[جتستّرسبلوغ]

[بنن] شجرة سيشيل يطوف مغامرات

اثنان ضيفة هوّيت مقصورات جيّدا بكوّة وكوّة, يسمح ضوء طبيعيّة [أس ولّ س] منظرات منفصلة من الموجات. The aft cabin is fit for royalty with a queen-sized bed as well as two metres of standing headroom space, for maximum comfort and freedom on the seas. An attached suite contains a complete assortment sofa, desk, separate hanging locker and bathroom with separate shower. The second cabin offers a double bed and adjoining bathroom, and all sleeping areas are fully air-conditioned.

Cruise To Adventures

The 115 pristine granitic islands of the Seychelles are one of the world’s greatest treasures, formed as far back as 150 million years ago. Scattered across the Indian Ocean just below the equator, there are pre-historic corals and rock oases, nestled in the bluest waters of the imagination.

The inner islands of Seychelles rest on a shallow plateau with prolific marine life and excellent PADI diving facilities available to access a multitude of dive sites. There are 43 inner islands – two granitic and one coralline. Within the inner islands alone, five Marine Parks are within easy reach – Curiese, Ile Cocos, Silhouette, Ste. Anne, and Port Launay/Baie Ternay.

For fishing enthusiasts, head to the open seas for unparalleled deep-sea fishing. Over 1.4 million square kilometers of fishing grounds offer catches of marlin, sailfish, giant barracuda, and other prize game fish.

About Banyan Tree Seychelles

True to Banyan Tree’s environmental ethos, Banyan Tree Seychelles stands out as a successful fusion of modern luxury and ecological sensitivity. The resort took the stage as the only all-villa private pool resort on Mahé in 2002 The current portfolio of 60 luxuriously appointed villas are carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the hilly terrain and lush tropical foliage. Each feature contemporary Créole architecture and indigenous artifacts to offer guests a unique sense of place.

The resort recently introduced six stunning Two-Bedroom DoublePool Beachfront Spa Villas and Club House, housing the new restaurant Chez Lamar, which offers Creole fine dining, allowing guests the indulgence of a “resort-within-a-resort”. The DoublePool Villas are a Banyan Tree product innovation combining two private pools, two open-air dining areas, a jet-pool, two sprawling master bedrooms, as well as a 24-hour in-villa host. Also new are the four exceptional destination dining experiences: Sea and Stars; Grill on the Sands; Moonlight Gazebo; and Champagne on the Rocks.

For reservations, please contact Banyan Tree Seychelles at reservations-seychelles@banyantree.com , call the resort at +248 383 500, or Banyan Tree Main Reservations at +65 6849 5800.

One–stop reservations at the best rates can be made on the award-winning website, www.banyantree.com

AFRICAN HONEYMOON PAMPERED ADVENTURE‏

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

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

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

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

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

Honeymooners can trade Victoria Falls for Niagara Falls, combining two days at the legendary falls with three days each in Cape Town and Kruger National Park, plus an overnight in Johannesburg. Two full days touring Cape Town plus a dinner with a Capetonian family are followed by a stay at Lion Sands River Lodge luxury camp in Kruger National Park, including morning and afternoon wildlife drives.

At Victoria Falls a walking tour and an evening sundowner cruise on the Zambezi provide various vistas of one of the world’s highest falls. If your visit coincides with a full moon, the lunar rainbow (or moonbow) is truly something special to behold. Land arrangements start at $5,295 per person, and include accommodations, sightseeing, game drives, Zambezi river cruise, daily breakfast, plus select lunches and dinners. Economy airfare begins at $2,275 for New York - Cape Town - Victoria Falls -Johannesburg - Kruger Park - Johannesburg - New York.

More Information

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

About African Travel, Inc.

Since 1976 African Travel Inc, under the leadership of its founder and managing director, Dave Herbert, has designed custom-tailored, luxury vacation experiences to the African continent and beyond for discerning travelers. African Travel Inc.’s offerings stretch from Cape Town to Cairo, the Seychelles islands, Mauritius, Madagascar and Dubai. Travel + Leisure magazine named African Travel, Inc.one of the top ten tour and safari operators in 2007. In keeping with its philosophy, African Travel encourages preservation and economic development through a number of activities, including donating a portion of profits to wildlife conservation and cultural preservation.

