Jetsettersblog

Future Vacations New Price Match Policy

Future Vacations launched a new Price Match policy. Under terms of the new policy that will match any competitor’s price on comparable vacation packages within three hours, ensuring that travelers always receive the best value for their vacation dollar.

Travel agents or consumers who book a Future Vacations package and find a lower price on a comparable package elsewhere can call Future Vacations’ new Price Match Hotline – 800-373-7801 – and speak directly to a Price Match Specialist for immediate service.

Comparable packages must feature the same airline, hotel, room category, travel dates and inclusions (e.g.: rental car, ground transfers, theme park/show tickets, etc.). For the fastest service, calls must be made during the following Price Match business hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm EST and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm EST.

Calls made outside of these hours will receive a return call the following business day. If Future Vacations is unable to match the price of a package, travelers will receive a $25 travel credit for future use.

The Price Match Policy is effective now and until further notice on all packages in the Future Vacations portfolio, which spans the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

For telephone reservations, call 800-456-2323.

Bradt Eclipse 2008 & 2009 Guide

Such is the fascination of a total eclipse that umbraphiles from all over the world are already at an advanced planning stage for 2008/09 solar events. Bradt’s new guide, Total Solar Eclipse 2008 & 2009 ensures that those seeking out one of the briefest but most profoundly moving natural spectacles, make the most of their viewing opportunity.

Author Sheridan Williams covers the August 2008 and July 2009 eclipses in detail, offering useful advice on travelling to the regions of totality, including path maps, essential weather information and tables showing how every stage of the eclipse may be observed from each location.

The guide includes a special section on eclipse-watching safety and details how to successfully photograph or video the event. For committed eclipse-chasers the final chapter is a dedicated holiday planner, giving details of forthcoming eclipses over the next 12 years – the next ‘British’ eclipse passes across the tiny island of Rockall, a name synonymous with Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast, in 2015.

Sheridan Williams is a member of the British Astronomical Association and since building his own telescope in 1966, has travelled to see nine total eclipses and one annular eclipse. He has appeared on television and radio, including presenting Sky TV’s total eclipse programme from Cornwall in 1999.

Title: Total Solar Eclipse 2008 & 2009 Author: Sheridan Williams

Total Eclipse Africa Madagascar      A total eclipse of the sun is one of the most awe-inspiring natural events in the world; by fortunate coincidence two total eclipses will pass across southern Africa in June 2001 and December 2002. This is a practical guide on how to plan for the trip of a lifetime and where best to view the eclipses in Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The authors have considerable expertise on the countries covered and provide suggested itineraries and highlights for each region within the band of totality. What happens during an eclipse, a language section with eclipse-specific vocabulary plus related myths and stories are featured. An eclipse viewer is included with all copies., Science ; Astronomy - Solar System, Total Eclipse Africa Madagascar

Crew Wanted For 600 BC Sailing Expedition

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

AFRICAN HONEYMOON PAMPERED ADVENTURE‏

Wildlife drives, stays at some of Africa’s most opulent safari camps, private massage, and sightseeing and transfers by private car are some of the pampered adventures on African Travel, Inc.’s honeymoon packages.

The packages are customized with VIP touches, such as a beaded photo frame of the wedding couple on arrival, a chilled bottle of champagne, rose petal bath and “his and her” spa treatment. Honeymooners can choose their level of luxury, from “Platinum” to “Royal,” all with African Travel, Inc.’s signature personalized service. Platinum Level: Singita and the Seychelles: 13 days

Honeymooners who want an ultra-luxe, once-in-a-lifetime experience can combine 8 nights in South Africa with 4 nights in the Seychelles Islands, staying at some of the best-known luxury hotels and lodges. Indulgences include two days of personalized sightseeing with a private car and driver, a candlelight dinner on a private deck, wine picnic, bush safari drives, a dinner cruise in Cape Town, personalized spa treatment in the Seychelles including a candlelit, rose petal bath, a his and her massage on a private deck with champagne and most meals. Transportation includes a seat on charter flights within Africa, transfers by private car, and - for the ultimate VIP experience — a helicopter transfer in the Seychelles.

