Jetsettersblog

Afr�ka The Vagga af Mannkyn

Hven�r f�lk hugsa af Afr�ka, �eir hugsa af the st�r fimm lei�angur sightings ( lj�n, hl�bar�i, f�ll, vatnabuffall, og nashyrningur) e�a the st�r fimm harmleikari af the heims�lfa ( str��, �j��armor�, hungursney�, p�lit�skur si�spilling, og the HIV/AIDS fars�tt). En Afr�ka umkringja mikill fleiri en n�tt�rul�f og herna�ur.

Afr�ka er gr��arst�r. �ess’ fj�rir sinnum the st�r� af the Sameina�ur Stj�rnvitringur. �ess’ um �a� bil 5,000 m�lusteinn langur og 4,600 m�lusteinn brei�ur. Afr�ka br��abirg�a- upp 20% af the jar�skin’ fl�mi.

“there’ a heild heims�lfa fyrir handan the klisja �essi �fr�jun til l�xus fer�ast og �hr�ddur �vint�rama�ur eins” Andy Alpa-, co- s�kkva af S�rstakur Fer�ast (SpecialtyTravel.com). “The lj�smynd lei�angur er enn a st�r draga, af coursewhere– annars � the ver�ld geta �� reynsla the sj�n af a lj�n st�ngull �ess br�� e�a the st�rfenglegur gn�r flutningur yfir Serengetis’ endalaus sl�ttub�i? �� ) rekja spor einhvers n�tt�rul�f � s�rhver land � Afr�ka og enn ekki f� �reyttur af �a�. En there er a r�kur felusta�ur af Afr�kub�i reynsla �essi margir f�lk don’t uppg�tva �anga� til �eirra second fer�alag til Afr�ka– sumir mega sj� yfir �a� a� �llu leyti”

S�rstakur Fer�ast hundra� af Afr�kub�i fr� fr� sumir af Afr�ka’ bestur karlmannafatasali � einn ��gilegur til sigla vefur sta�ur. Fer�ast umbo�sma�ur og fer�ast geta �r�ngur d�nn �eirra val vi� land og vi� tegund af fer�alag me� a par smellur.

Villutr�’ a l�ta � r�ttl�tur f�einir af the draumur- af-a- �vi Afr�kub�i fer�ast reynsla fr� �l�kur karlmannafatasali �essi geta vera stofna � www.specialtytravel.com og the t�marit/ skr� S�rstakur Fer�ast :

Ghana arts & Menning

Ghana er a kviksj� af arts. H�ll Fer�ast’ sj� dagur list og menning langfer� af Ghana gefa safnari og menning daufgulur litur a einst��ur og upp- loka menningarlegur reynsla. Fer�ast heims�kn a heimama�ur askja ger� b�� til sj� a safn af askja skera �t � the l�gun af �msir m�tm�la l�sing hef�bundinn tr� � l�f eftir � dau�i (the “ �myndunarafl L�kkista” af Teshie Nungua hafa been l�gun � �j��legur - geographical og s�ningarsalur alheims-).

�eir taka tommuleikari og dans kennslustund � Kokrobrite Fjara og l�ra til gera fufu, j�r� hneta s�pa, rau�ur rau�ur, og skeggr��ur s�sa � a Ghanian kex verkst��i. �� �ess’ � til the Sk�mmustulegur i�n villagesPankrono–, hvar leirkerasmi�ur skapa colorful h�nd- innbygg�ur �l�t; Ahwiaa, �ekktur fyrir konunglegur kollur, gangandi stafur og frj�semi br��a; Ntonso hvar handverksma�ur h�nd- stapp mynstur � b�mull fataefni til gera adinkra vefna�ur gatslitinn fyrir jar�arf�r og annar h�t��legur tilefni; og Bonwire hvar the fr�gur Kente fataefni er handunninn � vefst�ll, � a t�mi-honored hef� fara framhj� d�nn � gegnum kynsl��. Ef �inn fer�ataska isn’t efni me� list vi� ��, �a� vilja vera eftir � the Kumasi Mi�l�gur Marka�ur ( einnig �ekktur eins og Kejetia Marka�ur), the �rl�ti opinn- loft marka�ur � Vestur- Afr�ka, hvar fleiri en 10,000 sm�sali selja r�ttl�tur ��ur � allt �� ) ��rf e�a vilja f��a, d�kur, fatna�ur, h�sg�gn, fegur� vara, og handunninn handverksma�ur.

