[جتستّرسبلوغ]

قد أضاف [برغرين] مغامرات جديدة إلى ه إفريقيا برنامج أن يغري مسافرات إلى ما بعد اللعبة متنزهات أن يختبر الطاقة وتنوع من العالم? [س] قديمة يسكن قارّ.

في [إست فريك], قد قدّم الشركة إلتواء على السفريّ نموذجيّة مع جوهره جديدة من تنزانيا مغامرة, أيّ يضمّ [فولّ-سوبّورتد] مخيم متحرّكة (مع [إنسويت] مراحيض) في الجيّدة لعبة متنزهات مع فريدة وخبرة غير منسيّ ثقافيّة. هناك لعبة مشاهدة: فيل (و [بوبب] أشجار) في [ترنجر] و [تري-كليمبينغ] أسود في بحيرة [منرا], [أس ولّ س]
[أوب-كلوس] مجابه مع ال? كبيرة خمسة? في [نغرونغرو] حفرة والقريبة خاصّة حفظ منطقة. [سرنجتي] الموقعة من الهجرة عظيمة حيوانيّة على أرض, ويضمن المرونة من المخيم متحرّكة ال [ولّ بوسّيبل] حيوان برّيّ مشاهدة.

غير أنّ ربّما الحدث هامّ عظيمة من الرحلة إنفاق وقت مع [هدزب] حطابات, تنزانيا? [س] فكّر قبيلة قديمة و [هونتر-غثررس] بدويّة أن يكون ارتبطت إلى ال [سن] الناس من [كلهري]. جدّا قد تلقّى قليل من سائحات الفرصة أن يزور قريتهم وتلاقيت في عمليّة صيد. ال 11 يوم يغادر جوهر من تنزانيا رحلة من كيليمنجارو مطار شهريّا بين يونيو - حزيران
ويكلّم مارس - آذار و$5335 [بر برسن], سهم مزدوجة, بما في ذلك تكييف, نقل, زعيمة [برغرين], كثير وجبات, متنزهة مدخل رسوم و [دومستيك فليغت].

قد قدّم في [سوثرن فريك], [برغرين] اثنان, مغامرات [إيغت-دي] أنّ يستطيع كنت ضممت أن يشكّل ال 15 يوم بوتسوانا وزامبيا إكتشاف رحلة. لحيوان برّيّ متحمسات, هذا الرحلة نهائيّة, يضمّ خاصّة لعبة احتياطيات وبعض من إفريقيا? [س] مشهورة لعبة متنزهات.

[سترت ت] الرحلة فكتوريا سقوط ورؤوس إلى بعيد [كفو] [نأيشنل برك] لاثنان يشبع أيام على الساعة لأسد, نمر وظبي. الجنوبيّة [لونغوا] يتلقّى [نأيشنل برك] واحدة من التركيزات غنيّة لعبة في إفريقيا? بما في ذلك قرن ضخمة [هيبّو].

Heading into Botswana, first stop is Chobe National Park before the vast, arid expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans (for quad bike exploring) en route for the Khwai River region, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve ? where spotting the ?big five? is virtually guaranteed! Botswana?s most famous attraction is left until the end: the magnificent, tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, where motorised transport is traded for the peace of a paddled canoe (mokoro).

The 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour departs Victoria Falls every three weeks between June and October and costs $8895 per person, twin share, including all transport, entry fees, accommodation, leader and domestic flight.

The cost of all Peregrine trips includes carbon off-setting the land and domestic air portion of
the trip. For further information call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854
500. Download a .pdf of the new Africa brochure or watch a video of Peregrine?s African adventures at www.peregrineadventures.com

KAMPALA, Uganda - Information was received that the region?s first true low-cost airline, Fly540, will be starting operations from Uganda by the end of next month, after obtaining its Air Operator Certificate from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The airline was licensed at the last CAA public hearing earlier in the year. The news created excitement among travel agents and travelers, as a range of additional destinations may be offered for them from Entebbe, besides the twice-daily service already in place between Entebbe and Nairobi.

Already there is intense speculation on which routes they will be flying from Entebbe in anticipation of taking advantage of its generally much lower fares, while the charges of other airlines remain often out of reach for a whole new market segment Fly540 is targeting.

