Jetsettersblog

Small ship and yachting specialist Seafarer has announced some early booking discounts with savings of up to £720 per cabin on the unique Rivers of West Africa cruise, operated by Variety Cruises on the 46 passenger MY Pegasus.

This unique cruise combines African coastal cruising along the coast of Senegal and Gambia, with exploration of the Saloun Delta and the Gambia River.

The very reasonably priced optional excursion programme gives passengers the opportunity to discover the diverse flora and fauna of this wonderful area as well as the fascinating culture and history of the local inhabitants.

Seafarer Managing Director, Chris Lorenzo said “This superb and quite unique cruise is a repeat of the very successful cruise series operated here last winter, whilst the 23 cabin mega yacht Pegasus, is the only European owned and crewed cruises vessel operating in this area”.

Facilities on board the Pegasus include ample sun decks, a spacious and comfortable lounge and bar, a restaurant and well appointed outside cabins with air conditioning and en suite facilities. Pegasus is fully SOLAS compliant, and cruises the Mediterranean and Black Sea during the summer months.

Early booking prices for a 7 night cruise from Senegal start at £1225pp cruise only, or from £1,888 with flights and transfers. A 2 night extension in Dakar, Senegal with excursions costs £395

For More info Contact Chris Lorenzo at
Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays
On 0208 324 3117 or email on info@seafarercruises.com

Outdoor Research Bug Bucket Hat Khaki, L – With no-see-um netting to hold off the bugs, the Outdoor Research Bug Bucket Hat is an ideal choice for mosquito protection when you’re camping in buggy environments. The netting on the Bug Bucket Hat seals around your neck with a drawcord and stuffs into the crown when not in use. Made with UPF 30+ SolarSheild fabric, this Outdoor Research hat also keeps the sun from burning your head and neck. The Bug Bucket hat stuffs into a hidden pocket, allowing it to stow easily when not in use.

Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays

Small ship and yachting specialist Seafarer has announced some early booking discounts with savings of up to £720 per cabin on the unique Rivers of West Africa cruise, operated by Variety Cruises on the 46 passenger MY Pegasus.

This unique cruise combines African coastal cruising along the coast of Senegal and Gambia, with exploration of the Saloun Delta and the Gambia River.

The very reasonably priced optional excursion programme gives passengers the opportunity to discover the diverse flora and fauna of this wonderful area as well as the fascinating culture and history of the local inhabitants.

Seafarer Managing Director, Chris Lorenzo said “This superb and quite unique cruise is a repeat of the very successful cruise series operated here last winter, whilst the 23 cabin mega yacht Pegasus, is the only European owned and crewed cruises vessel operating in this area”.

Facilities on board the Pegasus include ample sun decks, a spacious and comfortable lounge and bar, a restaurant and well appointed outside cabins with air conditioning and en suite facilities. Pegasus is fully SOLAS compliant, and cruises the Mediterranean and Black Sea during the summer months.

Early booking prices for a 7 night cruise from Senegal start at £1225pp cruise only, or from £1,888 with flights and transfers. A 2 night extension in Dakar, Senegal with excursions costs £395

For More info Contact Chris Lorenzo at
Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays
On 0208 324 3117 or email on info@seafarercruises.com

Outdoor Research Bug Bucket Hat Khaki, L – With no-see-um netting to hold off the bugs, the Outdoor Research Bug Bucket Hat is an ideal choice for mosquito protection when you’re camping in buggy environments. The netting on the Bug Bucket Hat seals around your neck with a drawcord and stuffs into the crown when not in use. Made with UPF 30+ SolarSheild fabric, this Outdoor Research hat also keeps the sun from burning your head and neck. The Bug Bucket hat stuffs into a hidden pocket, allowing it to stow easily when not in use.

Rainforest Festival in Borneo, Baia das Gatas Festival in Cape Verde and many more..

Songlines Music Travel is delighted to announce 14 exclusive trips this year with new trips to Malaysia for the Rainforest Festival in Borneo; Cape Verde for the Baia das Gatas Festival; India for the Jodhpur RIFF Festival and Malawi for the Lake of Stars Festival.