H�LL Fer�ast

Gu�d�mlegur the Rau�ahaf

The Rau�ahaf, hvar the ey�im�rk hitta the �thaf, er einn af the planet’s t�frandi n�tt�rulegur sj�r umhverfi. There ert ��ur � 200 af k�rall tegund og yfir a ��sund tegund af fiskur, fleiri tegund en hver sem er af vatn �ess st�r�. Margir �msir �huga the Rau�ahaf er the bestur gu�d�mlegur � the ver�ld ver�ld. L�tusbl�m Al�j��legur’ Dj�pur D�nn � the Rau�ahaf gu�d�mlegur langfer� byrjun � Steindys og gefa �msir the t�kif�ri til kanna the Vera til � miklu m�li Dabab Rif, Elephinstone Rif, H�frungur Rif (3 afkl��a me� the h�frungur), St. Kl�sett, Fl��iland Alam, og Vestur- Abu Dabab. L�TUSBL�M AL�J��LEGUR Langfer�

Lj�smyndari’ Lei�angur

There sk�halli’ vera ��kve�inn greinir � ensku �hugama�ur e�a faglegur lj�smyndari lifandi �essi hasnt’ fantas�a ��ur � the handtaka a skot af lj�n cubs leika � the gr�pa, a hl�bar�i � a tr�, e�a a l�na af f�ll. A faglegur lj�smyndari lei�a l�till (10 e�a fewer) lj�smynd- hungra�ur h�pur � daglega leikur vei�ima�ur– a lj�smyndari skref– opinn �kut�ki og bushwalks � gegnum pers�nulegur leikur �skilja s�r og Kruger �j��gar�ur. Lj�smyndari vilja blettur leikur a� ofan � ��kve�inn greinir � ensku �fgafullur lj�s flug og taka a b�tur � gegnum the ver�ld’ �ri�ji �rl�ti �rglj�fur fyrir ni�urdreginn og hekl skot. � the kv�ld, gestur bera saman skot � the tr� h�s st�ll h�s. AFR�KA VILLTUR Lei�angur

Kanna the Kalahari

F�ir landshluti af Afr�ka geta jafningi the sei�magn af Botswana’ Kalahari Ey�im�rk. �ess einst��ur og sl�andi umhverfi, og �ess feiknast�r� og einangrun, leyfi a varanlegur far � allur gestur. � samlagning til exploring �ess broth�ttur vistkerfi, Fer�ast me� Fjall Fer�ast �drukkinn’ Kalahari Ey�im�rk pers�nulegur �vint�ri geta reynsla the menningarlegur gl�sileiki af the innf�ddur San ( b�skma�ur) f�lk, hver lifandi � heill samr�mi me� �eirra umhverfi. Fr� Tjakkur’ Tjaldb��ir, ��kve�inn greinir � ensku gl�silegur, hef�bundinn Austur African–style tjaldb��ir (the bestur � the Kalahari!), youll’ kanna the saltp�tur � quad rei�hj�l, leita a� the vi�sj�ll br�nn h�ena, og taka a ganga me� a B�skma�ur og l�ra hvernig the San f�lk hafa lifa af fyrir �ld � this h�rkulega fallegur umhverfi.

