Jetsettersblog

African Travel Inc.
CONTACT: Heidi Podjavorsek
TEL: (800) 421-8907 x 115
E-MAIL: heidip@africantravelinc.com
WEB: www.africantravelinc.com

African Travel Inc., a company that specializes in super-luxe journeys throughout the African continent, to islands in the Indian Ocean, and to Dubai, recently announced an exciting lineup of itineraries for the 2010 season.

African Travel Inc. caters to travelers who seek highly personalized and customized encounters with African wildlife and culture, and who require product exclusivity, diversification, and extraordinary personal services.

Although these are just a few of African Travel Inc.’s diverse offerings, the following provides a sneak preview of some exciting 2010 itineraries.

The Ultimate Safari

An unprecedented safari experience awaits travelers on this journey that combines culture, natural attractions, and superb Big Five game viewing.

A private car and guide transform ordinary sightseeing into a comfortable and personalized adventure and accommodations have been carefully chosen to reflect the best that Africa has to offer.

Highlights include accommodations in distinctive lodges and camps including some of Conde Nast’s “Gold List” winners, gourmet South African food and wine, dinner with a local Capetonian family, extraordinary game viewing in Kruger National Park and Botswana, an elephant back excursion at Elephant Whispers, and much more. 18 days starting at $10,795 per person, land cost.

Southern Jewels

With a combination of vast pristine wilderness and a small population, Namibia is the definitive land of discovery and soul-searching.

Marvel at the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the oldest forms of art before becoming entranced in the distinctive safari experience in Etosha, Namibia’s largest animal refuge, before finishing up in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Other highlights include exploring Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon, climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, viewing some of the fascinating geological features in Damaraland and rock engravings by some of Namibia’s oldest inhabitants, the Bushmen, wildlife excursions in and around Etosha National Park, and more. 13 Days starting at $6,995, land cost.

Nile Splendors

From the moment of arrival in Cairo, travelers are immersed in the sights and sounds of a thriving modern culture living side by side with remnants of the ancient past.

From the legendary pyramids at Giza to the immense temple complex at Karnak, the sheer magnitude of these structures dwarfs the imagination, and to bear witness to the accomplishments is truly a humbling experience.

Highlights of this journey include walking in the footsteps of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, exploring the temples along the Nile from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship, private tours led by Egyptologist guides, recreating the past while donning a galabeya for a traditional dinner aboard the Nile cruise, gazing at the golden mask of Tut, and much more. 12 days starting at $2195, land cost.

African Travel Inc. caters to adventurers and luxury travelers of all ages — singles, couples, families, small groups of friends, inter-generational, and special interest groups. Their travel experts help travelers plan family travel, honeymoons, golfing tours, spa trips, wine and food tours, as well as cultural extensions and special interest safaris.

To learn more about African Travel Inc. or to order a brochure, visit the website at www.africantravelinc.com  or contact Heidi Podjavorsek at (800) 421-8907 x 115.

Delta Air Lines announced limited-time special fares on its new routes to Kenya and Liberia, making travel to Africa more affordable on the only airline with scheduled service between the U.S. and that continent.

Delta is offering a one-way introductory fare of $819 for travel between Atlanta and Nairobi, Kenya (via Dakar, Senegal), from June 2 to Aug. 30, 2009;

and of $989 for travel between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Monrovia, Liberia (also via Dakar), from June 8 to Aug. 30, 2009.

A roundtrip ticket purchase is required and travel must be booked by April 7, 2009.

Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/baggage charges may apply.

Delta’s new flights to Kenya and Liberia are part of the airline’s expanding service to Africa, which already includes service between New York-JFK to Accra, Ghana; Dakar;

Cape Town, South Africa; and Abuja, Nigeria (via Dakar beginning June 10, 2009).

Delta also offers nonstop service between Atlanta and Dakar; and Lagos, Nigeria.

Delta’s existing one-stop service between Atlanta and Johannesburg, South Africa, via Dakar, will become a nonstop flight starting June 1.

