Chobe National Park and the expansive Savute area – one of Botswana’s greatest wilderness reserves.

The two luxurious camps consist of just six tented suites each and are available to guests on a nightly basis – just like CC Africa’s lodges. Hosted by expert CC Africa guides, guests will have the opportunity to witness Botswana’s extraordinary diversity and enjoy up-close and personal encounters with Africa’s wilderness. Guests are flown into the nearest airstrip, where they are warmly welcomed and driven directly to their carefully positioned semi-permanent Under Canvas camp.

Chobe Under Canvas is situated in northern Chobe National Park (on or near the Chobe River). Each of the six luxury ensuite mobile tents, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests, boasts double bed, ensuite bathroom, separate w.c. and alfresco bucket shower – the ultimate in luxury camping. Savute Under Canvas, with the same superlative ensuite accommodation, is carefully positioned in the expansive Savute Corner of central Chobe National Park, offering exceptional game viewing opportunities.

With these two new additions to CC Africa’s tented wilderness camp offering, guests are spoilt for choice when seeking an experience of heightened romance and luxury. This is the soul of Africa – no electricity and no running water - where discerning travellers can lose themselves in the relaxing solitude of the mighty Chobe National Park, far from civilisation. Complete with personalised private butler service, guests can enjoy delicious Pan African and traditional bush cuisine.

Also complemented by CC Africa’s acclaimed Botswana lodges, Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp and Sandibe Safari Lodge, the launch of Savute & Chobe Under Canvas allows guests to now fully immerse themselves in two of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas – the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

For those wishing to explore even more of Botswana’s wilderness highlights, CC Africa’s 10-day Botswana Explorer Expedition is a must. Offering an exhilarating itinerary camping in the most beautiful wilderness regions, this mobile tented safari is accompanied throughout by a knowledgeable and professional CC Africa guide. From 01 June 2008, the intimate tented accommodation will boast ensuite bathrooms - a first in the safari industry, as previously all other nightly ‘pack up and go’ safari tents have shared bathroom facilities.

The No 1 African Overland

SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE

Alexander McCall Smith’s The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is the BBC’s first drama to be filmed entirely in Botswana. The story chronicles the adventures of Mma Precious Ramotswe in her new career as the country’s first-ever female detective - despite few assets – a tiny white van, two decrepit typewriters, a teapot and three teacups. The series was adapted for television by Richard Curtis and the late Anthony Minghella.

Minghella called filming in Botswana ‘an amazing adventure’, and found it ‘a privilege to be working on a film which celebrates what we can learn from Africa and not what we think we can teach it.’ For an on-location, action packed African drama, look no further than Dragoman Overland’s 21-night run through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.Packed with adventure activities, including elephant safaris, white-water rafting, quad biking through the dunes of the Namib Desert, the journey combines hands-on community projects, and unsurpassed wildlife viewing opportunities… Starring a big orange truck, supported by superb location crew and a host of fare-paying extras, Deserts, Delta & Dugouts is on tour from Cape Town 19th April, 12th May 2008 and v.v. 12th May 2008 (trip code DDD88) - not a teapot in sight!

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, for views over the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Journey through the Cape Province taking in some beautiful scenery with rolling plains stretching out from the foot of the Cederberg Mountains. Cross the Namib Desert, home to extraordinary wildlife, including herds of Elephant, Zebra, Oryx and other big game.

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 the of Spitzkoppe Mountain 1,987m (5,857 feet) to enjoy excellent hiking, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Continue north to the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta observing Hippo, Crocodile, Elephant and a vast diversity of flora. Further wildlife is observed from jeep safaris in Chobe NP, the second largest in Botswana, 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 full glory - an incredible end to a wonderful adventure.

The overland costs £595 p/p plus kitty of US$620 (~£310) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camping and hotel accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

More To A Safari Than Wildlife

Whilst one of the main reasons for taking a trip to Southern Africa is likely to be an opportunity to see the Big 5 in their natural surroundings, the region can also offer a whole range of unique activities that have nothing to do with wildlife at all!

Specialist Southern Africa operator Native Escapes offers tailor made and small group trips which include exciting safari adventures, including day and night Big 5 game drives, bush walks, and opportunities to see wildlife from a canoe or boat … as well as other experiences not always associated with a safari trip.

Their trips in South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal region include opportunities to go whale watching, see turtles hatching on the remote beaches of the north coast, and over the border in Mozambique, to swim with wild dolphins. A chance to visit a remote Zulu village for an insight into this tribal culture, hear the story of the Zulu Battles at Isandlwana and take walks to see ancient bush art or to waterfalls in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Drakensbergs is also on offer.