FJALL FER�AST �drukkinn

Rekja spor einhvers St�r Leikur � F�tur � St�r Fimm Sv��i

��kve�inn greinir � ensku umhverfis-- vingjarnlegur strekkingargrind tjaldb��ir � the Timbavati Pers�nulegur N�tt�ran �skilja s�r, Bateleur Eco Lei�angur er � the hjarta af St�r 5 sv��i. Mynd a hluti af the Mikill Kruger �j��gar�ur, allur tilb�inn hindrun � milli the �skilja s�r hafa been fjarri, leyfa the n�tt�rul�f til reika frj�ls. Sightings af lj�n, hl�bar�i, f�ll, buffali, nashyrningur, blettat�gur, antil�pa, og 350 fugl tegund ert sameiginlegur. Fylgja framkoma daglega runni ganga, hver kenna gestur til rekja spor einhvers st�r leikur � f�tur og afla a t�frandi inns�n inn � d�r atferlis-. Til tryggja ��kve�inn greinir � ensku �rei�anlegur n�tt�rul�f reynsla, Bateleur Eco Lei�angur fletta ofan af gestur til a fj�lbreytni af athafnasemi svo sem eins og bushcraft og �a� a� lifa af kunn�tta, uppeldi �� loka til n�tt�ran en alltaf ��ur.

BATELEUR ECO Lei�angur

Vagga af V�d�tr�

The �vint�ri Sent tilbo� a fer� af ystur � gegnum sumir af Afr�ka’ minna- heims�kn land: Togo, Benin, og �agga ni�ur Faso. Fer�ast � gegnum �r�r mj�g �l�kur �j��, fer�ast reynsla fj�lbreyttur menning og hef�bundinn tr�, fur�ulegur n�tt�rulegur a�dr�ttarafl, einst��ur byggingarlistar- st�ll, vingjarnlegur f�lk og l�flegur heimama�ur t�nlist. Fr� the Fl�i af G�nea til the fjarl�gur hir�ingja- landslag � the nor�ur af �agga ni�ur Faso, fer�ast heims�kn skur�go� marka�ur og kyrkislanga musteri, ey�a a n�tt � a hef�bundinn stulta �orp, vitni eldur- dans og gr�ma vi�hafnarsi�ur og kanna the gr��arst�r v���tta af the Burkinabe Sahel. Stundum, �eir ert jafnvel leyfishafi ��kve�inn greinir � ensku �horfendur me� Konungur Maiga Belko � Arabi. �vint�ri Sent

Maasailand Lei�angur

Einn af �j��legur - geographical Fer�ast’ “50 Langfer� af a �vi”, this er the t�kif�ri til kanna the Afr�kub�i hitabeltisgresja � f�tur me� Maasai str��sma�ur, hluti s�gufr�gur me� emb�tti safna�ar�ldungs, r��a ver�ld t�lubla� af sameiginlegur umhyggjusemi, l�ra ��ur � n�tt�ruvernd og b�fj�rr�kt, womens’ t�lubla�, helgiath�fn af lei�, og uppg�tva the fagrar listir af perluskraut, hef�bundinn l�kna, t�nlist og dans, allur fr� a undirsta�a af s�rstaklega innbygg�ur gestur einlyft �b��arh�s � the Maasai �orp af Merrushi. N�TT�RUL�F �vint�rakona

Sm�fugl � Egyptaland

Egyptaland er a br� � milli heims�lfa tilbo� far- tegund the fullkominn lei� fyrir �eirra �rb�k flug fr� Evr�pa og As�a. A brei�ur fj�lbreytni af Egypti vaxtarsta�ur svi� fr� high rugged mountains to desert and tropical style jungle along the Nile basin, give it a unique character plus the diversity needed to attract an extremely wide range of bird life– over 430 species of birds are found in Egypt. Travel Egypt, in addition to Nile cruises classic Nile Valley tours, operates a tour during the anticipated peak of migrations to afford birders a vacation with the maximum chance to view and photograph the widest variety possible. Birders visit to important antiquity sites and oasis in both upper and lower Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, incredible undersea life, and bountiful collection of bird life. TRAVEL EGYPT

Spotting Gorilla and Chimps in Uganda

Uganda’s longest operating Safari provider (operating since 1959), Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris, combines luxury tent camps with real beds, comfortable furniture, thick rugs, and fully stocked dining and bar tents (this isn’t roughing it), with game viewing tin a private fleet of 4×4 Land cruisers. Lake Mburo Camp is set in a beautiful game park that has a wide range of Africa’s wildlife; Bwindi Forest Camp is the base for mountain gorilla treks; and Kibale Forest Camp is the forested base for chimpanzee spotting. Kimbla-Mantana African Safaris