For more information on African Travel Inc.’s custom-tailored honeymoons, see your travel agent, phone 1-800-421-8907 or (818) 507-7893. Information is also available at www.africantravelinc.com  or by emailing ati@africantravelinc.com

ALICIA KEYS AFRICA DOCUMENTARY online

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD ON SPIRALFROG

SpiralFrog was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for the documentary of Alicia Keys’ month-long journey through Africa.

NEW YORK, NY, - SpiralFrog, Inc., (www.spiralfrog.com) the free and legal, ad-supported web-based music service, today announced it was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland,” the documentary of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder, Alicia Keys’, month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep a Child Alive is the non-profit organization that engages the public for a-dollar-a-day to buy the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs that keep children and their families alive in Africa. Alicia’s commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort to spread the message of KCA, “Start a Virus to Stop a Virus,” virally, so she has selected a number of prestigious interactive media partners to help get the message out. Running April 9 - May 19, the full-length film will be available for download exclusively at SpiralFrog.com with information provided and donations accepted at www.AliciainAfrica.com

“We are proud to support the efforts of Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys,” said Matthew Stern, vice president of marketing for SpiralFrog. “This is a powerful and important story to tell. We hope to help make a difference in the lives of the African children affected by AIDS by driving donations to AliciainAfrica.com.”

“We have received extraordinary support from the music and entertainment industries,” says Leigh Blake, founder of Keep a Child Alive. “We are incredibly grateful to those organizations and celebrities who demonstrate their support by helping us generate awareness and donations for the families and children battling this disease everyday.”

SpiralFrog is enlisting the help of its advertisers in further spreading awareness by creating turn-key, cross-platform sponsorship packages. The exclusive availability of ‘Alicia in Africa’ on SpiralFrog will include promotion on American Idol on April 9th, advance screenings of the documentary on college campuses, viral marketing and an email marketing campaign that will reach over 20 million people. Additionally, Alicia Keys will also be embarking on her US tour in more than 30 cities to let Americans know where to find the film and how they can help. SpiralFrog will be promoting the exclusive availability to download the film on the ground at each of these events.

“Supporting artist initiatives and organizations like Keep a Child Alive is important to us,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of SpiralFrog. “Our members are active and aware and want to know what is happening in the world. This is a serious issue and we are proud to play a part in spreading the word and opening the eyes of many who may not know how devastating the impact of AIDS is in Africa.”

“Keep a Child Alive is an amazing charity and we applaud every effort they make in helping to change the world,” said Mel Schrieberg, CEO of SpiralFrog. “Alicia Keys’ efforts with the organization are noble and extraordinary. We hope to help their efforts by offering this film to watch again and again, and motivate active support.”

When downloaded from SpiralFrog, “Alicia in Africa” will play on multiple formats, including PCs and Macs.

About SpiralFrog

Headquartered in New York, SpiralFrog (www.spiralfrog.com) is a Web-based advertising-supported music experience that combines music discovery tools with free and legal downloads of audio and video content licensed directly from the catalogs of the world’s leading music owners. With more than 2.6 million monthly uniques, over 900,000 registered users, 1.1 million songs and 4,000 music videos, SpiralFrog offers music-lovers a compelling alternative to illicit file-sharing and pirate sites, with a secure environment for them to satisfy their unyielding passion and thirst for music and entertainment information at no cost.

About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive is a charitable and educational foundation committed to accelerating action to combat the global AIDS pandemic. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructures and creating tragic family devastation. KCA provides life-saving medication, social support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. KCA also develops global awareness campaigns targeted at boosting funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. For just a dollar a day, you can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care in some of the world’s poorest countries. http://www.keepachildalive.org

Africa Adventure Consultants a Safari Leader

Boutique Safari Operator Now Offering Carbon Neutral Travel

BOULDER/ DENVER, CO - Africa Adventure Consultants continues to lead the industry with innovative safari design, and now they are pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. Africa Adventure Consultants has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen™ program, which allows Africa Adventure Consultants to offer carbon neutral safaris to travelers. Africa Adventure Consultants is STI’s first African safari operator partner implementing a sophisticated program that offers carbon offsets on every safari the company sells.

