Jetsettersblog

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 of this unforgettable journey offered by African Travel Inc. include marveling at the vast expanse of terrain on a 6-night wing safari, exploring Fish River Canyon–second only in size to the Grand Canyon, climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, viewing Damaraland’s fascinating geological features, wildlife excursions in and around Etosha National Park, and much more. Starting at $6995. www.africantravelinc.com

www.africantravelinc.com

2010 – A Year of Celebration

The first desert black rhino calf to be born after Nicky Oppenheimer became involved with Tswalu Kalahari arrived in the morning of December 25 1999, Christmas Day itself, just moments before the new millennium. Remarkably, a second calf was born to this female, only two years after she delivered her first.

Those two years, which experts call the “inter-calving period”, may well represent the shortest such period on record. Living proof, literally, of the health of this animal and the land that sustains her.

Tswalu Kalahari’s conservation work will never cease but to salute her achievement and others’, Tswalu have launched a Year of Celebration with new guest activities, new celebration rates and fantastic special offers.

Stay for four and fly for free

Any guest staying for four nights or more can now fly to Tswalu Kalahari and back for free.

• Flights available from Cape Town or Johannesburg
• Fly in a pressurised Pilatus PC12
• From exclusive private hangars (Signature in CPT, Anglo American in JNB)
• Into our own world-class 2,030m tar runway located within the reserve
• The Tswalu difference begins with the journey itself

Valid for the whole of 2010; save up to R6,500 per person

Terms and conditions apply. Offer cannot be combined with other packages and offers. Does not apply to children staying for free or on reduced rates in family suites. Valid at The Motse only.

Biosphere Expeditions
CONTACT: Stephanie Moreland
TEL: 832-755-7661
E-MAIL: stephanie@atmstravelnews.com
WEB: www.biosphere-expeditions.org

LONGWOOD, Fla—Recently the United Nations named 2010 the “International Year of Biodiversity” as a “celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives” and a call to action for people around the world to safeguard the variety of life on earth. Biosphere Expeditions, an award-winning, non-profit organization that offers hands-on conservation volunteer expeditions, offers volunteer travelers around the world the opportunity to personally play a part in protecting the worlds’ biodiversity.

Biosphere Expeditions’ volunteer expeditions provide a fun, life-changing adventure and real hands-on experiences of working on wildlife conservation volunteering projects.

Travelers can participate in anything from a weekend project to expeditions lasting several months, and at least two-thirds of the volunteer contribution will go directly into the conservation project funding it in a long-term and sustainable manner. Biosphere Expeditions proves that any volunteer traveler can have a positive impact on local communities, wildlife, and the environment.

Best of all, volunteers will be able to measure positive results from the work that they put into the expeditions. Some of Biosphere Expeditions greatest achievements include:

• Fewer lions, leopards, and cheetahs killed in farmer-predator conflict in Namibia.

• Declaration of a protected area in Altai Republic, Central Asia which provides the habitat for a number of endangered species including the snow leopard.

• An active role in saving 50 wolves from being declared legitimate hunting targets in the Bieszczady Mountains in Poland.

• Biosphere Expeditions’ recommendations for the management and protection of jaguars have been incorporated into national and state-wide jaguar action plans in Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest.

• Biosphere Expeditions’ recommendations for the management and protection of the coral reefs of the Cayos Cochinos marine protected area in Honduras have been incorporated into the managing authorities’ action pan.

For more information about Biosphere Expeditions’ 2010 volunteer wildlife expeditions, visit the website at

www.biosphere-expeditions.org

Lakani World Tours, best known for luxury private jet tours and customized tailor-made journeys, added a small selection of escorted group tours, designed for travelers who wish to experience the best that each region has to offer in the company of like-minded travelers.

Lakani’s group tour destinations were selected due to high traveler demand and are often less accessible places where escorted group travel has great advantages.

In the African/Middle East region, group tours are scheduled to South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Namibia, West Africa, Libya (pending Libyan visa approval) and Egypt’s Nile River and Lake Nasser.

On the Indian sub-continent, travelers can choose between North and South India (or both for those with more time), and attend a colorful festival on Kingdoms of the Himalayas — Bhutan & Sikkim.

Asian journeys include Western Asia featuring Iran and Eastern Turkey and East/Southeast Asia covering Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar with the luxury Orient Express Road to Mandalay cruise, Thailand, Japan, China, Tibet and Mongolia.

In South America, an indepth tour to Peru with the Colca Canyon is offered. Lakani group tours are limited to 14 travelers and are escorted by experienced Lakani tour directors.

Luxury features on each journey include deluxe accommodations at the finest hotels in each locale, all meals, a la carte dining with Lakani’s exclusive Dine By Choice allowing flexibility to explore local flavor, special entertainment and comprehensive sightseeing.