Exclusive Service for Discerning Business Travellers

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched a brand new service, Personal Hotelier, across the Crowne Plaza estate throughout Middle East and Africa. Guests staying in Club rooms or on the Crowne Club floor can now enjoy the undivided attention of a hotelier dedicated to catering to their every need.

Crowne Plaza Personal Hotelier is an initiative that provides guests one point of contact, one face, one name and one telephone number to call prior to and during their stay at the hotel. This exclusive service is designed to alleviate the stress of corporate travel, allowing the guest more time and space to think, resulting in making their business trips more efficient and effective.

Commenting on the launch, Haitham Mattar, Director of Marketing Middle East and Africa, said, “Most of our guests are frequent business travellers. While they tend to enjoy travel, it can be exhausting and hectic so we decided to introduce a service to help them get the most of their time with us. “

From the moment a booking for a Club room is made, a member of the Personal Hotelier team will be assigned to the guest, contact them to introduce themselves and then offer them any assistance if required.

A personal hotelier can help guests with everything for business needs, such as updating a presentation, printing documents, making reservations at a restaurant or spa and even personal shopping.

The pilot program, conducted at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, received an overwhelmingly good response.

Results from a survey* conducted amongst guests who participated in the program demonstrated that 95 per cent rated the service excellent with regards to its efficiency and usefulness.

The Personal Hotelier service is available to guest who book Club rooms or on the Crowne Club Floor at all Crowne Plaza properties across Middle East and Africa.

In recognition of the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the United States, Ethiopian Airlines is proud to provide an exciting new “Free Companion Fare.” Travelers who purchase a regular fare will receive a “Free Companion Fare” to any of Ethiopian Airlines’ 32 destinations throughout Africa — more than any other airline.

The airline flies directly from Washington Dulles International Airport to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and connects to 32 destinations throughout Africa, including Luanda, Angola; Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; Bujumbura, Burundi; Douala, Cameroon; Ndjamena, Chad; Brazzaville, Congo; Lubumbashi, Congo; Kinshasa, Congo Democratic Republic; Djibouti, Djibouti; Cairo, Egypt; Libreville, Gabon; Accra, Ghana; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Nairobi, Kenya; Lilongwe, Malawi; Bamako, Mali; Abuja, Nigeria; Lagos, Nigeria; Kigali, Rwanda; Dakar, Senegal; Hargeisa, Somaliland; Johannesburg, South Africa; Khartoum, Sudan; Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Lomé, Togo; Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda; and Lusaka, Zambia.

For more information, call 800-445-2733 or visit www.ethiopianairlines.com

Adventure Life Voyages, a small-group tour company committed to providing quality tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment, is offering a 34-day African expedition cruise on April 1 that explores destinations largely unknown to most travelers on Africa’s Atlantic coast.

The boat is the 114-guest Corinthian II. Embarking in Cape Town, the trip explores practically every country along Africa’s west coast — South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco, before the ship arrives at the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the world’s great landmarks.

This is an opportunity to observe the differences in ancient cultures and tribal customs, landscape and animal life, from the towering dunes of Namibia, to the remarkable wildlife of Gabon’s rain forests; from the markets of Ghana and Senegal, to the medinas of Morocco.

This voyage presents a richly kaleidoscopic, lushly complex experience of a continent that defies description.

 The trip starts at $23,995.

You can see the full itinerary at www.alvoyages.com/ships/corinthian-2/19/1083

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).

When people think of Africa, they think of the big five safari sightings (lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, and rhino) or the big five tragedies of the continent (war, genocide, famine, political corruption, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic). But Africa encompasses much more than wildlife and warfare.

Africa is huge. It’s four times the size of the United States. It’s roughly 5,000 miles long and 4,600 miles wide. Africa makes up 20% of the earth’s landmass.

“There’s a whole continent beyond the cliché that appeals to luxury travelers and intrepid adventurers alike,” says Andy Alpine, co-founder of Specialty Travel Index (SpecialtyTravel.com). “The photo safari is still a big draw, of course–where else in the world can you experience the sight of a lion stalking its prey or the magnificent wildebeest migration across Serengeti’s endless plains? You could track wildlife in every country in Africa and still not get tired of it. But there is a rich cache of African experiences that many people don’t discover until their second trip to Africa–and some may overlook it altogether.”