Each trip has been developed by the experts behind the leading world music magazine, Songlines, and the Tailor-Made Groups Company and will be led by a Songlines Travel Leader – creating the ultimate way to soak up the musical vibes of the country. The tours, for groups of 10 to 20 people, go beneath the surface to offer intimate and memorable musical experiences – be it private concerts, jam sessions or meetings with musicians and instrument-makers. Of course, our trips aren’t exclusively about the music and there are also historic, cultural and culinary highlights along the way. But nothing beats experiencing music where it belongs – with the food, the ambience and the local audience.

Borneo Rainforest Festival
July 4-11 2011
Tour price per person is £649
Flights per person from £500

In July, Kuching plays host to the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, the best in the region. It’s a great place to hear local artists as well as big international names. It takes place in the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum featuring traditional longhouses and dwellings of the various ethnic groups. Listen to the gorgeous sound of the plucked sapé, the most beautiful of the indigenous instruments.

In addition to the Rainforest Festival, our eight-day tour offers the chance to get a taste of the interior with an overnight trip to Bako National Park. However, for those who really want to experience the rainforest, our 13-day trip provides another five nights in Sarawak, offering time to take a couple of trips into the interior. Options include trekking in Mulu National Park, a river cruise, a caving trip or an overnight stay in a longhouse, a very warm and sociable experience.

Cape Verde
Baia das Gatas Festival
August 9-16 2011
Tour price per person is £995
Flights per person from £625

Home to the world famous ‘barefoot diva’ Cesaria Evora, this festival takes place on one of West Africa’s little-known island nations. On this eight day trip we visit two islands: – Sal (named for its salt flats), where we enjoy magnificent sandy beaches and São Vicente, where the capital Mindelo is Cape Verde’s liveliest town. The Baia das Gatas is a short journey away with a long beach, a lagoon and a handful of Portuguese restaurants, and is usually a quiet spot. All that changes however in August when the festival starts. We’ll spend the evenings at the beach where it becomes an open-air concert with music not just from Cape Verde but also from Brazil, the Caribbean, Africa and America.

India The Jodhpur RIFF and Rajasthan
October 7-18, 2011
Tour price per person is £1,095
Flights per person from £560

This 12 day trip departs on 7th October to Rajasthan, India’s most colourful and spectacular destination. This trip enables you to experience spectacular sights and, through the music, get a deep insight into the heart and culture of this larger-than-life destination. There will be hands-on opportunities to try out musical instruments for those that wish to, although you can also enjoy being a spectator. The trip takes in two of Rajasthan’s most important cities – the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and the dramatic ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur, with its rocky fortress. After time learning about the music of Rajasthan in Jaipur , as well as meeting the hereditary Manganiyar musicians, we will move on to Jodhpur for five days to experience the Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). This is one of the great music festivals in India with international names rubbing shoulders with outstanding local folk musicians in the unbeatable setting of the Mehrangarh Fort. The price of the tour includes tickets to all music events at the Jodhpur RIFF.

Serbia Gucaa Brass Band Festival
August 11-16 2011
Tour price per person is £495
Flights per person from £275

Balkan madness and brass bands as you’ve never known them. Each year 300,000 people descend on the village of Guca, home to just 3,000 inhabitants for the Golden Trumpet competition. It’s one of the wildest festivals in Europe. Songlines’ six day trip includes three evenings at the festival with accommodation arranged in the heart of the village. There’s also a chance to get a taste of Belgrade nightlife. It’s an unrivalled opportunity to experience the biggest, brassiest and Balkanist festival in Europe.

Cuba The Musical Island
May 8-May 22 2011
Sept 18-Oct 2 2011
Tour price per person is £1,439
Flights per person from £575

Led by Phil Sweeney, author of the Rough Guide to Cuban Music, this 8 or 15 day trip starts in Baracoa in the east of Cuba, where son and the Cuban revolution began in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra. Driving first to Guantánamo Bay and then onto Santiago de Cuba, our first major stop, where we’ll visit the Casa de la Trova in the evening, one of the best venues in Cuba. Then on to Trinidad for two days where we’ve arranged a walking tour of the old town and we’ll also take in plenty of music in the evenings. Continuing west, the trip ends with two full days in Havana, with a city tour and time to delve into the music of the capital where the popular sound of mambo emerged and where reggaeton holds sway today.