For more information, call 888-565-5554 or visit www.lakani.com

The Ethical Traveler’s new report, “The World’s Best Ethical Destinations,” identifies the 10 countries in the developing world that are best protecting their natural environments, promoting responsible travel, and building a tourism industry which provides real benefits to local communities.

“There’s no doubt that worldwide interest in mindful, responsible travel is growing – not only among travelers, but within the countries that host us,” said Jeff Greenwald, executive director of Ethical Traveler and co-author of the report.

“Now is the perfect time for savvy travelers and well-intentioned governments to evolve together and encourage each other.

“This is especially true in the developing world, where travel and tourism can be developed as lucrative, low-impact alternatives to forestry, mining, and the destruction of ocean habitats.”

In alphabetical order, the best ethical travel destinations for 2010 are: Argentina, Belize, Chile, Ghana, Lithuania, Namibia, Poland, Seychelles, South Africa and Suriname. “In drafting our report, we use scores of information sources — including publicly available data — to rate each country’s genuine commitment to environmental protection, social welfare and human rights,” said Christy Hoover, co-author of the report.

“Data sources include the United Nations Development Program, Human Rights Watch, Columbia University, Reporters Without Borders, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and many others.

Private interviews with NGO leaders are part of the process, as well.” The full report can be found at www.ethicaltraveler.org/destinations

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.

You Can Afford To Take The Whole Tribe

For an out of this world adventure why not make an African holiday a family affair with a visit to one of the Kamili portfolio (www.kamili.co.uk  )?

With a range of intimate, owner run camps, dedicated family activities, early meals and pools for cooling off in there’s no excuse not to pack your trunks and go on safari.

• Meet the San Bushmen and saddle up for horse riding safaris at Grassland Lodge or qualify as a Junior Ranger at Muchenje, Botswana

• Make a splash with your game spotting skills at Kafunta River Lodge and go wild at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge, Zambia

• Wallow like a hippo at Kisampa, Tanzania

Grassland Lodge, just west of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana, is perfect for families in search of both action and culture.

Spend time with the local San Bushmen learning how they hunt for food and join them in traditional dances and ceremonies. Skilled horse riders can head out on horseback safari, whilst the more sedentary family members wallow in the lodge’s large swimming pool or watch wildlife flock to the waterhole in front of camp. A family suite is also available.

Combine Grassland Lodge with owner-run Muchenje, the only lodge on the western side of Chobe National Park.

The Family Suite sleeps four (two up and two down) and comes with a private vehicle and guide so you can dictate your own pace.

Kids are encouraged to learn tracking techniques and how to identify insects and plants, with a Junior Ranger Certificate presented at the end of your stay.

Opulent Africa (www.opulentafrica.com  / 01604 949491) offers a 9 night Botswana family safari staying at Grassland Lodge in the Central Kalahari, Mapula Lodge in the Okavango Delta and Muchenje Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park from £3,970 per person. Price includes international and regional flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and drinks.

Kafunta River Lodge, set on the banks of the Luangwa River, is the ideal place to practice your spotting skills with over 50 different animal species.

Owned and run by Ron and Anke Cowan, Kafunta prides itself on the personalised service that ensures families feel right at home.

The two luxury suites have extra space to sleep children in with mum and dad and early meals are arranged on request.

Kafunta combines perfectly with Luangwa Wilderness Lodge in Luambe (described as ‘South Luangwa of 15 years ago’, Luambe lies between North and South Luangwa National Parks). Luangwa Wilderness Lodge is the only property in the park, offering visitors an unrivalled private wilderness experience. Accommodation is provided in five safari style tents built on wooden platforms with a dedicated two bedroom chalet for families.

All family safaris are tailor made with extras on request including child minding, guided walks around the lodge and early meals.

Okavango Tours & Safaris (www.okavango.com / 0208 347 4030) offers 3 nights each at Kafunta River Lodge and Luangwa Wilderness Lodge and a night at Pioneer Camp in Lusaka from £2,642 per adult and £1,888 per child under 12 sharing with their parents.

Price includes return flights to Lusaka from London in Economy on British Airways, domestic flights and transfers in Zambia, full board accommodation (bed and breakfast in Lusaka), game activities, park fees and laundry.

Kisampa is a private community conservation sanctuary that adjoins the coastal Saadani National Park in eastern Tanzania, ideal for a safari and beach holiday combined. The Barbour family are your hosts and actively encourage families having fun together.

As well as the usual game drive activities adventurous families can sign up for any of the following:

Digging for water in the sand river, just like elephants do; wallowing in a temporary pool on the banks of the river or in the mud like a hippo; exploring the area on a nature treasure hunt; learning about animal tracks; visiting a Tanzanian home.

African & Indian Explorations (www.africanexplorations.com  / 01993 822 443) offers 4 nights at Kisampa with 2 nights at Sima Beach from £2,995 per person.