The airline is expected to register at least two ATR42 planes in Uganda and is presently putting final touches on its operations set up at the airport. The Fly540 downtown sales and reservations office is strategically located opposite the main entrance of ?Garden City,? currently Kampala?s most prestigious shopping, entertainment and hospitality centre, which makes access for would be travelers easy.

The airline also offers a state of the art booking engine via their website www.fly540.com to allow for direct web accessed bookings.

Since commencing operations to Entebbe earlier in the year the airline has already transported over 7,000 passengers on the route with marked load increases in the more recent past, thought to be at the primary expense of Air Uganda, which was forced to suspend its morning flight to Nairobi recently, by its own admission due to lack of sufficient load factors and the high operational cost of their aged MD87 aircraft.

All indicators now are that Fly540 is indeed not only here to stay, but bound to expand and bringing new choices and destinations to Uganda. The next planned new operations, after Kenya and Uganda, are likely to take off in Tanzania and Angola before moving to other parts of Western Africa, where Lonrho Africa also has extensive business interests. Final confirmation is also expected soon about a partnership agreement with Rwandair, which would further boost Fly540?s standing in the region.

If the idea of nearly a third of a year off to go cruising sounds like your sort of a holiday, consider an amazing 101-nights from New York to Sydney and back to New York aboard Cunard?s grand Queen Mary 2 in 2010.

This ultimate in special anniversary, birthday or even retirement gifts to yourself (or an employee,) will visit 32 ports in 21 countries between January 4 and April 15 2010 and is selling through ecruising.travel at over 30-per cent below previously advertised prices.

A hotel night in New York pre-cruise, all 5-star onboard dining throughout the 101 nights cruise, a special World Cruise Celebration Dinner and complimentary World Cruise Gift, nightly Broadway-style shows and late-release movies, complimentary room service, gratuities, port charges, and transfers in New York are all included.

As well, an onboard spending credit of up to US$1000pp (depending on cabin category) is included in the price that starts from $24,999pp twin-share ? a saving of $10,750pp ? with free cabin upgrades on select cabin categories, and an additional 5% off for past Cunard guests.

Air travel and taxes are additional; for full information and a detailed itinerary phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

ITINERARY DETAILS: Queen Mary 2 will sail 7-nights across the Atlantic to Southampton, then Lisbon, Civitavecchia for Rome, Port Said (Cairo,) Safaga for Luxor and Karnak, Muscat, Dubai, Mumbai, Phuket, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hong Kong where she will overnight.

From Hong Kong she sails on to Shanghai, Nagasaki, Yokohama for Tokyo, Guam, Rabaul, the Whitsunday Islands, Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Sydney (overnight,) Adelaide, Perth, Port Louis in Mauritius, Durban, Cape Town (overnight,) St Helena, Rio de Janeiro, Barbados, Fort Lauderdale and New York.

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From Singapore To South Africa, A New Collection Of Affordable Journeys

The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843, www.theclassictraveller.co.uk) has released its most comprehensive Worldwide Collection of holidays to date with departures from September 2008 through to December 2009 featuring 19 new holidays including destinations such as Cuba, Singapore and Malaysia and South Africa, for the very first time.

The hand-picked selection of holidays is aimed at the discerning traveller and includes a choice of short European breaks to such favourite destinations as Vienna and Sorrento as well as a new ?Swiss Extravaganza? - a stunning seven-night rail trip through Switzerland?s lakes and Alpine meadows which includes one of the greatest railway journeys in the world ? The Glacier Express. The tour starts from ?699 per person for departure in October 2009 and includes scheduled flights, 4 day Swiss Rail Flexi Pass and six-night hotel accommodation.

Further afield the brochure offers a new and colourful escorted ?Taste of Cuba? tour. Highlights of the nine day itinerary include the charm of colonial Havana and the tropical forests and waterfalls of the Sierra del Rosario Nature Reserve. This is an ideal trip for anyone visiting Cuba for the first time who wants to see the diversity of the country in a small group with an expert guide. Prices start from ?999 per person based on departure on 5 November 2008 and includes flights, accommodation, meals and all transport through Cuba.

