Jetsettersblog

Lighter. Brighter.

Which is the best kind of tropical island holiday? One where you lie on the same

spot of the beach every day, read a couple of paperbacks, barely leave your lounger and pay exorbitant prices for imported water? Or one with benefits that last well after the tan has faded? Where you come back feeling re-energised, reinvigorated, re-inspired and re-ignited?

For those who tick the second box, LUX* Island Resorts launches this December at three hotels on Mauritius, one in the Maldives and one on Ile de La Réunion. The new brand, which replaces Naïade Resorts Ltd, represents the complete re-launch of the Company and the culmination of an intensive twelve months of painstaking preparation and rehearsal.

CEO Paul Jones, a passionate hotelier and travel industry expert, was previously a key member of the team responsible for launching the highly aspirational One&Only brand. When he took over the fading Naïade Resorts group in late 2010, he and his management team saw an opportunity to create something truly unique in its place. They recognised that luxury itself had undergone a sea change: no longer synonymous with excess and bling, true luxury has become simpler, fresher and more individual.

Inspired by this change, it was agreed that rather than offering the standard sun, sea and sand 5-star vacation, LUX* Island Resorts would be defined by an experience that had been entirely and radically re-conceptualised.

The manifestation of this change is Island Light, the signature concept that will run at all LUX* Island Resorts. Adopting a name which is Latin for light, the new brand is dedicated to staging a lighter, brighter and less complicated holiday experience. Jones compares the concept to a musical production, where each resort is a
theatre and its staff is the cast producing a show-stopping performance every day.

At its core is the commitment to doing the ordinary extraordinarily. Freshly-roasted organic coffee, retro-styled ice-cream parlours, on-the-beach film screenings, pop-up restaurants, integrated wellness & spa programmes, honesty bars and libraries of cool magazines are individually tempting, but it is the cumulative impact of these and a whole raft of other carefully choreographed Island Light experiences – underpinned by truly incredible service – which adds up to an exhilarating change of direction within the ‘sea of sameness’ that most resorts offer.

LUX* recognises that it is the audience – the guests – who count most and Jones is confident that this new brand of simpler, more relaxed and more individual luxury – underpinned with truly incredible service – will have wide appeal: “I have spent 35 years designing, building, operating and managing resorts in exotic destinations around the world”, says Jones, “this project has presented me with an opportunity to contribute all that knowledge and insight. We are doing more than simply changing the name of the Company or putting a new brand on our hotels. Island Light is the summation of many different ingredients, which when experienced as a whole are a very powerful alternative to the usual island resort holiday. LUX* has determined its purpose as ‘Helping People Celebrate Life’ and that is what every
member of our team is committed to and has pledged to deliver”.

Experience Eleven Exciting Cruise Itineraries For 2010 Onboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Two Expedition Ships, Ms Hanseatic & Ms Bremen

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has published the new 2010 brochure for its two expedition ships MS HANSEATIC and MS BREMEN, highlighting almost a dozen bilingual (English/German) adventure cruises for next year including the Antarctic Circle, the Northwest Passage, Kamchatka, Norway and Spitsbergen, as well as island paradises in the Indian Ocean.

MS HANSEATIC, the world’s only 5-star expedition ship and the BREMEN, a 4-star expedition ship, were created to provide intensive exploration in the most elegant surroundings for a maximum of 184 guests (HANSEATIC) and 164 guests (BREMEN). Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is offering guaranteed cruise prices for UK passengers, avoiding price fluctuations due to floating exchange rates.

Well equipped for travel in difficult waters, both ships hold the highest ice class ranking for passenger vessels (E4). Their shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow the ships to enter waters larger cruise vessels cannot reach. Trips with Zodiacs, professional expedition guides, lecturers and experts on the travel destinations make every expedition informative and interesting.

The dedicated bilingual cruises included in the 2010 brochure ensure English-speaking passengers feel comfortable from the moment they step onboard.

Documentation in English onboard includes: daily programs, menus, announcements, lectures/video presentations and safety drill instruction. Wherever possible, shore excursions in the port of call are offered in English on a group or individual basis.

Brochure Highlights – Cooler destinations

Probably the most sought after expedition trip in the world, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will take guests to the Antarctic Circle on the HANSEATIC in February 2010, and will cross the Antarctic Circle in January 2011 on both the BREMEN and on the HANSEATIC.