The safari honeymoon features four days accommodations at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, three days at the famed Singita Private Game Reserve, one night in Johannesburg, and four days of island activities on the Seychelles. Land Arrangements start at $18,995 per person, with economy air fare beginning at $2,695 round trip, including fuel charges, from New York to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Mahe. Diamond Level: Southern Luxuries and Wildlife Wonders: 15 days For honeymooners who love wildlife and the outdoors, this 15-day South African itinerary combines stays at three different game reserves with Cape Town and a final overnight in Johannesburg. The itinerary begins with four days in Cape Town at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, complete with 1 ½ days of private sightseeing with a car and driver, and a home-hosted dinner. Next, three days each are spent at Madikwe Reserve and Leopard Hills Safari Lodge at Sabi Sands Reserve - known for the greatest density of wildlife in southern Africa.

Two nights are then devoted to a stay in Kings Camp at the Timbavati Reserve., with 36 different species of animals and 360 bird species. During game drives for sightings of the “Big Five, rangers make an effort to track the wildlife of most interest to the honeymoon party. Land arrangements start at $7,995 per person, double occupancy, and include all accommodations, wildlife viewing and other activities, most meals, and regional charter flights within South Africa. Round trip air fare to South Africa is additional, and begins at $1,525 per person New York - Cape Town - Johannesburg - New York. Royal Level: Southern Explorer: 12 days

Honeymooners can trade Victoria Falls for Niagara Falls, combining two days at the legendary falls with three days each in Cape Town and Kruger National Park, plus an overnight in Johannesburg. Two full days touring Cape Town plus a dinner with a Capetonian family are followed by a stay at Lion Sands River Lodge luxury camp in Kruger National Park, 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. If your visit coincides with a full moon, the lunar rainbow (or moonbow) is truly something special to behold. Land arrangements start at $5,295 per person, and include accommodations, sightseeing, game drives, Zambezi river cruise, daily breakfast, plus select lunches and dinners. Economy airfare begins at $2,275 for New York - Cape Town - Victoria Falls -Johannesburg - Kruger Park - Johannesburg - New York.

More Information

All prices are person, double occupancy. Air prices are inclusive of fuel charges, but taxes and security fees are additional, and are subject to change..

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 honeymoons, see your travel agent, phone 1-800-421-8907 or (818) 507-7893. Information is also available at 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

Legacy Hotels in Africa

Legacy Hotels & Resorts International has some exciting new developments in Africa including new properties Madagascar, South Africa and Nigeria. Legacy recently became the second hospitality group to commit to the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme in Africa, whereby all its properties will undergo continuous assessment and receive independent accreditation for being environmentally responsible.

Some of its latest developments include:

** Madagascar beckons**

The luxurious tropical island paradise of Madagascar has remained a largely unknown destination for many people, except for the odd backpackers and other intrepid travellers. But that is set to change with the now completed refurbishment of Legacy Hotels’ 5-star Nosy Iranja island resort.

Located just fours hours by flight from Johannesburg and one hour 20 minutes from Nosy Be in the north of Madagascar, Nosy Iranja is also known as “Turtles Island” due to the visiting Hawksbill turtles that lay their eggs on the pristine beaches. The island is also home to unique fauna and flora and the natural coral reefs teem with exotic fish.

Nosy Iranja consists of two islands - Iranja Be and Iranja Kely - conjoined by a sandbank, which is submerged at high tide. The lodge, which is on the smaller island of the two, is set amidst thirteen hectares of tropical gardens on the private islet of Iranja Kely, linked by a sandbank to a second island offering an historic lighthouse, beaches, flora and fauna, all surrounded by the crystal waters of the Mozambique Channel. The climate of the area is superb all year round, with the months of July to September being the peak European tourist season.

Bringing Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world and renowned for its lemurs and chameleons, within reach of South Africans has long been a dream of Legacy Group chairman Bart Dorrestein, who is passionate about Madagascar and committed to the country’s goal of increasing employment through high-quality tourism ventures.

Dorrestein said: “Although there have been many hurdles, we have worked with the local community and government to bring this project to fruition over the last two years. This island is one of most stunning venues in the world and we have ensured that the lodge is in harmony with the pristine environment.”

With 28 suites and a villa overlooking the ocean reef, each with its own private veranda (including hammock, two loungers and armchairs), guests can enjoy the utmost privacy and comfort.

Conference facilities for 30 people with state-of-the-art equipment are also available. A second, private restaurant on the south beach can be utilised for group functions.

** Luxury Kuzuko Bush Lodge in Eastern Cape **

Legacy Hotels & Resorts International, in October 2007, received its first visitors to a new leisure and corporate getaways resort in a private section of the Greater Addo Elephant National Park - an African wilderness experience within reach of Port Elizabeth airport.