Also new is an exotic 14 night ?Singapore and Malaysia Medley? to explore the highlights of both countries including the plantations of the Cameron Highlands, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and the white sandy beaches of Penang. The holiday costs from ?1,499 per person based on departure on 21 October 2008 and includes scheduled flights, 11 nights hotel accommodation, transfers, most meals, some excursions and the services of a tour escort.

A full days game safari in the Kruger National Park is just one of the highlights of the new 17-night South African Odyssey. The tour is a perfect way to safely discover the traditional culture and relaxed lifestyle of this stunning country. It takes in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, the famous Garden Route and visits to authentic Zulu villages. Prices start from ?1,799 per person based on departure in November 2008 and includes scheduled flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, some other meals, excursions and the services of a tour escort,

The Classic Traveller operates a No fuel surcharges guaranteed policy which means clients can book with confidence that (unlike many other operators) if airlines, cruise operators or any supplier introduce new fuel surcharges the price they have paid at the time of booking is guaranteed.

The brochure leads in at ?249 per person for a four night Luxurious Highland Cruise aboard the MV Lord of the Glens vessel including full-board accommodation, all applicable taxes and return transfers between Inverness Rail station/airport and the Vessel.

For more information or to book call The Classic Traveller on 0800 988 5843 or visit the website at www.theclassictraveller.co.uk

Following Inghams rebranding, the previous company-branded uniforms worn by Resort Managers and Representatives across almost 100 ski resorts worldwide, have been donated to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project.

?The kit included ski jackets, pants, hats, polo shirts and fleeces.

Porters can be severely underpaid and many climb Kilimanjaro without adequate clothing, footwear, or equipment, suffering from altitude sickness and hypothermia.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project looks after the welfare of the porters providing clothing for them during climbing expeditions on Kilimanjaro.

Karen Valenti, Programme Manager for Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, says, ?It is with heartfelt gratitude that we wish to say thank you to Porters? Progress UK, Lynsey Devon and Inghams for providing the high quality kit and to Lindy Wheeler in bringing nearly 300kg of gear to Kilimanjaro.

This has been a record amount received from a courier in our 5 year existence.?

Environment and Social Responsibility Manager from Inghams, Lynsey Devon, says,

?We are really pleased that we could find a good home for this high quality mountain clothing. It kept our staff warm in the cold mountain temperatures and we are happy that the uniform is now being put to good use and we hope the often overlooked Kilimanjaro sherpas can now keep warm and dry.?

There?s some fabulous last minute offers to be had for anyone seeking some out of the ordinary African adventures?from traversing the west coast of Madagascar on quad bike to mobile camping your way around Northern Botswana.

? Quad Bike Adventure on Madagascar ? Take advantage of our introductory offer if you travel before the end of November. A new 9 night itinerary, this quad adventure takes you along the west coast between Morondava and Tulear. Highlights en route include bivouacking on the Magoky River, crossing the dunes and exploring the coral reef at Ifaty. Prices from ?1,950.00 per person (valid until 30 November 08, excluding international flights).

? Kenya Migration & More ? Travel in October and get two free nights. The 9 night itinerary includes 3 in the Masai Mara, 3 in Meru National Park and 3 in Laikipia.

This trip combines migration hunting in the Masai Mara, escaping the crowds in Meru - the least visited of Kenya?s national parks and reserves, and home of Elsa the lioness in the film, Born Free - with untamed adventure amongst the 24,000 acres of wild bush that is the vast Laikipia plateau. Priced from ?2,330.00 per person (excluding international flights, valid for travel in October 08 only).

? Wild West Tanzania ? Enjoy one of the wildest and most remote safari experiences in the world combined with some of the best primate viewing in East Africa. Travel to Chada Katavi Camp in Katavi National Park and Greystoke Mahale Camp in Mahale National Park before 20 December 08 and receive a discount on accommodation plus money off flights between Arusha and Katavi / Mahale. Prices from ?2,995.00 per person for 8 nights (excluding international flights, price valid 1 November to 20 December 08).