Trip logistics: from Ushuaia to Puerto Montt, 12 February to 7 March 2010, 23 days, with stops at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands, South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula; cruise only rates start at £7553 per person

In August 2010 the HANSEATIC will sail the legendary Northwest Passage itinerary. This will be the only Northwest Passage voyage available on the expedition cruise market in 2010.

Trip logistics: from Kangerlussuaq to Nome, 16 August to 11 September 2010, 26 days, with stops in Greenland, Cruising in Disko Bay, Baffin Island, Devon Island, Barrow Strait, Northwest Passage and Alaska; rates starting at £11536 per person including the charter flight Hanover – Kangerlussuaq.

Fjords, Glaciers and the Midnight Sun are especially radiant between June and August. MS BREMEN will offer a 16-day Expedition Norway and Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.

Trip logistics: from Travemuende to Tromsoe, 27 June to 13 July 2010, 16 days, with stops in Norway and the Norwegian fjords, circumnavigation of Spitsbergen, cruising off Bear Island and the Lofoten Islands; rates start at £4279 per person including the charter flight Tromsoe – Hanover.

Home of sea eagles and brown bears, the Kamchatka Expedition cruise in September 2010 onboard MS HANSEATIC will take guests on a unique trip to Japan and the Kuril Islands. This 19-day itinerary departs from Nome, Alaska (via charter flight from Vancouver (included) and ends in Yokohama/Japan.

Trip logistics: From Nome to Yokohama, 8-30 September 2010, 21 days, with stops in Alaska, Chukchi Peninsula, Chukotka, Kamchatka, Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, Japan; cruise only rates start at £6725 per person.

Brochure Highlights – Island Paradises

Warm water voyages are also a highlight in the BREMEN’s calendar. The expedition cruise between Mahe and Mauritius features the exotic Indian Ocean.

Trip logistics: From Mahé to Mauritius, 15 to 29 November 2010, with stops in Seychelles, Comores, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius; cruise only rates starting at £3657 per person.

The cruise only prices include:

• Full board on the ship
• Soft drinks from the mini-bar in the cabins refilled daily
• Lectures with experts including precaps and recaps for every zodiac or shore excursion
• Zodiac excursions and landings
• On board equipment for free use includes: snorkelling equipment, Nordic walking poles, bikes and kayaks (Bremen)
• Waterproof warm parkas and rubber boots for use whilst onboard
• Travel cancellation and bankruptcy insurance

For more information on these and other Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.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

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.

Kipungani Explorer Lamu Island Introduces New Sailing Activities

East Africa’s most romantic coastal getaway, Kipungani Explorer, also became one of its most adventurous on October 1st, when the region’s most experienced watersports provider launched a host of new ocean- and creek-based activities at this legendary Lamu Island resort.

Buccaneer Diving, home of Kenya’s only PADI 5-star Instructor Diving School at The Voyager in Mombasa, officially launched a thrilling schedule of watersports activities and excursions at Kipungani. In addition to the resort’s existing fleet of five sea kayaks, guests now have access to five brand new windsurfers, two agile Laser funboats, and two child-friendly Topper dinghies. Sailing excursions are free of charge to all guests, while an experienced instructor is also on hand to provide lessons to less experienced sailors.

The sailing activities supplement a lively schedule of existing oceanic activities, including deep-sea fishing, waterskiing, tubing, and snorkelling on the colorful reefs of Manda Toto and Kinyika islands – famed as the home of Kenya’s most fearlessly friendly dolphins. Kipungani is also blessed with three of its own traditional Arab sailing dhows, which provide the ultimate in romantic sundowners and enchanting champagne cruises.

Heritage Management Ltd., operating eight of Kenya’s premier safari camps, resorts and lodges, strives to bring back to East Africa the top quality service for which the region is rightfully known. The Explorer Collection, including Lamu’s Kipungani Explorer and the Masai Mara’s Mara Explorer, offers travelers stunning five-star style and intimate and exclusive settings. The Intrepids Safari Camps and Lodge collection, including Mara Intrepids, Samburu Intrepids, Siana Springs and the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort, provide for a classic African safari experience. And the Voyager Resorts and Safari camps, including the Voyager Beach Resort and the Voyager Safari Camp, provide a “three-plus star” experience for families looking for an affordable African safari experience.