Other trips for 2011 include:

Marrakech and the Desert The Pulse of Morocco
September 22-30, 2011
Relish real Gnawa music as we head south into the Sahara. Meet musicians at a desert camp and learn more than you could ever imagine about this fascinating music scene, where traditional and popular styles collide.
Tour price per person is £939
Flights per person from £230

Morocco Gnawa Music Festival, Essaouira and Marrakech
June 23-27 2011
Tour price per person is £395
Flights per person from £135

Each June the Moroccan Atlantic coastal town of Essaouira hosts the extraordinary Gnawa and World Music Festival. Our tour offers a long weekend trip with two full days to enjoy the full range of the music and the opportunity to explore the narrow lanes of the old walled medina and the wonderful long beaches beyond.

Portugal
Lisbon – the Home of Fado
June 2-5 2011
Sept 1-4 2011
Tour price per person is £439
Flights per person from £140

For fans of Mariza and all things fado, see where Portugal’s most distinctive music was born less than 200 years ago and sample lively Brazilian and Cape Verdean scenes.

Mali – the Beating Heart of the Mande Empire
October 15-24, 2011
Tour price per person is £1,299
Flights per person from £690

This trip explores the music scene of Bamako, one of the liveliest in Africa, as well as visiting the Sikasso region and spending time in Ségou. A genuine insight into local culture and traditions.

Malawi Lake of Stars festival
Oct 2011 (Festival dates TBC)
Tour price per person is £1,039
Flights per person from £645

Enjoy beats on the beach at this award-winning festival on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Senegal
Never Mind the Mbalax
Nov 25-Dec 4 2011
Tour price per person is £1,065
Flights per person from £570

Senegal’s capital, Dakar, is renowned for its mbalax and hip-hop. We also visit the historically important Gorée island and
St Louis, West Africa’s first French settlement.

Cuba National Day and the Music of Cuba
Dec 29 2011-Jan 12 2012
For a New Year with a difference, celebrating in Havana before heading east.
Tour price per person is £1,649
Flights per person from £615

And looking into 2012 we have trips to Mali for the Festival on the Niger, Zanzibar for The Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) Festival, Brazil for the Salvador & Sao Paulo carnivals and Spain for the Jerez Flamenco Festival:

Simon Broughton, Songlines’ editor-in-chief, says “Music is a great way into other cultures and an ideal way of meeting people, which is why we have created these trips”. He continues, “There is so much fantastic music out there, but the problem is it’s not always so easy to find. Who would guess that some of the best djembés in West Africa are made on a patch of wasteland beside a roundabout in Bamako? The key to these trips is our knowledge at Songlines, which is the basis of all the itineraries.”

For information and reservations, call Songlines Music Travel on 020 8505 2582 or visit www.songlinesmusictravel.com

Follow the footsteps of famous Africa Explorers and explore West Africa. Journey to the past, rich in deep rooted history, artistic abundance and the beauty of the human spirit. Travelers immerse into the culture of ancient cities, desert nomads and voodoo priests in this mysterious and exotic land. Born Free Safaris West African Mosaic is offered in segments which may be taken individually or used to create a custom itinerary. The complete West African Mosaic’s scheduled departure is to Senegal, the Gambia and Ghana with optional extensions to Benin and Mali.

Extensions are run by The Rivers of West Africa program, which operates from Dakar-Senegal. Small vessels sail upstream, at a leisurely pace, with stops in fishing villages or commercial towns along the Atlantic Ocean or as much as 240 miles upstream the Gambia River. Daily excursions will bring in the heart of this fascinating land with its colourful fauna and flora.

With comfort and safety always in mind, Born Free offers groups as well as custom trips designed to offer additional dimensions not found on standard journeys. For more information about rates and trip options, contact Born Free Safaris & Tours at (800) 4-SAFARI,or visit www.bornfreesafaris.com

In 2011 Gecko’s will take its grass-roots style of adventure into the wilds of West Africa for the first time, with a series of overland adventures – ranging from trekking among the cliff-clinging villages of Mali’s Pays Dogon to exploring fetish markets and witnessing voodoo ceremonies in Burkina Faso; to searching for pygmy elephants in Ghana – all set against the hypnotic bluesy beat of West Africa’s world-famous music.