? Botswana Mobile Camping Safari ? Join this schedule departure for a substantial last minute saving. Our 10 day / 9 night safari starts from Maun on 31st October, taking in the Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Savuti National Park. Camping in private campsites you will be escorted by a guide and camp crew for a truly authentic tented safari, sleeping under the African stars. The price for this trip is ?1,695.00 per person (valid for 31st October departure only, excluding international flights. Arrangements starting in Maun and ending in Kasane).

Why go now?

? Madagascar: For some sunshine! Madagascar enjoys year round sunshine, with the west coast at its driest May to December. Go west to enjoy turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, luxuriant flora and amazing fauna.

? Kenya: Kenya has been one of Africa’s most popular destinations for both first timers and experienced safari goers alike. Despite a dent in the tourism industry in the aftermath of the 2007 elections Kenya is once again very much a top safari spot. The Migration is still in the Masai Mara and October is a beautiful, warm month across the whole country.

? Western Tanzania: Highlights include heavily concentrated game in September as the water dries up, a great month for watching lions hunt. October is hot and dry, look out for the amazing sight of crocs and hippos piled up around the waterholes.

November is going into the ?short rains? but the dusty haze of the drier months is replaced by clear skies, excellent for photography. In December you can enjoy hot, sunny days with the rivers flowing once more and game collecting along the banks.

? Botswana: Despite November being the start of the southern Africa wet or ?green? season, the rains don?t begin in earnest in northern Botswana until late December. Expect a few short, sharp showers but enjoy warm weather, blue skies and fantastic game viewing with far fewer people. This is also an excellent time for birding.

For further information visit www.zambezi.co.uk

Africa specialist showcases top South Africa experiences in new e-brochure

With summer arriving in the southern hemisphere, now is the perfect time to head for the sunnier climes of South Africa where the whale watching season is in full swing.

Somak Holidays has launched a new e-brochure highlighting its latest, best and all-time-classic holidays to South Africa. Experiences range from whale watching tours to luxury ten-man safari lodges.

South Africa is home to some of the world?s best whale watching and until the end of November visitors have the chance to see the impressive Southern Right Whale. Each year between June and November the enigmatic mammals make their way from the Atlantic to the Cape?s West Coast, a spectacular sight to be enjoyed from both land and sea.

Somak Holidays? ?Wine, Waves and Wildlife? trip takes its guests on a tour of South Africa?s greatest sights and gives them a chance to sample what this diverse country does best ? wine and wildlife.

The first two nights are spent in cosmopolitan Cape Town where clients will enjoy a city tour, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The next day is spent in Stellenbosch sampling the region?s fine wines before continuing to Mossel Bay along the Garden Route. The first whale-watching encounter is on a cruise from Plettenberg Bay where guests can spot whales before heading on to the Tsitsikamma National Park. An overnight stay is made in Addo Elephant Park, where two game drives to see the ?big five? are included, before heading back to Port Elizabeth to catch the flight home.

Departures are on 30 October and 13 & 27 November 2008. Prices start from ?1,439 per person and this includes return flights from the UK, eight nights? accommodation, tours in Cape Town, wine tasting and two malaria-free game drives.

For large families or groups of friends travelling together, Somak Holidays is pleased to offer ?The Homestead? at the Kariega Game Reserve, as part of its three-day ?Eastern Cape Safari Extension’ as featured in the new e brochure.

?The Homestead? is a newly restored, 100 year-old farmhouse for ten people in five en-suite bedrooms. Guests can luxuriate in the lavish facilities including a bar, satellite television, playroom and private swimming pool, all whilst enjoying the exquisite view from this remote part of the reserve.

Adventures outside of this peaceful seclusion include early morning cruises down the Kariega River and exhilarating morning and evening game drives lead by an experienced game ranger in The Homestead?s own 4X4 safari vehicle.

The ?Eastern Cape Safari Extension? is ideal for those already taking a holiday in Cape Town or along the Garden Route, as access is very easy from Port Elizabeth and it is malaria-free.

Prices start from ?365 per person and this includes two nights? accommodation at the Kariega Game Reserve, all meals and four game drives with experienced rangers.

For more information or to book go to www.somak.co.uk or call 020 8423 3000.