Managing Director Sharon Holmes explains:

‘We recognise that time off from work is highly valuable, and that there is increasingly a list of ‘My-top-100-things-to-do’ type mentality. People also like to be able to talk about unusual experiences they have had on holiday, and we have carefully planned itineraries that can be as full of unique activities as required. Whilst the wildlife element of a safari is an absolutely fantastic experience, destinations such as South Africa and Namibia are realising the need to offer more to an increasingly demanding visitor.’

In Namibia, itineraries include options to take a hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise, or an eco-quad biking excursion over the dunes to watch the red and orange hues change at sunset. A marine cruise – where dolphins and seals frequently follow the boat, and a chance to see ancient rock art is also on offer in addition to Big 5 game drives, cheetah tracking and seeing desert-adapted elephant in their natural habitat.

For more information on trips offered by Native Escapes, visit http://www.nativeescapes.com/ or call 020 8977 7034.

Luxury In The African Bush

Luxurious bush travel isn’t always an easy concept to grasp, but with Native Escapes, an African safari experience combining all the benefits of being in the wild can be had … with excellent accommodation, fine cuisine and qualified guides a given.

One example is their ‘Desert, Rhino Tracking & Game Drives’ fly-in safari in Namibia, which combines a unique opportunity to track desert adapted black rhino, take private game drives and watch the sunrise over the desert with some of the best accommodation in the country. Examples include a unique lodge situated in the middle of the Namib Naukluft desert, where guests can watch the sunset from their private veranda, or a lodge in a Big 5 National Park where guests will dine whilst watching the nocturnal activity at the waterhole before retiring for a nightcap under the African skies. Travel is by small private aircraft, and the trip includes a private pilot guide.

Their ‘Wildlife, Falls & Beaches’ trip combines Botswana’s pristine wilderness and abundance of wildlife with the magnificent Victoria Falls - and finishes at a luxury eco-boutique retreat off the coast of Mozambique. Again, whilst days might be filled with activities such as watching wildlife from a dugout canoe in the Okavango Delta, day and night time game drives, sunset cruises at the Victoria Falls and snorkelling the stunning coral reefs at the beach, evenings are spent relaxing in the unique lodges where resident chefs prepare home-cooked meals.

Managing Director Sharon Holmes explains:

‘Each of the lodges we use is situated in a unique setting – perhaps in the midst of the African bush, or overlooking the desert – or even on a vast reserve dedicated to the rehabilitation of leopard and cheetah back into the wild. In many cases, guests can choose to wheel their bed out onto a platform to sleep under the stars, or wake early to watch wildlife at a waterhole without needing to move from their beds! Some even have suites with private verandas which contain outdoor showers overlooking the desert or escarpment’.

The trips are ideal for marking a special occasion such as an anniversary or honeymoon – or for busy city-types looking for a true escape. For more information, visit http://www.nativeescapes.com/  or call 020 8977 7034.

The ‘Desert, Rhino Tracking & Game Drives’ fly-in safari in Namibia costs from £4095 per person for 12 days, including accommodation, internal flights, the services of a private guide, all meals, most drinks and game driving activities. International flights are extra, and cost from £650 per person direct from London Gatwick with Air Namibia.

The ‘Wildlife, Falls & Beaches’ fly-in safari in Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique costs from £4,795 per person for 13 days, including accommodation, internal flights, most meals and drinks and safari activities. International flights are extra, and cost from £750 per person from London (via Johannesburg) return.

Other examples of luxury safaris include an option to take game drives, swim with dolphins and go whale watching in South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal region, or take escorted trips along the Garden Route from Cape Town. See http://www.nativeescapes.com/ for more information or call 020 8977 7034.

Africa Adventure Consultants a Safari Leader

Boutique Safari Operator Now Offering Carbon Neutral Travel

BOULDER/ DENVER, CO - Africa Adventure Consultants continues to lead the industry with innovative safari design, and now they are pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. Africa Adventure Consultants has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen™ program, which allows Africa Adventure Consultants to offer carbon neutral safaris to travelers. Africa Adventure Consultants is STI’s first African safari operator partner implementing a sophisticated program that offers carbon offsets on every safari the company sells.

“Carbon neutral” means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100% of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Total greenhouse gas emissions are a factor of the air travel to get to Africa as well as the style of safari people enjoy. Sustainable Travel International assists in determining the total greenhouse gas emission per traveler, and Africa Adventure Consultants then absorbs 50% of that amount and provides the option for the traveler to offset the remaining 50%.

“We’ve found that our clients not only appreciate our initiative to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Africa, but appreciate being given the voluntary opportunity to contribute directly as well.” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Earlier this year we worked to make our Denver office 100% carbon neutral, we continue to carefully select game areas in Africa that operate under sensitive environmental standards and now feel that Carbon Neutral travel is the next logical step. What does this mean for our clients? We are providing a way to travel to Africa with a limited negative impact on the environment.”

Africa Adventure Consultants also works with their African partner companies to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing solar and wind power schemes, reduce wood burning, protect land to create carbon sinks, and more.