Specialty Travel Index puts hundreds of African vacations from some of Africa’s best outfitters in one easy to navigate web site. Travel agents and travelers can narrow down their choices by country and by type of trip with a couple clicks.

Here’s a look at just a few of the dream-of-a-lifetime African travel experiences from different outfitters that can be found at www.specialtytravel.com and the magazine/directory Specialty Travel Index:

Ghana arts & Culture

Ghana is a kaleidoscope of arts. Palace Travel’s seven day art and culture tour of Ghana gives collectors and culture buffs a unique and up-close cultural experience. Travelers visit a local casket making shop to see a collection of caskets carved in the shapes of various objects depicting traditional beliefs in life after death (the “Fantasy Coffins” of Teshie Nungua have been featured in National Geographic and galleries worldwide).

They take drumming and dancing lessons on Kokrobrite Beach and learn to make fufu, ground nut soup, red red, and palava sauce in a Ghanian cooking workshop. Then its’ on to the Ashanti craft villages–Pankrono, where potters create colorful hand-built vessels; Ahwiaa, known for royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls; Ntonso where artisans hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make adinkra textiles worn for funerals and other solemn occasions; and Bonwire where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms, in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. If your suitcase isn’t stuffed with art by then, it will be after the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open-air market in West Africa, where more than 10,000 vendors sell just about everything you could need or want – food, fabric, clothing, furniture, beauty products, and handmade crafts.

PALACE TRAVEL

Diving the Red Sea

The Red Sea, where the desert meets the ocean, is one of the planet’s most fascinating natural sea environments. There are about 200 of coral types and over a thousand species of fish, more species than anybody of water its size. Many divers consider the Red Sea is the best diving in the world world. Lotus International’s Deep Down in the Red Sea diving tour starts in Cairo and gives divers the chance to explore the Abou Dabab Reefs, Elephinstone Reef, Dolphin Reefs (3 dives with the dolphins), St. Johns, Marsa Alam, and West Abu Dabab. LOTUS INTERNATIONAL TOURS

Photographer’s Safaris

There can’t be an amateur or professional photographer alive that hasn’t fantasized about the capturing a shot of lions cubs playing in the grass, a leopard in a tree, or a line of elephants. A professional photographer leads small (10 or fewer) photo-hungry groups on daily game hunts–at a photographers pace–in open vehicles and bushwalks through private game reserves and Kruger National Park. Photographers will spot game from above on an ultra light flight and take a boat through the world’s third largest canyon for hippo and croc shots. In the evening, guests compare shots in the tree house style lodge. AFRICA WILD SAFARIS

Explore the Kalahari

Few parts of Africa can match the mystique of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. Its unique and striking environment, and its vastness and isolation, leaves a lasting impression on all visitors. In addition to exploring its fragile ecosystem, Travelers with Mountain Travel Sobek’s Kalahari Desert private adventure can experience the cultural richness of the indigenous San (Bushman) people, who live in complete harmony with their environment. From Jack’s Camp, an elegant, traditional East African–style camp (the best in the Kalahari!), you’ll explore the saltpans on quad bikes, search for the elusive brown hyena, and take a walk with a Bushman and learn how the San people have survived for centuries in this harshly beautiful environment.

MOUNTAIN TRAVEL SOBEK

Tracking Large Game on Foot in Big Five Territory

An environmentally-friendly tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Bateleur Eco Safaris is in the heart of Big 5 territory. Forming a part of the Greater Kruger National Park, all artificial barriers between the reserves have been removed, allowing the wildlife to roam free. Sightings of lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, antelope, and 350 bird species are common. Guides conduct daily bush walks, which teach guests to track large game on foot and provide a fascinating insight into animal behavior. To ensure an authentic wildlife experience, Bateleur Eco Safaris exposes guests to a variety of activities such as bushcraft and survival skills, bringing them closer to nature than ever before.