South African Airways is offering a ?November to Remember? sale, which features fares as low as $244 one way from the U.S. to South Africa and Senegal.

The fares are available from New York or Washington, D.C., to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Dakar, Senegal, for departures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Nov. 4, with all travel being completed by Dec. 3.

?The fare, based on round-trip travel, is available through Oct. 17.

The sale fares do not include taxes and fuel surcharges, and are available on specific dates.

For more information, call 800-722-9675, or visit www.flysaa.com

Feeling stressed with all this talk of recession, credit crunches, acquisitions and liquidations? Look no further! Amongst the Ethos Marketing portfolio of African properties there are some amazing spas and health facilities to soothe and pamper mind, body and soul. Click here for hot ‘n happening African spa escapes - from soul safaris and bush spas to world-class tropical island paradises…

For the full release with images, please click on this link.

African people have known the powers of nature?s healing for centuries and the African Spa concept almost always uses nature as part of its offering ? whether it?s the setting, the natural products used or the treatments. Old African healing traditions, home-grown treatments and products, in addition to the modern-day technologies used at some of the best wellness retreats in the world -make an African Spa experience something truly uplifting and memorable.

Some African Spas with a difference include…

Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa - MOZAMBIQUE

The lavish Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa on Bazaruto Island has more than beaches and diving to thank for its reputation as the top luxury beach resort in Mozambique. In November 2007 it opened a brand new Sanctuary Wellness Spa overlooking the ocean and boasting 4 Dry Treatment rooms, a wet Treatment Room with Hydrotherapy capsule, a Hydro Pool and Ice Pool. Signature treatments include Moya Crystal Massage, Elemis spa rituals and Rasul. www.raniresorts.com

Serena Beach Maisha Health Spa - KENYA

The Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel on Shazu Beach, north of Mombasa in Kenya opened its new Maisha Spa (Maisha meaning ?life? in Swahili) in May 2007. Facilities at the spa include four single treatment rooms and two divisible treatment rooms all with their own shower amenities, two plunge pools, two saunas, two steam rooms, a yoga/meditation room and a hair and beauty salon. A wide range of Elemis treatments and packages will be available and signature treatments will range from deep tissue massages to ?ritual coconut milk? body wraps ? all using all-natural essential oils and sea extracts etc. www.serenahotels.com

Mont Rochelle Wellness Centre ? Franschhoek Winelands, SOUTH AFRICA

The Mont Rochelle Wellness Centre in the heart of the Cape Winelands offers spa treatments and pampering sessions to revitalise the minds and spirits of guests wanting to stay in absolute luxury on a working wine farm. Massages are offered in 2 treatment rooms, one of which is a double for couples to enjoy together.

Massages are 45 minutes long and therapists will tailor this to clients? requests on the day, using essential oils and lovely soothing background music to enhance the experience. Afterwards guests can lie back, and enjoy complimentary fruit skewers and fresh juices.

The wellness centre also has a chill room for pure relaxation, as well as a Jacuzzi and sauna, with views into a Zen garden and the Franschhoek mountains beyond the window. The spa is not open to the public, and only caters for the wellness of hotel guests. Massages can be pre-booked or arranged during your stay at the hotel. Therapists are carefully selected for their expertise, and request only 1 hour?s notice when booking. http://www.montrochelle.co.za

Garonga Safari Camp and Little Garonga ? Limpopo Province, SOUTH AFRICA

Garonga is an exclusive 12-bed tented safari camp situated west of Kruger National Park in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Garonga?s holistic philosophy is to offer a ?safari for the soul?. An unhurried and intimate wildlife encounter with some of Africa?s big game, but with the emphasis is on relaxation. There can be no better way to unwind, than to be pampered by the resident aromatherapist and reflexologist at the bush sala / spa, while gazing over the nearby waterhole. This outdoor, thatched Aromatherapy Sala is a tempting place to lie and meditate for hours, whilst enjoying treatments such as Indian head massage, Hot Stone Therapy (Winter only), or the Honeymoon Couple Instructional massage. Little Garonga, the nearby camp with 3 suites, ideally suited for exclusive use, also has its own bush sala. Both camps also share a romantic bush bath beneath the stars in a clearing in the veldt. www.garonga.com