Proceeds from purchased offsets are invested by Sustainable Travel International into high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located throughout Africa and other regions. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects that are independently verified by third-party sources.

The projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or meet the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance. In 2007 Sustainable Travel International received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

About Africa Adventure Consultants

Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Biggest Earth Day Ever Fast Approaching

Top African Travel Providers Promote Sustainable Travel Practices

In 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” The Fazendin Portfolio, representing top African travel companies, takes the conservation of Africa’s delicate ecosystems very seriously and enthusiastically supports the global environmental initiatives that have been successfully implemented since the first Earth Day nearly four decades ago. Tourists are demanding environmentally friendly options and Africa’s finest travel providers are responding with a variety of programs in 2008.

Express Travel Group: The greatest eco-challenge facing Kenya today is finding the perfect balance between utilization and conservation of natural cultural resources to ensure sustainability. Kenya’s tourism is dependent on natural and cultural resources both of which can either be degraded or lost altogether if not properly utilized. Express Travel Group’s “Green Kenya” itinerary takes all this into careful consideration. By fostering exceptional relationships with some of Kenya’s most respected eco-friendly properties, this itinerary combines the best of the classic safari experience with enlightening environmental and community programs.

African Latitude: African Latitude strives to increase working relationships in safari operations with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Not only does the company have strong relationships with these communities, but they have created partnerships whereby the Masai people are directly involved with and benefiting from the tourism industry – the ultimate model for sustainable tourism today. The company is now building a community lodge which will bring benefit and employment to the local communities, linking different communities bordering conservation areas and national parks in East Africa and encouraging these communities to create their own conservation projects with the ultimate objective of helping them reap economic benefit from wildlife protection.

Choroa Luxury Safaris: Choroa Luxury Safaris operates luxury mobile safaris in Tanzania, which involves erecting tented camps for each individual safari group and completely removing these camps once the group is done — leaving absolutely no trace and minimal impact on delicate African ecosystems, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

EcoTraining: Thriving on the foundation that education powers conservation, EcoTraining provides “hands on” travel experiences for adventure travelers across the globe. EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional safari guide training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for and protection of the African bush in travelers from around the world.

Heritage Hotels: Kipungani Explorer Lamu, the stunning resort on Kenya’s Lamu Island recently announced its commitment to a long-term plan that will ensure that only local staff and materials are used in the development and maintenance of this property. Already considered the finest property on Lamu, this five-star property has proven that it doesn’t require giant generators, imported foods, or state-of-the-art gadgets to keep guests happy. By combining the latest environmental technologies with traditional local knowledge, Heritage Hotels is working to create a model for sustainable ecotourism throughout East Africa.

Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour: The Danakil Depression is considered a “cradle of mankind” for the large number of hominid remains found there. Only the Afrar people have been able to inhabit this difficult region, and continue living today as nomads tending to their livestock. This combination of culture, topography and climate make the Danakil Depression an exotic and mysterious destination for eco-travelers featuring the stunning landscapes and beautiful, enduring people of this remote region of Ethiopia.

The Fazendin Portfolio represents African travel companies providing classic African experiences. From luxury tented camping safari experiences to unique cultural adventures, this collection representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa was developed specifically with the needs and desires of North American adventure travelers in mind. Ever dedicated to environmental conservation, the company recently launched a comprehensive marketing CD including detailed information on the complete representation portfolio which has eliminated the need to print large brochures. To learn more about these eco-friendly travel options in Africa please visit http://www.fazendinportfolio.com/  

Ladies Detective Agency adventures in Botswana

The much loved No 1 Ladies Detective Agency – the novel by Alexander McCall Smith – is due to get a much wider audience this month with the screening of the long awaited BBC drama of the same name.

Adapted by Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) and Anthony Minghella (Cold Mountain) – who also directs – and filmed entirely on location in Botswana it is easy to understand why it is eagerly anticipated.

Grab your own taste of Botswana – one of Africa’s most untouched countries – with a two-week Delta Adventure tour, from Imaginative Traveller, that concentrates on the region’s rich and diverse wildlife.

The Makgadikgadi Pans, the Khwai River and the Moremi Game Reserve all offer excellent chances of spotting lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo.

But for most it will be the experience of spending time in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta – the world’s largest inland delta – canoeing through its waterways that will be the highlight of the trip.

Other treats include time spent with the local San Bushmen – learning about their lifestyle and traditions – a night game drive to spot elusive nocturnal wildlife and a trip into the Tsodilo Hills to see one of the world’s most significant rock art sites.

Monthly escorted departures from May to October cost £1535, land-only, plus around £222 (US$440) local payment, including 14 nights (hotels, lodges and three camping) with most meals.

UK flights can be booked independently or arranged by the company. The next departure is 10 May which, including flights from Heathrow, costs £2449.

Reservations: 0845 077 8803, http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/