For more information, please visit http://www.heritage-eastafrica.com/

2 by 2 Holidays launches new range of safaris to Zambia – visit the unspoilt game parks of Zambia – South African travel specialist, 2 by 2 Holidays, this week enhances its collection by launching a new programme of safaris to the great unspoilt game parks of Zambia – South Luangwa, Kafue and Lower Zambezi. Each two-night safari is the perfect add-on to a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls, enabling you to experience a wealth of South African delights in one visit.

South Luangwa:

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s most famous wildlife park and one of the world’s greatest wildlife conservation areas, covering an area in excess of 5,600 square miles. Sustained by the great Luangwa River, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous Walking Safari originated in this park and is still one of the finest ways to experience this pristine wilderness first-hand.

With over 60 different animal species and more than 400 bird species, the concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox bow lagoons is amongst the highest in Africa, including four of the Big 5. Also search for cheetah, zebra, giraffe, antelope and much more, with leopard sightings being particularly outstanding.

Kafue:

Kafue National Park is the largest game reserve in Zambia, having been proclaimed in 1950 and, at 14,000 square miles, is about the size of Wales. From the vast wetlands of Busanga Plains in the northwest, to the lush and tree-choked south, the park is a raw slice of African wilderness that sustains huge herds of diverse wildlife fed by the Lunga, Lufupa and Kafue Rivers. Large prides of lion, solitary leopards and cheetah are the main predators, feeding on the thousands of red lechwe, waterbuck, tsessebe, hartebeest, zebra, puku, sable, roan and diminutive oribi and duiker that live on the plains and in the woodlands. Also here are buffalo and a host of smaller carnivores such as the side-striped jackal, civet, genet and mongoose. Superb fishing for bream, barbel and pike is available on Lunga and Kafue Rivers, which are home to large numbers of hippopotamus, crocodiles and water monitors.

Lower Zambezi:

Lower Zambezi National Park is Zambia’s newest game reserve and is therefore relatively undeveloped, offering a true wilderness experience in over 2,500 square miles. The opportunity to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi River is spectacular. The park lies opposite the famous Mana Pools Reserve in Zimbabwe, so the whole area on both sides of the river is a massive wildlife sanctuary. You’ll have the unforgettable chance to canoe down the Zambezi River to observe wildlife – hippos are always in sight, as well as enormous herds of elephant that come down to the river. Buffalo, zebra, waterbuck, puku, impala, kudu, baboon and a variety of other game can be seen browsing on the banks from the laid-back comfort of your canoe. The park is also home to lion and leopard, as well as an outstanding diversity of bird life, including the African fish eagle and the bee eater. Tiger fishing is also excellent along the Zambezi River.

All the new safaris include open-top game drives conducted by experienced drivers and accommodation at luxury game lodges situated within the parks. These safaris are ideally combined with a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Prices, excluding flights:

South Luangwa standalone two-night safari – from £399 per person Kafue standalone safari two-night safari – from £299 per person Lower Zambezi standalone two-night safari – from £399 per person South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi + Victoria Falls – from £695 per person (five night holiday) South Luangwa + Kafue + Victoria Falls – from £895 per person (seven night holiday) Kafue + Victoria Falls + Lower Zambezi – from £995 per person (seven night holiday) Kafue + Victoria Falls + Cape Town – from £995 per person (ten-night holiday) South Luangwa + Victoria Falls + Mozambique – from £1,195 per person (ten-night holiday)

All safaris and holidays are available to book now. Prices quoted exclude airfares (purchase independently or request a quote from 2 by 2 Holidays) but include all transfers and land arrangements. All bookers have the option to upgrade to add on optional extra nights or other activities. For further information, detailed itineraries or to book your holiday, visit http://www.2by2holidays.co.uk  or contact an expert on 01582 766 122.

“Kenya is not just about Lions, Giraffes and fast running me it’s also about Studios and Hip-hop” – Tedd Josiah, Music Producer Hip-hop Colony is one of the first films to actively capture the hip-hop revolution in Africa while upgrading the image of the continent.