“Carbon neutral” means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100% of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Total greenhouse gas emissions are a factor of the air travel to get to Africa as well as the style of safari people enjoy. Sustainable Travel International assists in determining the total greenhouse gas emission per traveler, and Africa Adventure Consultants then absorbs 50% of that amount and provides the option for the traveler to offset the remaining 50%.

“We’ve found that our clients not only appreciate our initiative to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Africa, but appreciate being given the voluntary opportunity to contribute directly as well.” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Earlier this year we worked to make our Denver office 100% carbon neutral, we continue to carefully select game areas in Africa that operate under sensitive environmental standards and now feel that Carbon Neutral travel is the next logical step. What does this mean for our clients? We are providing a way to travel to Africa with a limited negative impact on the environment.”

Africa Adventure Consultants also works with their African partner companies to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing solar and wind power schemes, reduce wood burning, protect land to create carbon sinks, and more.

Proceeds from purchased offsets are invested by Sustainable Travel International into high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located throughout Africa and other regions. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects that are independently verified by third-party sources.

The projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or meet the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance. In 2007 Sustainable Travel International received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

About Africa Adventure Consultants

Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Biggest Earth Day Ever Fast Approaching

Top African Travel Providers Promote Sustainable Travel Practices

In 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” The Fazendin Portfolio, representing top African travel companies, takes the conservation of Africa’s delicate ecosystems very seriously and enthusiastically supports the global environmental initiatives that have been successfully implemented since the first Earth Day nearly four decades ago. Tourists are demanding environmentally friendly options and Africa’s finest travel providers are responding with a variety of programs in 2008.

Express Travel Group: The greatest eco-challenge facing Kenya today is finding the perfect balance between utilization and conservation of natural cultural resources to ensure sustainability. Kenya’s tourism is dependent on natural and cultural resources both of which can either be degraded or lost altogether if not properly utilized. Express Travel Group’s “Green Kenya” itinerary takes all this into careful consideration. By fostering exceptional relationships with some of Kenya’s most respected eco-friendly properties, this itinerary combines the best of the classic safari experience with enlightening environmental and community programs.

African Latitude: African Latitude strives to increase working relationships in safari operations with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Not only does the company have strong relationships with these communities, but they have created partnerships whereby the Masai people are directly involved with and benefiting from the tourism industry – the ultimate model for sustainable tourism today. The company is now building a community lodge which will bring benefit and employment to the local communities, linking different communities bordering conservation areas and national parks in East Africa and encouraging these communities to create their own conservation projects with the ultimate objective of helping them reap economic benefit from wildlife protection.

Choroa Luxury Safaris: Choroa Luxury Safaris operates luxury mobile safaris in Tanzania, which involves erecting tented camps for each individual safari group and completely removing these camps once the group is done — leaving absolutely no trace and minimal impact on delicate African ecosystems, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

EcoTraining: Thriving on the foundation that education powers conservation, EcoTraining provides “hands on” travel experiences for adventure travelers across the globe. EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional safari guide training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for and protection of the African bush in travelers from around the world.

Heritage Hotels: Kipungani Explorer Lamu, the stunning resort on Kenya’s Lamu Island recently announced its commitment to a long-term plan that will ensure that only local staff and materials are used in the development and maintenance of this property. Already considered the finest property on Lamu, this five-star property has proven that it doesn’t require giant generators, imported foods, or state-of-the-art gadgets to keep guests happy. By combining the latest environmental technologies with traditional local knowledge, Heritage Hotels is working to create a model for sustainable ecotourism throughout East Africa.

Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour: The Danakil Depression is considered a “cradle of mankind” for the large number of hominid remains found there. Only the Afrar people have been able to inhabit this difficult region, and continue living today as nomads tending to their livestock. This combination of culture, topography and climate make the Danakil Depression an exotic and mysterious destination for eco-travelers featuring the stunning landscapes and beautiful, enduring people of this remote region of Ethiopia.