Ghost Mountain Inn ? Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, northern KwaZulu-Natal lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn - a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. The Inn boasts its own Spa where guests can pamper their bodies, revitalize their minds and leave with a renewed sense of well-being, after a day of exploring the areas game reserves and attractions. Highly qualified therapists offer massages, facials, manicures and luxurious body treatments including decadent body wraps with ingredients ranging from herbs and clay to fizzy cocoa bean. Algologie products contain the proven natural anti-ageing benefits of algae and are lightly fragranced with the purest of essential oils. There is also a fully equipped gym, steam room and a relaxation area with a rock pool. www.ghostmountaininn.co.za

Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa ? MOZAMBIQUE

Pemba Beach’s magnificent Sanctuary Spa adjoins Clube Naval on a site that seems to hover magically above the Indian Ocean. Occupying more than 500 square meters of sumptuous space, the spa’s hot and cold treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas and showers are designed to merge indoor and outdoor pampering against a backdrop of the shimmering Quirimbas ocean. An array of treatments, from Swedish massages, to milk baths, body brushes, body wraps and facials are designed to restore even the most jaded city soul. The Sanctuary Spa Group, has fine-tuned its offering here to reflect Pemba?s Arabic and African influences. Three full time therapists are on hand to pamper you with frangipani extracts from Elemis, or indigenous fynbos from Moya, “the African antidote to modern living”. Exploiting the powers of Cape Fynbos, Moya blends Chamomile, Geranium, Snowbush, Lanyana and Buchu into a heady range of treatments designed to impart African energy, goodness and vitality. Cosseted by such pampering, you may sink into an idyllic realm of self-indulgence from which you may never return. www.pembabeachresort.com

Nairobi Serena?s Maisha Mind, Body & Spirit Spa - KENYA

Serena’s original Maisha experience! Facilities include lavish spa treatment rooms, separate ladies and gents steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzis, a fully equipped modern gym and aerobics/yoga studio, heated swimming pool, juice bar and relaxation area. The spa offers a wide range of treatments that are specifically tailored to the individual?s needs. Some utilize the renowned ELEMIS range of scientific skin therapy treatments, whilst others are handmade by Serena?s therapy team using local fruits, flower oils, medicinal herbs and fruits of the sea. The Maisha range includes body treatments, massages, spa rituals, Elemis hand and feet rituals, facials, grooming and a range of therapies ?Just for men?. Some of these have lovely Kenyan flavours such as the Exotic lime and ginger salt glow ritual and the Maisha coffee scrub. www.serenahotels.com

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Cox & Kings Launches New 2009 Africa Brochure Including New Tailor-Made Safari Options Throughout The Continent.

The world?s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Africa brochure for 2009, featuring escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made itineraries throughout Africa.

Cox & Kings has reported a dramatic increase in tailor-made travel to Africa in the last year, with 41% more passengers travelling on independent, bespoke itineraries in 2008 than in 2007. Africa Product Manager, Louise Stanion, explains: ?People are feeling a lot more confident about devising their own itineraries in Africa with input from our experts, and tend to have a greater knowledge of the destinations they want to visit. Clients are increasingly venturing away from the traditional tourist trails to see lesser-known sights and with our flexible and comprehensive tailor-made programme there is very little that travellers cannot do or see.?

In response to the recent growth in tailor-made travel, Cox & Kings has greatly expanded its coverage of the bespoke opportunities within its Africa brochure. ?While we could not begin to demonstrate all of the options available, the new tailor-made sections in the brochure serve as a taster of what is available in each region.?

The fastest growing group tour of the year has been Mali: The Road to Timbuktu, with 80% more passengers travelling than in 2007. Stanion says ?We are very excited to see some lesser-known countries at the top of the growth charts for Africa, and particularly Mali, which has, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating cultures in all of Africa. The standard of facilities and service throughout the country is still very basic but, while standards of accommodation and service are gradually being raised, this is not the reason that people visit.? The tour, which takes in the key sites of this little-known country, including Bamako, Timbuktu, the mud mosques and markets of Djenn? and the villages of the spectacular Dogon Escarpment, costs from ?2,295 per person.