Http://www.hiphopcolony.com

Hip-hop artists are changing the World one colony at a time. Like a moth to a flame, Hip-hop’s grip on the world tightens because it’s not just music it’s a way of life and for that reason…Kenya is not just about Lions, Giraffes and fast running me it’s also about Studios and Hip-hop – Tedd Josiah, Music Producer

Emerge Media Films embarks on a mission to upgrade the image of Africa. It’s not just films, but a movement to rejuvenate Africa’s urban image. Hip-hop Colony is their first film to break ground and gather a mainstream distribution deal in North America (US & Canada), through Image Entertainment. The film is being lauded for rallying and opening opportunities for artists featured in the film to score soundtracks for Hollywood films, such as Constant Gardener and Primeval. In addition to that, some of the artists have earned MTV Europe Music Awards Nominations. Jeff Chang’s recently released Total Chaos, a book revered for illuminating the special truth that hip-hop speaks to youth around the globe, featured Hip-hop Colony as one of the main reference sources.

The world may be waiting for Hip-hop’s Next big thing to emerge from the ghettos of Brooklyn, Detroit or LA., but tomorrow’s hip-hop leaders are coming straight out of Dakar, Lagos, Cape Town or Nairobi. 

This critically acclaimed and award winning feature documentary film, celebrates how hip-hop, despite being birthed in the States, continents away, is impacting Africa. Hip-hop Colony opens a new and exciting chapter for hip-hop. It focuses on Kenya where it highlights the issues and politics that affect youth culture.

The DVD includes the successful premiere of the film in Kenya, that earned the film it’s legitimacy as a cultural export and a catalyst in legitimizing the music industry in Kenya.

Hip Hop Colony is both entertaining as it is educational, as a result it has been screened at numerous institutions for higher learning including the prominent Harvard University amongst others. The film features intimate interviews and performances by renown Kenyan Hip-hop artists as Bamboo, Kalamashaka and Necessary Noise, who have all toured internationally amongst others.

The film has accumulated multiple accolades in the film festival circuit including the prestigious Hip Hop Odyssey award held in New York for best documentary feature film.

WINNER – Best Feature Documentary Award at the H20 International Film Festival.

WINNER – Best Urban Documentary Award at the Houston Black film Festival.

WINNER – Best Feature Documentary Award at the Oakland International Film

FOR MORE VISIT http://www.hiphopcolony.com/

African Adventure Atlas Our comprehensive atlas features detailed history maps photos and highlights of each region as well as chapters on adventure activities and tourism.

Cruises to Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Indian Ocean: Costa/’s brand new brochure offers this and a lot more in 2008

With Costa Cruises it’s becoming easier and easier to keep one step ahead of the future.

Yesterday marked the formal presentation of the new 2008 brochure: the totally user friendly tool to plan your vacation far in advance. As you glance through the new brochure you’’ll discover everything you want to know about new destinations and itineraries and the Costa ships sailing where they’’ve never been before.

MAURITIUS, SEYCHELLES AND THE INDIAN OCEAN

A real novelty this year will be the cruises available in the Indian Ocean. The Costa Marina will be setting sail between Christmas and Easter to undiscovered paradises and distant and mysterious lands like Kenya, Madagascar, Mayotte, Reunion, Mauritius and the Seychelles. These 16-day itineraries will depart from Mauritius.

MEDITERRANEAN

The Mediterranean has some important new items in store for you: starting in March, the Costa Magica will make its debut in Naples, with an itinerary in the western Mediterranean that promises sun, beaches and history with calls at Palermo, Tunis, Palma, Barcelona, Marseilles and Savona.

More and more cruises to Turkey, Greece and the Aegean Islands are on offer, onboard the new flagship, the Costa Serena and the Costa Fortuna, departing from Venice, as well an onboard the Costa Classica departing from Trieste.

Lisbon will be another headliner in the “Beyond the Columns of Hercules” itineraries. The Costa Mediterranea, the Costa Europa, the Costa Victoria and the Costa Classica will travel to Portugal’s capital, offering fascinating itineraries in the Atlantic Ocean.

Costa Concordia will confirm her seven-day cruises to the western Mediterranean with the following ports of call: Rome (Civitavecchia), Savona, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Malta and Palermo. Costa Romantica will be positioned in the port of Rome (Civitavecchia), offering alternate seven-day cruises, one to the eastern Mediterranean (Greece and Turkey) and the other to the western Mediterranean (Tunisia and Libya), both calling at Catania. Costa Europa will be deployed on 10 and 11 day cruises with various destinations (Spain and Portugal, Egypt and Libya, the Black Sea).