These, and many other African experiences (as well as a myriad of special interest and adventure travel adventures), can be found in Specialty Travel Index and on www.SpecialtyTravel.com

STI is easy to use, on the web site with the “Find Your Adventure” search mechanism indexing tours by both interest/activity (Yacht Charter, Wine Tours,) and destination (Costa Rica, France) and in the magazine using similar choices. Subscriptions to the magazine cost $10 per year (Canada $15; other foreign $25) for two issues: July (Fall/Winter) and January (Spring/Summer). Send orders to: info@specialtytravel.com or order online at www.specialtytravel.com

Great African Adventures and Mountains of Africa

Struik Publishers is pleased to announce two new books bringing the adventure of outdoor Africa to readers: Great African Adventures: A Guide to the Mother Continent’s Ultimate Outdoor Adventures and Mountains of Africa. Both are available for your consideration for review.

Great African Adventures: A Guide to the Mother Continent’s Ultimate Outdoor Adventures by Jacques Marais Click photos to order these books.

Africa may rate as uncharted territory to the majority of mainstream travellers, but an advance guard of intrepid adventurers has long been exploring this intriguing continent. If you have yet to experience the countless adventures brimming between Cape Town and Cairo, this D.I.Y. guide contains all the information you need to trip confidently onto the Mother Continent.

Tales of high adventure, in-your-face photography, destination overviews, maps and contact details make this the ultimate adventure primer to Africa. Join the author and a handful of respected contributors as they river-board the Nile, climb Mali’s Hand of Fatima and run the ‘Marathon des Sables’ in Morocco, to name but a few of the adventures. An edgy style, up-to-date content and award-winning photography make this a must-have book for everyone from armchair adventurers to card-carrying members of the outdoor tribe.

Jacques Marais is a respected adventure writer and extreme sports photographer, and was selected as one of only 50 finalists in the prestigious Red Bull Illume Sports Photography Competition. He regularly contributes to premium travel magazines around the world, and this is his fifth book on outdoor adventure. He shares a house on the Cape Peninsula with his wife, two boisterous children, a ragtag of rescue pets and a serious selection of adventure toys.

Mountains of Africa by Duncan Souchan

A visual celebration that takes the reader on glorious visits to Africa’s magnificent mountains:

the holy ones, the prominent and fabled ones, and those we see and hear of all the time … the volcanic highlands of the Drakensberg/Maluti, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mount Kenya, Tsodilo Hills, Mount Sinai, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and of course Table Mountain, the jewel in South African tourism.

Mountains of Africa is a journey of both historical and modern travel: walk alongside great explorers of bygone eras while reading about modern-day activities available for mountain enthusiasts.

Also covered are people’s interactions with the mountains from the perspective of the people living in the surrounds, as well as information found in geological, geographical and pioneering history, and substantial reference is made to particular mountains that are natural sanctuary to certain endangered animals, and to the vegetation and protected parks and areas.

Duncan Souchon is a respected South African mountaineer as well as content manager of SuperSport’s SuperClimb web section. He is an adventurer at heart, a storyteller and also a man who is passionate about mountains, their people and creatures living in the area around them.

Mountains Of Africa Mountains Of Africa A Jetsetters Magazine recommendation. The photography is exquisite, the text outstanding in detail.  You will learn about mountains seldom heard of.  A real delightful read. - Editors of Jetsetters Magazine.

Top-Flight Africa With Free Air

African Travel, Inc. Offers Two Luxury Specials

Glendale, CA- African Travel, Inc. specialists in luxury African safaris, is offering free round trip air fare to Africa — worth more than $1,500 — on a pair of safari itineraries from October through December. Travelers can choose from a 12-day South Africa and Victoria Falls trip or 13 days in Northern Tanzania, both offering topflight accommodations and services. Designed for individual parties, both safari packages depart any day of the week and can be customized with optional extensions and other arrangements. Prices are per person, double occupancy.