A feature trip in the new Gecko’s 2011 Africa brochure is the 24-day Wild West Africa adventure. Beginning in Mali with a hands-on drumming session to set the mood, the trip covers the highlights of Mali – recognised as the ‘jewel in West Africa’s crown’.

the bustling port town of Mopti – still an important trading post for salt, carried by camel caravan across the Sahara – the group takes a traditional pinasse down the Niger River, one of the great rivers of Africa, camping overnight on the riverbank.

The river cruise arrives in Djenne in time for market day. It’s one of the biggest markets in West Africa and a meeting point for the many faces of Mali: Moors, Fulani, Tuaregs and Bozo all don their finest for market day. Djenne is the oldest known city in Sub-Saharan Africa and is the site of the world’s largest adobe structure, the Djenne mosque, which, unforgettably, rises organically from the earth like a Gaudi-esque sand castle.

There is three-day trek in Dogon country, where complex cultural rituals have been kept alive in part by their isolation. Listed by Lonely Planet in the ‘Top 10 Places to See Before You Die’, the dramatic escarpment is intersected with ancient trails and villages – often clinging to the bare rock face.

Crossing into Burkina Faso, there’s a night to enjoy the thriving nightlife of the capital, Ouagadougou, en route to Bobo-Dioulasso. At night, the town’s streets come alive with music and dancing – best enjoyed over a few drinks and, if you’re game, the local delicacy: fried caterpillars.

The group gains an insight into the Lobi people’s traditions of fetish and ancestor spirit worship, before crossing into Ghana and Mole National Park, which straddles an elephant migration route. On safari drives and guided walks, travellers spot antelope, various monkey species and elephants. It’s a good segue to the Boabeng-Fiema monkey sanctuary, where the monkeys live in harmony with the local villagers and are not averse to communing with visitors.

The group continues south, and learns of the harrowing history of slavery at the Cape Coast slave castle.

The penultimate destination is Kakum National Park, a rich rainforest replete with medicinal plants, butterflies, civets, monkeys and pygmy elephants.

There’s a guided canopy walk before the group heads to the golden sands of Kokrobite Beach for a last couple of days of R&R at the renowned Big Milly’s camp.

The 24-day Wild West Africa adventure departs from Bamako in Mali on September 13 and November 8, 2011 and January 3, February 28 and March 20, 2012.

It costs A$2575 plus a local payment of 400 Euros (roughly A$566, so a total of A$3141) per person, twin share, land only.

This includes all accommodation, transfers, transport aboard the Gecko’s custom-built safari vehicle; experienced guide, driver and cook; all camping equipment; entry fees and some meals.

For further details and bookings, visit Gecko’s travel centre or www.geckosadventures.com  to download the Gecko’s 2011 Africa brochure.

Born Free Safaris
CONTACT: Ehron Asher
TEL: 1.800.4SAFARI or 1.800.472.3274
EMAIL: ehron@bfsafaris.com
WEB: www.bornfreesafaris.com

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like the anticipation of the unknown and the thrillof the wild; until excitement turns to anxiety, when the idea of taking on nature in its rawest form on an African Safari conjures up thoughts of facing dangerous animals, braving mosquitoes, and forgoing the basic comforts of home.

Many would-be adventurers settle for a day trip to the zoo and a traditional vacation to a resort. But an African safari doesn’t have to mean sacrifice.

Born Free Safaris & Tours has transformed the meaning of an African safari, offering fabulous accommodations, great food, friendly people, safety, and personalized attention from professionals with over 34 years of experience in Africa.

Born Free Safaris & Tours is not simply a booking agent, but rather a hands-on tour operator that takes the fear out of journeying through Africa.

Tour guides are members of the Association of Professional Safari Guides and are trained in first aid, vehicle maintenance, culture, wildlife, foreign languages and conservation, just to name a few.