There will be no shortage of Mediterranean cruises during the 2007/2008 winter season either. The two flagships will be deployed in the Mediterranean, all of them operating out of the Savona PalaCruises. The Costa Concordia will offer 11 day cruises to Egypt, also calling at Rome (Civitavecchia); the Costa Serena will head for Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands.

DUBAI AND THE ARAB EMIRATES

In the wake of the Costa Classica’s success in 2007, Costa Cruises is doubling the number of ships setting sail to discover lands rich in contrasts with all the charm of the nearby Orient: Dubai, Al Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman. Between 2007 and March 2008 the Costa Romantica and the Costa Europa will depart from Dubai to discover these dream destinations. ORIENT Now, there’s something absolutely new even in the Far East: the Costa Allegra, completely renovated for its debut in this area, will offer cruises to China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea and Japan, with itineraries of varying duration to visit far off and fascinating places while guaranteeing CostaÂ’s excellent quality.

- a 16 day itinerary (including flight from Italy) with departure from Hong Kong and calls to Manila (Philippines), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysian Borneo), Brunei, Singapore, Ho Chi Min City (Saigon), Da Nang (Vietnam) and Sanya (China);

- an 18 day itinerary (including flight from Italy) with departure from Hong Kong and calls to Manila (Philippines), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysian Borneo), Brunei, Singapore, Ho Chi Min City (Saigon), Da Nang and Halong Bay (Vietnam), and Sanya (China);

- 5 different five day itineraries, with departures from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tianjin, on which our guests can visit Vietnam, South Korea and Japan.

CARIBBEAN

This year, for the first time, the Costa Fortuna, with its 1300 cabins, will join the fleet in the legendary winter destination for the Caribbean, departing from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale for seven day cruises to the destinationÂ’s most beautiful islands. A ship with incredible comfort and elegance thatÂ’s ready to welcome guests and offer them the opportunity to discover a different island every day.

Costa Fortuna will be joined by Costa Atlantica, departing from Guadalupe on seven day cruises to Antilles, Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic, and Costa Mediterranea, departing from Fort Lauderdale on seven day cruises to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.

SOUTH AMERICA

This the first time that three ships will be sailing in South America during the winter season: the Costa Magica, the Costa Victoria and the Costa Classica will offer guests the chance to discover all the pleasure and joy of the Brazilian lifestyle and the most beautiful coastal spots in Latin America up to Tierra del Fuego.

NORTH EUROPE

There is now even more choice in North Europe with four Costa ships taking guests from the unusual landscapes of the very North to the Norwegian fjords and Baltic capitals. The Costa Mediterranea, the Costa Atlantica, the Costa Victoria and the Costa Marina will now offer lots of itineraries to enjoy in the summer of 2008.

CRUISES – WELLNESS

After the Samsara SpaÂ’s incredible success on the Costa Concordia and the Costa Serena, starting in May 2007 you’ll also be able to book a special Wellness Programme on board the Costa Atlantica and the Costa Mediterranea that includes accommodation in Wellness Cabins or Suites with total comfort and exclusive accessories, a Welcome Ceremony with fitness lessons, three treatments of your choice and access to the Wellness Restaurant featuring a special wellness menu.

To help you choose your cruise more quickly and easily, Costa CruisesÂ’ new 2008 catalogue is now also available on-line in an e-brochure version thanks to an innovative, interactive and totally integrated application.

INNOVATIVE because it lets you choose today cruises for 2008, with all the benefits that an early reservation can offer.

INTERACTIVE since it is an e-brochure, i.e. a real on-line brochure that you can use to choose your cruise by “leafing” through it just like a paper version… but with the added advantage of interactivity! Thanks to the e-brochure, you can also go to the sections within the site that you like best.

TOTALLY INTEGRATED because the on-line catalogue is fully integrated with the information available in Costa CruisesÂ’ portal. This means that you are just a click away from immediately accessing the institutional site or, for travel agents, to the CostaClick site.

For more information or to book go to www.costacruises.co.uk or call 020 7940 4499