BATELEUR ECO SAFARIS

Cradle of Voodoo

The Adventure Center offers a journey of extremes through some of Africa’s less-visited countries: Togo, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Traveling through three very different nations, travelers experience diverse cultures and traditional religions, amazing natural attractions, unique architectural styles, friendly people and vibrant local music. From the Gulf of Guinea to the remote nomadic lands in the north of Burkina Faso, travelers visit fetish markets and python temples, spend a night in a traditional stilt village, witness fire-dancing and mask ceremonies and explore the vast expanse of the Burkinabe Sahel. Sometimes, they are even granted an audience with King Maiga Belko at Arabinda. Adventure Center

Maasailand Safari

One of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, this is the chance to explore the African savanna on foot with Maasai warriors, share stories with elders, discuss world issues of common concern, learn about wildlife conservation and animal husbandry, women’s issues, rites of passage, and discover the fine arts of beading, traditional healing, music and dance, all from a base of specially built guest bungalows in the Maasai village of Merrushi. WILDLAND ADVENTURES

Birding in Egypt

Egypt is a bridge between continents offering migratory species the perfect route for their annual flights from Europe and Asia. A wide variety of Egyptian habitats ranging from 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

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.

New York, NY – Observing elephants in Gabon’s Loango National Park, visiting the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa, taking in a mask dance performance in Mali’s Dogon Region and exploring ancient ruins in Libya’s Leptis Magna may appear to have little in common, but with cultural and expedition cruise company Travel Dynamics International these are just some of the dramatic excursions to take place on the African continent from winter 2008 through fall 2009.

Nine customized Africa itineraries take passengers to remote attractions generally inaccessible to individual travelers or passengers sailing aboard the mass cruise liners. “Each year we’re thrilled to design special voyages for our passengers to experience the myriad facets of Africa,” said Vasos Papagapitos, founding co-president of Travel Dynamics International. “The continent’s raw scenic beauty and wildlife, rich culture and ancient history are in ever greater demand among discerning travelers, and Travel Dynamics International is gratified to offer them unique entrée into these natural and man-made marvels.”

Among the new and back-by-popular-demand cruises are:

Desert Kingdoms and Imperial Cities: A Christmas /New Year’s Voyage from Casablanca to Dakar – The ideal itinerary for holiday adventurers, this December 18, 2008 – January 2, 2009 cruise aboard the 34-guest Callisto embraces exotic culture—including the oral storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers and magicians of Morocco Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square—and evocative nature, as in the arresting silence of Mauritania’s desert and mountains. Guests will ring in the New Year in tropical Senegal to rhythmic drumbeats and Marche Soumbedioune’s colorful crafts.

Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the Maghreb and al-Andalus – This exploration of the three great monotheistic faiths in North Africa and Southern Spain unfolds in March 2009, with two nights in Marrakech before embarking on Callisto and sailing for the Moroccan towns of Essaouira, Casablanca and Rabat. An overnight excursion to Fez celebrates one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain, where Islamic culture was well entrenched before the 8th-century Moorish invasion, guests will come to know the most treasured cities of al-Andalus: Seville, site of the Alcazar, and Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace.

The Road to Timbuktu and the Rivers of West Africa – A Travel Dynamics International favorite, this two-week voyage has departures in January and February, 2009. Prior to embarking on Callisto in week two, travelers will savor the dazzling attractions en route to fabled Timbuktu, including the Grand Mosque of Djenne, the bustling city of Mopti and the Dogon region, where mask ceremonies, vibrant rock paintings and mystical cliff dwellings await the culturally inquisitive. Transporting guests to Timbuktu is a chartered plane. Once aboard ship, the group will cruise down the Gambia and Saloum rivers of Senegal and The Gambia, experiencing the extraordinary villages and wildlife of the Kiang West National Park and the Makasutu Culture Forest. The voyage concludes amid the vibrant markets, fine museums and storied slave history of Dakar.

West Africa Discovery: Desert Cities, Imperial Capitals and Natural Treasures – This is a unique opportunity to cruise along the west coast of Africa from Dakar to Casablanca, with departures from February – March, 2009. Senegal, the poster country of new urban Africa, will intrigue cultural questers through such attractions as the Marche Soumbedioune, while those seeking the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains will revel in Mauritania’s natural offerings. This 13-night cruise aboard Callisto also features Marrakech’s magical Djemaa el-Fna Square.