Guides are carefully matched with tours based on special interests, areas of specific knowledge, and personality and function as game trackers, problem solvers and personal drivers. Born Free Safaris & Tours has been named a top African tour company by the world’s most prestigious travel publications.

Whether it’s a traditional African style safari, or a high comfort soft adventure, Born Free Safaris & Tours has a program to fit every taste and budget with a range of themes unmatched by any other African tour operator including: tours in over 30 African countries; budget trips or luxurious excursions; wildlife, walking, and air safaris; cultural, historic, and religious tours; diverse accommodations such as such as campsites, lodges, bed and breakfasts, private homes, and ranches; and activities from hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, canoeing, golfing, hiking, horse-camel-elephant safaris, weddings, honeymoons, and more.

Born Free Safaris and Tours service the young and old, able-bodied and disabled, the wild and the tame by working together to create the ultimate African safari experience.

Born Free Safaris & Tours are pleased to accommodate travelers of all ages and abilities, is an eco-friendly company, and are committed to conservation.

For more information about rates and trip options, contact Born Free Safari’s & Tours at (800) 4-SAFARI, or visit www.bornfreesafaris.com

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.

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

FOLLOWING 200% INCREASE IN MALI PASSENGERS THIS YEAR, COX & KINGS PLANS FESTIVAL DEPARTURE FOR 2009.

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has announced record figures for Mali this year. In the past, Mali’s annual Desert Festival in Essakane has been a huge tourist draw, showcasing local Tuareg music as part of a wider eclectic mix from around the world. Unfortunately, due to FCO advice against travel to the areas surrounding Timbuktu, Cox & Kings no longer offers travel to the festival. However, the company is adding a special departure to include the Festival of the Niger, a wonderful alternative festival of music and dance held in Ségou, departing in January 2009.

The Festival of the Niger is a unique event that brings together traditional music, dance and puppetry from the Ségou region.

Local acts and famous West African artists come together to showcase the best of Malian music. Every year, the show hosts a forum about issues that are important to Malian society – the theme for 2009 will be Environmental Solutions – and screens popular African films.

Traditional and contemporary arts and crafts are on show, including pottery, jewellery, painting, Touareg leather goods, batik and sculpture, and visitors can see local artists in action in one of the festival’s workshops.

With its rich ancient history, striking landscapes and colourful markets, Mali is home to a fascinating tapestry of cultures and traditions. The sizeable West African country is home to four World Heritage Sites, two of which are included in Cox & Kings’ tour: Timbuktu and Djenné. Once a bustling city of trade and commerce, Timbuktu today is a remote outpost, surrounded by the Sahara Desert. The city is still fascinating to explore, and is home to some of the oldest mosques in the world, including Djingareyber, Sankore and Sidi Yahia.

On the banks of the Niger River, Djenné is the oldest city in sub-Saharan Africa, and has been a UNESCO site since 1988. The city is home to the Grand Mosque of Djenné, the world’s largest mud building and one of Africa’s most famous landmarks. The mosque is considered by many architects to be one of the greatest achievements of the Sudano-Sahelian style.

As well as Timbuktu and Djenne, Cox & Kings’ 11-night tour also takes in the Dogon country, another of Mali’s main tourist attractions. The Dogon people are noted for their mythology, their architecture and their art. Cox & Kings’ clients have the chance to visit the rock paintings of Songo, the northern and southern Dogon villages, and see a traditional mask dance in Tirelli.

Cox & Kings’ Africa Product Manager, Louise Stanion, says: “We are very excited to see some lesser known countries at the top of the growth charts for Africa, and particularly Mali, which has, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating cultures in all of Africa. The standard of facilities and service throughout the country is still very basic but, while standards of accommodation and service are gradually being raised, this is not the reason that people visit.”

Cox & Kings’ 11-night group tour Mali: The Road to Timbuktu takes in the country’s key sites, including Bamako, Timbuktu, the mud mosques and markets of Djenne and the villages of the spectacular Dogon Escarpment, from £2,295 per person. Prices include flights with Royal Air Maroc, 11 nights’ accommodation with all meals, transfers and all excursions. The same itinerary can also be taken as a private journey, with private transfers and excursions throughout, from £2,875 per person.