The Fazendin Portfolio represents African travel companies providing classic African experiences. From luxury tented camping safari experiences to unique cultural adventures, this collection representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa was developed specifically with the needs and desires of North American adventure travelers in mind. Ever dedicated to environmental conservation, the company recently launched a comprehensive marketing CD including detailed information on the complete representation portfolio which has eliminated the need to print large brochures. To learn more about these eco-friendly travel options in Africa please visit http://www.fazendinportfolio.com/  

Hebridean issues new Cruises deals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exotic African discounted destinations

Lastminutefare can take you through just about every corner of Africa. Our goal is to provide consistent value to our customers by offering discounted travel pricing, a large variety of travel content and outstanding customer service.

Lastminutefare can take you through just about every corner of Africa. Our goal is to provide consistent value to our customers by offering discounted travel pricing, a large variety of travel content and outstanding customer service.

To provide exceptional airline airfares for our customers, lastminutefare has negotiated cheap airfares with dozens of airlines and airline ticket wholesalers (consolidators).We offer our customers an extensive variety of travel content by displaying one of the largest selections of airfare and travel content available.

We are highly experienced boutique Travel Company; designing and operating all African destinations with your travel needs. We have missionary air fare discount upon request. We offer excellent fare at affordable prices and our reputations for quality. And we don’t stop here, we are always on the look out for new hot destinations with lowest price and ways to make travel more interesting, unique and ultimately enjoyable.

Customer service is a key element to booking travel over the Internet. Every travel site speaks about customer service but only lastminutefare has built its entire company around the experience of its customers. Our reservations center is located in the US and staffed with some of the most experienced travel agents in the industry. Our clients appreciate this commitment to service and email us everyday with their positive comments and gratitude. Our agents are here to introductions to the destinations you are exploring and we are committed to offering you the highest level of satisfaction through our valued services.

We can offer flights from Europe to Africa, especially, Brussels, London, Paris and then we add on a flight from the US. We have flights originating from Exotic African destinations also.

So, do not miss this opportunity; we would be more than happy to give you the best price and enjoyable vacation. Please email us at sales@lastminuefare.net or call us at 800-520-1693

Here the author Bharat Shah writes about getting cheapest last minute airfare, Tickets, group fares, online air Tickets booking to African Exotic and several other African destinations. For more information on getting last minute airfare anywhere in the world, you may please visit http://www.lastminutefare.net.

Here the author Bharat Shah writes about getting cheapest last minute airfare, Tickets, group fares, online air Tickets booking to African Exotic and several other African destinations.

For more information on getting last minute airfare anywhere in the world, you may please visit http://www.lastminutefare.net/ 

Valentine’s Day with Small Luxury Hotels of the World

This Valentine’s Day, Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides you with the perfect way to express how much that special someone means to you. Whether it is the spontaneity of jetting off to a private island complete with your own butler and endless amounts of pampering; escaping to the tranquillity of a remote luxury lodge or experiencing romantic destinations like Bali, the Maldives or the Seychelles, with Small Luxury Hotels of the World you are sure to strike gold!

For those of you wishing to save that romantic moment for later in the year, Gift Certificates by Small Luxury Hotels of the World allow you to do just that. Redeemable at any one of the brand’s 442 hotels in more than 70 countries, the options for that exclusive romantic escape are endless, and best of all, at a time convenient to you. Gift Certificates can be purchased online at www.slh.com

Here are just a few examples of how you can experience the ultimate in romance this Valentine’s Day with Small Luxury Hotels of the World:

Heavenly (Chocolate) Lovers’ Experience – Huvafen Fushi, Maldives www.slh.com/huvafen

This Valentine’s Day, Huvafen Fushi welcomes all chocolate lovers to a journey of pure indulgence with some of the finest chocolate ever tasted. From 13 to 15 February 2008 the luxury resort will be hosting world renowned and revered chocolatier, Pierre Marcolini from Belgium, for a two day chocolate feast of workshops and tastings. The experience includes four nights in a villa with private plunge pool, a chocolate and wine tasting workshop, speedboat transfers and breakfast – plus delicacies by Pierre Marcolini including sorbet and chocolates.