South Africa by Sea – Beginning with two nights in Cape Town, this March 19-April 3, 2009 voyage aboard the board the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II boasts a number of calls not usually available on South African cruises. Travelers will enjoy touring Stellenbosch wine country and the bold Cape Peninsula mountains before tacking west for the acacia woodland of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, home to rare black rhinos; Addo Elephant National Park; and Port Elizabeth’s Victorian architecture. Humpback whales might be sighted off the bow as the ship forges through Richards Bay into cosmopolitan Durban.

A Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Gibraltar: Exploring the Cultural & Natural Diversity of Africa – For those who want to do it all, this grand voyage of March 31 – May 4, 2009 follows in the wake of the early explorers and merchant ships of the 18th and 19th centuries. Corinthian II will traverse the length of Africa’s Atlantic coast, calling at ports and exploring destinations largely unknown to travelers. Embarking in Cape Town, the port city near the landmark Cape of Good Hope, guests will explore virtually every country along Africa’s west coast: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco, before reaching the Rock of Gibraltar and wrapping up in historic Seville. This is an unprecedented opportunity to observe ancient cultures and tribal customs as well as landscape and animal life, from the dunes of Namibia to the wildlife of Gabon’s rainforests and from the markets of Ghana and Senegal to the medinas of Morocco.

Ancient Lost Cities of Libya and Tunisia: Greco-Roman Civilization Between the Desert and the Sea – History buffs and adventure seekers can get up close and personal with the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans who settled the coastal cities of Libya and Tunisia and turned them into centers of power. This nine-night cruise aboard Corinthian II during May – June, 2009 introduces travelers to Libya’s Leptis Magna–the capital of Roman North Africa–from the Arch of Septimius Severus to the Severan Forum and the Hadrianic Baths. Other attractions include the historic medina of Tripoli, also in Libya, and the impressive Roman amphitheater of El Djem in Tunisia. This voyage culminates in a visit to Crete and its historically rich town of Chania.

North Africa’s Mediterranean Coast Through the Centuries – On this expansive journey along North Africa’s entire Mediterranean coast, guests will sail aboard Corinthian II from Egypt to Morocco, discovering marvels like the Roman ruins of Djemila; the old city of Tlemcen; the World War II battlefields of Tubruq; and Libya’s Greco-Roman cities. The 16-night cruise (plus one night in a Cairo hotel) in October-November, 2009 will also explore the walled holy city of Kairouan, Tunisia, the Islamic world’s preeminent pilgrimage site after Mecca and Medina, and consider Tangier’s history of invasions, from the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C. to the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths and, in the 8 th century, the Arabs.

Passage to Leptis Magna: Exploring Ancient Landmark Sites of the Mediterranean – As the pioneer of cruise travel to Libya, Travel Dynamics is pleased to introduce travelers to its historic shores and monuments. This eight-night cruise (plus one night in an Athens hotel) in October, 2009 begins with an exploration of Athens and Crete’s historically compelling town of Chania before Corinthian II sets sail for North Africa. In Libya, participants will stroll through ancient Cyrene and Apollonia, and on to the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, the most lavish ancient city of North Africa. They will also visit Tripoli’s Jamahiriya Museum and the remains of coastal Sabratha before sailing back to Athens via Pylos, with a visit to the Mycenaean Palace of King Nestor.

Rates begin at $6,995 per person, including suite accommodations, shore excursions, open bar, with wine served for lunch and dinner, and all taxes. For bookings contact Amalia Ciprijan at 212 774 1511 or email Amalia@travdyn.com.

The TDI Experience

Travel Dynamics International enjoys a peerless reputation of excellence in small-ship cruising, established in nearly forty years of operating and creating unique itineraries for the inquisitive traveler.

For additional information, call 212 774 1534. Visit the enrichment cruise company’s website at http://www.traveldynamicsinternational.com/

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.

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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