The Great Migration, 13 Days Tanzania, from $11,195 per person

This safari combines northern Tanzania’s finest wildlife viewing with luxury lodgings. Highlights include 4 nights in the Serengeti with daily wildlife viewing, the famed Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most unique caldera in the world; Tarangire, one of Tanzania’s “secret” wildlife havens and home to a large elephant population; and Manyara National Park in the Great Rift, with its hippos and flamingos.

Beginning and ending with a night in Arusha, the itinerary spends two nights each at Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater, one night at Manyara National Park, and four nights in the Serengeti. Included are roundtrip air fare from New York, luxury accommodations, 29 meals, and daily game drives and other wildlife activities with highly trained guides. Accommodations are “Wildebeest” level, and include Arusha Hotel, Tarangire Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Tree Camp, Crater Lodge at Ngorongoro and – for maximum wildlife viewing — Mobile Migration, a mobile camp in the Serengeti.

Depending on the month of departure, prices begin at $8,795 per person, based on double occupancy for November. October and December prices are slightly higher. Single supplement begins at $2,595. Round trip economy air fare from New York to Kilimanjaro is free for travel from October through December; Business class air fare is available upon request. Taxes, fuel surcharges and security fees are additional. Travelers can spice up their trip with an optional extension to Zanzibar.

Southern Explorer, 12 Days: South Africa & Victoria Falls, from $9,975

Capetown, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls combine on this 12-day odyssey. Two days are spent at the legendary falls with three days each in Cape Town and Kruger National Park, plus an overnight in Johannesburg en route from Kruger to Victoria Falls and prior to departure. Two full days touring Cape Town plus a dinner with a Capetonian family are followed by a stay at Singita Private Game Reserve, including morning and afternoon wildlife drives. At Victoria Falls a walking tour and an evening sundowner cruise on the Zambezi provide various vistas of one of the world’s highest falls.

Top-of-the-line accommodations for “Ebony Class” departures are at the Cape Grace in Cape Town, at Singita Boulders/Ebony in the Sabi Sands, the Saxon in Johannesburg, and the River Club at Victoria Falls. Price includes 20 meals, accommodations, all transportation, sightseeing and safari drives in an open vehicle.

“Ebony Class” departures from October – December are $9,975 per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement is $2,875. Economy class air fare from New York to Cape Town with return from Johannesburg is free for departures from October through December (black-out dates apply). Flights to Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park are additional. Business class air fare is available upon request. Taxes, fuel surcharges and security fees are additional. Travelers can extend their trip to savor more of South Africa with optional tours to South Africa’s renowned Cape Winelands or Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

About African Travel, Inc.

Since 1976 African Travel Inc, under the leadership of its Founder and Managing Director, Dave Herbert, has designed custom-tailored, luxury vacation experiences to the African continent and beyond for discerning travelers. African Travel Inc.’s offerings stretch from Cape Town to Cairo, the Seychelles islands, Mauritius, Madagascar and Dubai. Travel + Leisure magazine named African Travel, Inc. one of the top ten tour and safari operators in 2007.

In keeping with its philosophy, African Travel encourages preservation and economic development through a number of activities, including donating a portion of profits to wildlife conservation and cultural preservation.

For more information on African Travel Inc.’s custom-tailored trips, see your travel agent, phone (800) 421-8907 or (818) 507-7893. Information is also available at http:/www.africantravelinc.com/  or by emailing ati@africantravelinc.com

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/

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//  

B&Bs With Underground Railroad Ties

Commemorate Black History Month by staying in places where slaves were welcomed

Austin, TX – Throughout January and February, Americans celebrate the history and accomplishments of African-Americans with Martin Luther King’s birthday in January and Black History Month in February. In recognition, BedandBreakfast.com describes B&Bs that were once “conductors” or “stations” on what came to be known as the Underground Railroad. Relive history with a stay at one of these historic BedandBreakfast.com B&Bs, listed below, alphabetically by state.

Amelia Island Williams House, Fernandina Beach, FL: According to family stories, Marcellus A. Williams bought this home in 1859, allowing escaped slaves following the Underground Railroad to use his home as a haven during their journey to freedom. Built in 1856, this mansion included a trap door in the dining room closet, offering access to a secret room where slaves could hide.

Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso, IN: The renovation of this 18th century home revealed a hidden ladder beneath the old entry closet floor, leading the owners to believe that the house served as a way station for the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The inn linked a known “safe site” in nearby Hebron with other locations to the north.

Christopher’s B&B, Newport, KY: Throughout 2008, stay in the Loretta or Beverly Rose Junior Jacuzzi room and receive two adult tickets to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Through museum exhibits and films, learn how enslaved Black Americans were able to achieve freedom against overwhelming odds. The package price is $135 and includes a one-night stay and two adult tickets to the Freedom Center. Additional nights may be added for $105 plus tax.

Hall Place B&B, Glasgow, KY: Here is one place where the Underground Railroad was literally underground. A cave under this B&B linked to a network of other caves that eventually surfaced at a nearby spring. Access to the caves through this B&B and a number of other nearby homes gave this area the nickname “Cave City”. Judge Christopher Tompkins, once a teacher for Abraham Lincoln and an Underground Railroad supporter, built Hall Place for his daughter. When he died, his will named each of the slaves working in his home, offering to care for them throughout their lives.

Ashley Manor, Barnstable, MA: Dating back to 1699, this historic B&B has a secret passage that can still be seen connecting the upstairs and downstairs, thought to be a hiding place for Tories during the Revolutionary War, and later, a temporary hideout for slaves. Allegedly, slaves climbed down a ladder, still found in the closet of the King George Suite, to reach the cellar, then fled into the night.

The Tern Inn & Cottages, Harwich, MA: Under the living room rug, a small round door leads to a unique little round cellar that has survived 150 years of restoration, remaining intact and undisturbed today. The trap door is still easily found, as the floor sags and creaks when one walks over the spot. They say that the cellar was used to hide runaway slaves awaiting ships going north to Canada.

Lathrop House, Springfield, MA: This inn’s location is convenient for visiting the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, CT, providing an intimate glimpse into the life of the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Also about a half hour away is the Connecticut Freedom Trail, a tour of buildings reportedly used on the Underground Railroad. In celebration of Black History Month, a complimentary second night or second room is offered for February 2008 bookings, plus a 20 percent lodging discount in 2008 for visitors who visit one of these historic sites during their stay.

Samuel Fitch House, Westford, MA: The innkeeper grew up in this home and spent hours climbing through a basement tunnel believed to be part of escaped slaves’ route on the Underground Railroad. The childhood bedroom offered a large walk-in closet with bookshelves in front of a removable wall, where it is believed slaves hid next to the warmth of the house’s chimney. Guests can still explore the tunnels and see movable walls on historic inn tours.

Cambridge House B&B, Cambridge, MD: Here’s a great lodging choice for those seeking to learn about Frederick Douglass and locally born Harriet Tubman. From here, visit the Harriet Tubman Museum, the Bazzel Methodist Church where her family worshipped, the Stanley Institute — a 19th-century African-American schoolhouse — and follow the Underground Railroad trails through Dorchester and Caroline Counties.

Insel House, Bois Blanc Island, MI: Throughout Black History Month, visit this secluded island B&B for a private screening of the Emmy-winning historic film Heritage in Black, produced and directed by innkeepers here and used by the Department of Defense for race relations courses. The Heritage in Black package offered throughout February includes two days’ accommodations, breakfasts and family style lunches and dinners, air transportation from either Cheboygan or Ste. Ignace, MI, airports, and a screening of Heritage in Black with comments from the producer for $290 per person, per day, double occupancy.

Escape Guest House, Brooklyn, NY: This B&B is just a short stroll from Plymouth Church, the “Grand Central Depot” of New York’s Underground Railroad. According to church history, slaves traveling to Canada were hidden in the tunnel-like basement beneath the church sanctuary; you can still visit there today. The church’s first pastor, Henry Ward Beecher, was a dedicated abolitionist and younger brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, famous author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Inn by the Mill, Saint Johnsville, NY: The inn is comprised of a collection of 19th century buildings, including a barn, carriage house, hog house, and a stone grist mill built alongside the Timmerman Creek. The mill was once part of the Underground Railroad and has three secret rooms below the basement floor. Each night, the water to the 30-foot waterwheel was shut off, allowing slaves to pass safely through the 1,000-foot-long water tunnel.