Price: USD 3,400 per person

Dates valid: 13 February to 15 February 2008

Valentine’s Surprise at AKA Hotel Resort & Spa - Hua Hin, Thailand www.slh.com/akaresort

Sweethearts can indulge in afternoon tea at the Lake Bar and a private candlelit dinner for two with Champagne. On return to your suite, your bed will be strewn with rose petals for the ultimate romantic gesture. The ‘Surprise’ includes two nights in a deluxe pool villa, breakfast, welcome spa gift basket, couple’s massage and floral aroma bath.

Price: USD 580 per package for two people Minimum 2 nights stay.

Dates valid: 10 February 2008 to 28 February 2008

Valentine Special - Aleenta, Phuket, Thailand

www.slh.com/aleenta The romance begins the second you step into your suite where a tropical fruit arrangement and a sensational bouquet will await you and your loved one. Following a relaxing couple’s massage, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner and complimentary champagne with chocolates on Valentine’s Day. This romantic break includes airport transfers and four nights with daily breakfast.Price: USD 1,676 per couple, per stay in Ocean View Loft & Beachfront Suite/USD 1,919 per couple, per stay in Pool Suite/USD 2,282 per couple, per stay in Pool Villa / Pool Residence / Spa Residence Minimum nights stay.

What is the status of sharks around the world?

It’s true that humans do a lot more damage to shark populations than vice versa. Marine biologists report that sharks are in rapid decline around the world. In the North Atlantic Ocean, shark populations have declined more than 50 percent over the past 20 years alone, with some species now nearing extinction.

Experts see the primary cause as overfishing, which depletes sharks as well as their prey. Sharks are especially vulnerable to illegal “longlines” (fishing nets strung across dozens if not hundreds of miles of ocean), where they get inadvertently snared along with the tuna and swordfish fishermen intend to catch.

Rising demand for shark fin soup in is also contributing to the demise of sharks. According to a report by Wildaid, shark fins are among the most expensive seafood products in the world, selling for some $700 per kilogram on the Hong Kong market. With prices like that, many longline fishermen, who are already operating illegally, are happy to augment their incomes by “finning” a few sharks along the way. (Finning is the practice of removing a fin from a shark and discarding the rest of the carcass at sea.)

Often, threatened wildlife species manage to maintain their numbers in spite of excessive human predation. But sharks face an especially uphill battle, says renowned shark expert Ransom Myers, because they “take a long time to mature and have relatively few babies.”

So what is being done to save sharks? In the U.S., the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act is the primary law that oversees the conservation of U.S. fisheries and has established various management regulations for 39 species of sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It outlaws finning if the carcass is discarded but not if the rest of carcass is kept, clearly an unfortunate loophole.

The U.S. also helped develop a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization treaty (the International Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks) whereby 87 countries agreed to develop their own plans for the conservation of sharks. However, only two countries—the U.S. and Australia—have lived up to the agreement. The U.S. plan is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has been working with regional fisheries authorities to make sure fishermen are sticking to cautiously low quotas regarding the number of sharks they are allowed to catch.

What can consumers do to save the sharks? The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California urges consumers to avoid all shark products, not just on restaurant menus but also all souvenirs such as jaws and teeth, and shark-cartilage pills, which have been touted as cancer cures but which have been proven to be completely ineffective and are now widely considered a scam. The aquarium also encourages consumers to support with their pocketbooks conservation groups working to protect sharks and oceans, and specifically those working to set aside marine reserves that are off-limits to fishing.

CONTACTS: Wildaid, http://www.wildaid.org/  Monterey Bay Aquarium, www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.asp

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek , or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com  Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php

Exclusive African Safaris

Exclusive Safaris Combine Local Legacies with Wildlife Discoveries

If your passions are people, history and wildlife, African Travel Inc. has designed an “Ancient Pathways” program of three custom itineraries that combine safari stays with first hand opportunities to meet local people and explore their history. Up close and personal experiences include walks with Bushmen to see prehistoric rock paintings in Botswana, exploring Soweto Township in Johannesburg, dining with a family in Cape Town; net fishing or collecting wild honey with local villagers, and meeting with a local healer in Zambia.