Price includes accommodation on a full board basis, return flights to Dar es Salaam and transfers.

For further information on the Kamili portfolio please visit www.kamili.co.uk

With the price of flights to South Africa soaring during the World Cup 2010 period, safari holidays can appear unaffordable for UK holiday makers. Namibia is giving visitors an action-packed holiday without the inflated World Cup price tag. For the perfect southern Africa getaway during summer 2010, fly to Namibia for a better value safari adventure.

A price comparison between safari packages with budget tour operators within the World Cup period, June 11th and July 11th 2010, is for example: £1,068 for a 10 night package in Namibia compared to £1,460 for a nine night safari trip in South Africa.

Availability is also an issue to consider as due to the World Cup increasing flight bookings to South Africa, South African Airways are rapidly selling out with Saver, Plus and Classic tickets currently no longer available. Visiting Namibia therefore offers more flexibility when arranging a southern Africa summer holiday in 2010!

Maureen Posthuma , Namibia Tourism’s Europe Area Manager states: ‘The fares to Windhoek have been held at their usual level for this period so people are not deterred from visiting Namibia during the World Cup 2010. We are pleased to continue welcoming visitors to Namibia throughout this period, and it is great that holidaymakers don’t need to avoid the southern regions of the continent during such a popular period’.

Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems and dazzling desert landscapes.

It boasts a wide diversity of terrains, creatures and peoples making it the perfect destination for the trip of a lifetime.

Evolving sand dunes, savannahs teeming with African game, rugged soaring mountains, the world’s largest underground lake and oldest desert are just some of the natural gems awaiting visitors to Namibia.

From hiking through desert terrain past sulphur springs in the Fish River Canyon, to 4 x 4 adventures spotting elephants, zebras and lions in the Etosha National Park, to skydiving, water sports and sand skiing, Namibia has an abundance of fantastic activities on offer for visitors.

To speak to any of the Namibia Tourism team in the UK please call 020 7367 0900

or for further information on Namibia Tourism please visit

http://www.namibiatourism.com.na

Conservancy Safaris in Kunene, Namibia, part of the Kamili portfolio (www.kamili.co.uk ), has announced departure dates for their new limited edition Specialised Safaris, guided by internationally acclaimed wildlife experts.

Conservancy Safaris’ tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to get off the beaten track in north-west Namibia and engage with the people and wildlife that live in this region.

Their range of Specialised Safaris, unique to Conservancy Safaris, enable visitors to spend time with internationally renowned specialists for exceptional wildlife encounters in small, intimate groups of no more than eight people. Guests join knowledgeable conservationists in the day‐to‐day running of their projects for an authentic and in‐depth experience.

The safaris are 5 days / 4 nights and include a mix of luxury, fully serviced camping with some lodge nights.

The itineraries are flexible to mirror game movements and the priorities of the projects. One of the main aims of all Conservancy Safaris’ tours is to help offset the cost of living with wildlife for the isolated Kunene communities, with 100% of the profit from the safaris going to the local Himba and Herero communities. The Specialised Safaris cost US$3,155 per person including all arrangements from Swakopmund or Etosha, full board accommodation and conservation fees (excluding international flights).

The Specialised Safaris for 2010 are:

DESERT LION SAFARI – Desert Lion Conservation is trying to find real solutions for the human/lion conflicts that inevitably arise when man and beast share the same area and resources.

These cautious survivors of the desert are not the semi‐tame cats frequently encountered in national parks; they are awesome, shy and lords of their environment.

Dr Philip Stander has been working with carnivores for 25 years and has dedicated the last 10 years to the conservation of desert lions.

The itinerary depends entirely on the lions and could take the form of searching remote and rugged areas or perhaps investigating a human/predator conflict situation. Departs 7 June, 7 September, 17 October and 20 November 2010.

KAOKOLAND NATURALLY – This is the ultimate safari for guests interested in natural history. Steve Braine has a love and passion for the bush and is recognised as one of Namibia’s top naturalists and ornithologist.

Not only does he have an in-depth knowledge of the larger mammals and birds but has a special interest in the reptiles and smaller creatures which often go unnoticed. The general area in which this excursion operates extends from Etendeka Mountain Camp northwards to Orupembe Conservancy. Departs 9 February, 21 May and 26 November 2010.

CONSERVATION AND CULTURE – Submerge yourself in this vast and breathtaking environment and learn about the fascinating culture of the people. Garth Owen-Smith and Dr Margaret Jacobsohn, conservationist and anthropologist, are people of rare vision.

Join these legends on an intense journey into the heart and soul of Koakoveld. Let two of the people who were there tell you the history of an African success story, the award winning Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC) organisation. Departs 3 August and 15 November 2010.

DESERT ELEPHANT PROJECT SAFARI – Learn what it is to live with elephants and the compromises required to ensure the future of these rare desert animals.