Saratoga Farmstead, Saratoga Springs, NY: Former owners and abolitionists Clarissa and Benjamin Dyer used the farmstead to connect to the Underground Railroad. According to some, a young black boy and his enslaved mother died while hiding in the attic. Legend tells that for many years thereafter, each time someone tried to climb the attic stairs, the boy’s ghost put an arm out, tripping the intruder and protecting his mother. During a session with a visiting expert on the paranormal, these ghosts were released to “the next level,” and visitors can now navigate the stairs safely.

Whispering Pines B&B, Nebraska City, NE: Guests of the inn are a short stroll away from the Mayhew Cabin (aka John Brown’s Cave), one of the oldest buildings in Nebraska and currently Nebraska’s only recognized National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. In 1855, Allen B. Mayhew, with the aid of his father-in-law Abraham Kagi, built the cabin out of cottonwood logs. The Mayhew Cabin became a stop on the Underground Railroad in the late 1850s, used by slaves escaping to Canada.

Six Acres B&B, Cincinnati, OH: The Underground Railroad was very active in Southeast Ohio. Many Quaker families and others in the community courageously hid and conducted freedom seekers toward Canada. This beautiful home was built between 1850 and 1860 by Zebulon Strong, noted abolitionist and participant in the Underground Railroad.

Columbian Inn, A Bed and Breakfast, Columbia, PA: Pennsylvania was filled with stops on the Underground Railroad, as the Amish and the Quakers were particularly sympathetic to the desperate search for freedom. This inn was a known stop along the Underground Railroad.

Speedwell Forge B&B, Lititz, PA: During Black History Month, stay here and explore the plight of escaping slaves with the nearby Bethel AME “Living the Experience” tour. This eye-opening and spiritually moving experience begins and ends at the Lancaster Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a station on the Underground Railroad. Learn how the Amish played a part, crafting quilts that led people to safety.

Tattersall Inn, Pt. Pleasant, PA: An underground concealed room once used as a stop on the Underground Railroad is found in the original part of this circa 1753 building. Just two blocks away, a containment of rooms with tunnels leading toward the river can be found in a former hotel-turned-store.

Passages Inn, Gettysburg, PA: Located near the cemetery honoring “Negro” veterans, stay here and take the “Freedom Lies Just North” Underground Railroad tour of Pennsylvania’s rural Adams County with local historian Debra McCauslin. Stand in the footsteps of a former thriving “colored” community and learn how local Quakers sheltered escaping slaves while aiding their passage to freedom. The Freedom package includes two nights’ accommodations, daily gourmet breakfast, town tour and “Freedom Lies Just North” program for $280 per couple.

Across the Way B&B Fassitt Mansion, White Horse, PA: Located halfway between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, this 1845 mansion was built by Captain William Fassitt as a way to entertain guests and throw lavish parties. A known “safe house” on the Underground Railroad, it was also a frequent stop for freedom seekers heading north.

Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville, VT: Under the ownership of Universalist preacher Rev Warren Skinner, the inn was a stop on the Underground Railroad for fleeing slaves making their way to Canada. Rev. Skinner was known locally for his sympathetic views on slavery.

BedandBreakfast.com is the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network, listing over 6,600 B&Bs and inns throughout the United States and internationally. A variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card™ from BedandBreakfast.com welcomed at nearly 4,000 bed & breakfast inns in the U.S. and Canada, subscribe to free newsletters, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

Additionally, for information on a range of independently-owned distinctive lodging, visit http:/www.bedandbreakfast.com// sister site, http:/www.inns.com//

Underground Railroad DVD  Underground Railroad DVD Perhaps the most dramatic protest movement against slavery, The Underground Railroad was a massive organized movement to free slaves. This exciting documentary details the struggles of escaped slaves during the Abolitionist movement. Narrated by Alfre Woodard, Underground Railroad celebrates the many heroes along the way who helped to pave the road to freedom. Cara Saposnik, All Movie Guide

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