With uninterrupted views, the much-anticipated luxury Kuzuko Lodge is surrounded by the vast plains lying beyond the edge of the Zuurberg Mountains in the Eastern Cape.

Greater Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest national park in South Africa and is in a malaria-free region. The development includes 24 luxury chalets with private lounges and deck areas. Each chalet has a colour TV with DStv bouquet, tea/coffee making facilities, a telephone and bathroom with separate shower and bath. Other offerings at this bushveld haven include star-gazing telescope, cosmic safaris, day and night game drives and bird-watching. Recreation facilities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, swimming pool and wellness centre.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 400 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. For the first time in over 100 years, lion and spotted hyena were reintroduced to the park in 2003.

Other news

Legacy Corner in Johannesburg, which will include both retail space and the four star da Vinci Hotel, is progressing well and legacy is eagerly looking forward to opening this, their fourth hotel on the Nelson Mandela Square, in mid-2009. This development, located in the heart of Sandton’s business and shopping district, will have direct access to Nelson Mandela Square and easy access to Sandton City, the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre.

Extending their footprint into Nigeria, Legacy are currently remodelling an existing building in Lagos and look forward to the opening their first hotel in Nigeria. Located on one of three islands making up Lagos Lagoon – Lagos’ central business district - they believe this hotel will be a great asset to both the corporate and leisure markets. The Wheatbaker is due to open towards the end of 2008.

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/  

Hebridean issues new Cruises deals

New itineraries around Africa and the Indian Ocean have been unveiled by Hebridean International Cruises.

Winter 2008-09 sailings on 98-passenger Hebridean Spirit include voyages taking in Madagascar, the Seychelles and Namibia.

Shore excursions include 4×4 trips across the Namib desert, a Big Five game drive, visits to a lemur conservation programme in Madagascar.

The ship also calls at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll, north of Madagascar, home to giant tortoise, endangered birds and exotic fish. Marine wildlife lecturer Tim Earl will accompany these cruises.

Prices include £6,501 per person for a Natural Wonders in the Seychelles cruise between November 7-19.

The cruises feature in a newly published South Africa and the Indian Ocean brochure.

Women’s Only Wildlife Safari in Madagascar

AdventureWomen, Inc.
TEL: 406-587-3883
advwomen@aol.com
http://www.adventurewomen.com/

BOZEMAN, Montana—Once connected to the African continent, and the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean only 250 miles from the eastern coast of South Africa and is considered today as one of the world’s top conservation priorities.

It teems with enchanting animals and plant species found nowhere else in the world. AdventureWomen,Inc., a pioneer in women’s vacations and adventure travel since 1982 and the oldest adventure travel company for active women over 30, is now giving solo women travelers the chance to take a safari trip through Madagascar.

Travelers will enjoy Madagascar’s natural treasures, exotic wildlife, and unusual species of flora in noted nature reserves and rainforests. They will visit Andasibe (Perinet) in the highland cloud forest; Mantadia National Park; and the spiny desert of unforgettable Berenty, where they will get a chance to observe the Madagascar “leapin’ lemurs” in their natural habitat.

During the visit, these adventurous women will also discover Madagascar’s rich culture, history, traditions, and the complicated belief systems that have originated from the early settlements in Madagascar by the Indonesian, Malaysian and African peoples. They will learn about the island’s tribal development, its European discovery, and its transition to a contemporary republic. They will also spend time at a beautiful beach resort in Madagascar, an ideal place for diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and relaxing on the beach.

Highlights of the trip:

Learn about the amazing 80% of endemic flora and fauna species that exist nowhere else on earth, and marvel at the island’s most famous inhabitant, the remarkable lemur.

Visit spectacular national parks and private reserves on guided day and night hikes with our own English-speaking guide.

Travel by vehicle and air to witness huge variations in ecosystems and geology, on an island the size of Texas.

Marvel at the Indri Indri, the largest lemur in Madagascar (3 feet tall), and the “leaping lemurs” of Berenty Forest.

Discover Madagascar’s rich history, traditions, and the complicated belief systems that have originated from the early settlements of the Indonesian, Malaysian and African peoples.

Stay in spectacular forest lodges, beautiful hotels, and a beachfront resort where you can swim, snorkel, and whale watch.

Dates: August 22nd-September 3rd, 2008. Cost: $6,995.00 all-inclusive with international and all internal airfare from JFK, New York to Tana, Madagascar ($800 deposit). For more information, please visit the website.