In January 2009, Cox & Kings is offering a special departure of its Mali: The Road to Timbuktu group tour to coincide with the Festival on the Niger. Departing 27th January, this unique departure includes two extra days in Segou and entrance to the colourful event, which features traditional and contemporary Malian music, dance and river races. The tour costs from ?2,895 per person.

Asked her predictions for travel trends in 2009, Stanion forecasts further growth in the tailor-made sector, and requests for more unusual destinations and experiences. ?On a tailor-made holiday in Africa, visitors can have some truly unique and memorable once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from elephant-backed safaris and photography tours in Zambia, to cooking demonstrations in South Africa and sleeping al fresco on moveable beds in Kenya?s Laikipia Plateau. With greater exposure in the brochure of what is on offer, I think we will see a increased demand for these exclusive encounters.?

NEW: South Africa: Wildlife & Wine (Page 19): Ideal for second-time visitors to South Africa and those looking to get away from the beaten path, this self-drive private journey offers a chance to learn about the wildlife, wine and rock art of this spectacular country, as well as meeting the local South African people. The 10-night tour features hand-picked, luxury accommodation and costs from ?2,895 per person.

NEW: Boutique South Africa (Page 21): This nine-night self-drive private journey combines two outstanding game reserves with the Garden Route and Cape Town, and includes small luxurious boutique hotels and wildlife camps that have been hand-picked for their unique features and highly personalised service. Travel during the low season between May and September to benefit from greatly reduced rates. Prices from ?2,495 per person.

NEW: Namibia in Style (Page 32): Travel in style on this fly safari over the remote deserts and rugged landscapes that make Namibia one of the world?s most spectacular wilderness destinations. Visit the dunes of Sossusvlei, search for the desert elephant in Damaraland, and experience the wildlife of Etosha National Park. The nine-night private journey costs from ?4,395 per person.

NEW: Botswana Explorer (Page 37): This new nine-night camping safari travels through some of Africa?s greatest wildlife viewing areas: the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Staying in luxurious tented camps, groups are restricted to a maximum of six guests and are accompanied by an expert CC Africa safari guide throughout. Prices from ?3,495 per person.

NEW: Madagascar Tailor-Made: Madagascar Classic Camping (Page 48): New for 2009 is a luxurious camping experience at Mandrare River Camp, set in the grounds of a colonial plantation house on the banks of the Mandrare River. Wildlife is abundant in this area, including four species of lemur and at least 25 resident bird species. Three-night packages from ?1,095 per person.

NEW: Zambia Tailor-Made: Lower Zambezi National Park (page 43): On the banks of the Zambezi, opposite Zimbabwe?s Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park has 120kms of river frontage and features numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains, which attract most of the area?s wildlife. Chiawa Camp accommodates just 16 guests in eight spacious and luxurious tents. Safari activities include morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks, canoeing and aqua safaris aboard comfortable pontoon boats. Prices from ?340 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Rwanda Tailor-Made: Gorilla Tracking (Page 54): Gorilla tracking in Rwanda makes an ideal extension to a Kenyan safari or can be combined with other activities in this small and fascinating country. Visit Volcanoes National Park and stay at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge for gorilla tracking activities and visits to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. A three night stay costs from ?1,075 per person, inclusive of meals and activities.

NEW: Kenya Tailor-Made: Shaba National Reserve (Page 54): Shaba National Reserve was made famous for its association with well-known conservationists Joy and George Adamson, and the film Born Free. Cox & Kings is able to organise stays at Joy?s Camp, built on the site of Joy Adamson?s tented home. Resident wildlife includes elephant, lion, buffalo, oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy?s zebra. The camp is ideal for discerning guests looking for an authentic wildlife experience. Prices from ?220 per person per night, all inclusive.

NEW: Tanzania Tailor-Made: Serengeti Under Canvas (Page 60): Cox & Kings offers stays at CC Africa?s luxurious ?roaming camps? in the Serengeti. The location of the four camps has been carefully plotted to coincide with the great annual wildebeest migration. Prices from ?325 per person per night, all inclusive.