The “Ancient Pathways” program is part of African Travel Inc.’s “Exclusively Yours” vacation portfolio of custom-tailored safaris for discerning travelers who want to individually experience the African continent at their own pace.

“Footprints of the Bushmen” and “The People of Zambia” are two suggested 13-day itineraries on the “Ancient Pathways” program that can be custom-fitted to individual requirements.

“Footprints of the Bushmen”: South Africa & Botswana The itinerary combines 7 days in South Africa, with 6 days in Botswana. Among insider experiences are dining with a local family at a home hosted dinner in Cape Town; walks with bushmen in Makgadikgadi Pan, Botswana to discover ancient cave paintings; and a privately guided visit to Soweto, to meet with residents, visit their homes, churches, and share a drink at a local “shebeen,” or pub.

The itinerary kicks off with two days in Cape Town - including a home-hosted dinner. Two days are then spent at Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve, a Relais & Chateaux property in South Africa’s Cedarberg Wilderness area, complete with a spa treatment, prior to an overnight in Johannesburg and a full-day tour by private car to Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. The following six days are devoted to Botswana, beginning with three days at Jack’s Camp, a traditional 1940’s camp in the Kalihari Desert, where activities include walks with bushmen, night wildlife viewing and visits to historical campsites of Livingstone and other explorers. A safari camp in the Okavango Delta is home for another three days of wild life activities, before a final overnight in Johannesburg.

Depending on season traveled, per person price ranges from $10,295 to $12,295, based on double occupancy. Single supplement begins at $2,695. Included are stays in luxury properties and in comfortable safari camps, all activities, spa treatment, most meals, all transfers for flights via private vehicle, and charter and bush flights within Africa. Round trip air fare from New York to Johannesburg and Maun is $1,395 economy; $5,895 business class. Seasonal supplements and taxes are additional.

The People of Zambia

Travelers combine six days of “Big 5″ wildlife viewing with experiencing Zambian village life, as they join in activities such as net fishing in dugout canoes or trekking into the forest to collect wild honey with local villagers, visiting ancestral homes, and even consulting with a local healer who can prepare herbal remedies for any ailment. Other activities include a riverboat cruise on the Zambezi River and a walking tour of Victoria Falls, as well as a visit by ox-cart to the human origins museum.

The itinerary begins with arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa and an overnight, before flying to Livingstone, Zambia and two days at Songwe Village. Located an hour’s drive from Victoria Falls, the comfortable safari camp is designed as a native compound and is close to the village of the same name, where African Travel guests can spend a day with local inhabitants . Two more days are spent at Lechwe Plains Camp at Lochnivar National Park, before leaving for six days of game viewing and village visits in South Luangwa National Park. During the six day stay, guests spend three days each at Nkwali Camp and Tena Tena tent camps, where opportunities abound for wildlife viewing of elephants, lions, and leopards by foot and vehicle. A final overnight is spent in Johannesburg, prior to departure.

Depending on season traveled, price ranges from $6,895 to $7,295 per person, based on double occupancy. Included are all accommodations, most meals and activities including game viewing and village visits, charter flight arrangements and flight transfers via private vehicle. Single supplement ranges from $1,795 to $2,195 depending on season travelled. Economy air fare from New York to Johannesburg, including intra-Africa flights to Livingstone and Lusaka, costs $1,395; business class is $7,195.

About African Travel, Inc.

Since 1976 African Travel Inc, under the leadership of its founder and managing director, Dave Herbert, has designed custom-tailored, luxury vacation experiences to the African continent and beyond for discerning travelers. African Travel Inc.’s offerings stretch from Cape Town to Morocco, the Seychelles islands, Mauritius, Madagascar and Dubai. Travel + Leisure magazine named ATI one of the top ten tour and safari operators in 2007.

In keeping with its philosophy, African Travel encourages preservation and economic development through a number of activities, including donating a portion of profits to wildlife conservation and cultural preservation.

To receive a copy of African Travel Inc.’s 2008 “Exclusively Yours” descriptive packet brochure and additional information, see your travel agent, phone 1-800-421-8907 or (818) 507-7893. Information is also available at http://www.africantravelinc.com/ or emailing ati@africantravelinc.com