The Namibian Desert Dwelling Elephant Project has been underway for eight years and focuses on the collecting and sharing of identification and monitoring data.

The primary aim is to improve the understanding of elephants in general and to include this information into elephant management programmes.

Dr Keith Leggett who leads the project will be moving to take up a position at a research institute in Australia but has offered his services to guide on two desert elephant safaris in 2010, departing 25 September and 12 October.

Private departures are available on request.

All of the Specialised Safaris can be easily combined with one of Conservancy Safaris other tours, Katiti Kunene, Kunene Kaleidoscope, Kunene Collage or Desert Whirlwind.

For more information visit www.kcs-namibia.com.na

For further information on the Kamili portfolio please visit www.kamili.co.uk  

Tour operator packages for any property in the Kamili portfolio are available on request.

The First Safari Operation In Namibia Owned Entirely By Local Communities

The newest member of the Kamili portfolio (www.kamili.co.uk ), Conservancy Safaris in Kunene, Namibia, offers a truly exceptional experience with a new range of ethical tours aimed at discerning travellers. Guests enjoy spectacular safaris whilst 100% of the profit goes to their hosts, the local Himba and Herero communities.

Kunene in the far north west of Namibia includes five major community-managed conservancies with a combined area of 13,500 sq km and a population of only 1,800. Conservancy Safaris’ tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to get off the beaten track and engage with the people and wildlife that live in this region.

Conservancy Safaris builds on Namibia’s community-based natural resource management successes, linking conservation to economic and social development and ensuring guests are helping to secure a future for the wildlife as well as its custodians. Welcomed as guests, not just tourists, visitors will meet and hear the stories of the conservancy game guards and join them on a wildlife monitoring patrol. A highlight on the way to the far north west is rhino tracking on foot.

Conservancy Safaris’ tours don’t compromise on luxury. This is desert camping in comfort, supported by an experienced back-up crew who will round off each day with mouth-watering cuisine.

Accommodation is provided in dome tents in conservancy owned camp sites and one or two nights bush camping.

From mid 2010 guests will be able to include a night or two in the first Himba owned luxury tented camp set on a remote hill-top.

The safaris:

• Kunene Kaleidoscope, 9 nights, 10 days (maximum 8 people): Traverse rutted tracks, dry riverbeds and rugged mountain passes with a stunning backdrop of ever-changing desert scenery, inhabited by a diversity of fascinating plants and animals.

Learn how the well-being of semi-nomadic herding people and wildlife are linked.

Track black rhino and explore a dry river bed with conservancy game guards. Spend quality time with your Herero and Himba conservancy hosts and gain insights into the highs and lows of living together with wildlife in this arid environment.

rice from US$6,185 per person, arrangements starting and ending in Windhoek.

• Katiti Kunene, 5 nights, 6 days: Created to allow guests with limited time to enjoy the magic of the north west, this itinerary mirrors the longer Kaleidoscope safari and can be added on to any of the Specialised Safaris. The South-North route ends at one of the camps on the Kunene River.

Guests will fly out by chartered flight to Windhoek or Walvis Bay. The North-South route starts at one of the camps on the Kunene River. Guests will fly in by chartered flight from Windhoek or Walvis Bay. Price from US$5,315 per person.

• Specialised Safaris, 3 nights, 4 days (see details below): These trips have been designed to allow guests to spend time with internationally renowned specialists in their field, only available with Conservancy Safaris. Price from US$3,315 per person.

DESERT LION SAFARI – Dr Philip Stander has been working with carnivores for 25 years and has dedicated the last 10 years to the conservation of desert lions. Desert Lion Conservation is trying to find real solutions for the human/lion conflicts that inevitably arise when man and beast share the same area and resources.

KAOKOLAND NATURALLY – Steve Braine has a love and passion for the bush and is recognised as one of Namibia’s top naturalists and ornithologist. Not only does he have an in-depth knowledge of the larger mammals and birds but has a special interest in the reptiles and smaller creatures which often go unnoticed.

CONSERVATION AND CULTURE – Garth Owen-Smith and Dr Margaret Jacobsohn, conservationist and anthropologist, are people of rare vision. Join these legends on an intense journey into the heart and soul of Koakoveld. Few people know more about the Kunene Region, its wildlife and environment. Submerge yourself in this vast and breathtaking environment; learn about the fascinating culture of the people. Let two of the people who were there tell you the history of an African success story.

Conservancy Safaris will appeal to travellers who want to make their ecological footprint count, combining excellence with sustainable tourism. Utilising the expertise of experienced tourism professionals, Conservancy Safaris is entirely owned by the local communities and affords a rare opportunity to share their world.

For further information on Conservancy Safaris and the Kamili portfolio please visit www.kamili.co.uk  / www.kcs-namibia.com.na