But this year tour operators in-the-know, such as Denver based Africa Adventure Consultants, have exciting new safari options to share in the country of Zambia. Long passed over for the luxurious safari lodges of South Africa and the wide-open plains of Eastern Africa, Zambia is now coming into its own as a truly wild African safari destination. The country is home to the famous Victoria Falls, the rugged South Lungua National Park and up-and-coming Kafue National Park, the largest protected park in Zambia, and is predicted to be Africa’s hot new destination in 2009.

“Zambia is one of Africa’s best kept secrets,” says African expert Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants, “it is less-charted territory that is still really wild. In the past few years we’ve seen a significant amount of investment in the safari lodges there, so the overall experience is quite comfortable and more importantly, free of the crowds that plague certain parts of Africa. I am confident that my clients are going to be choosing this destination for 2009!”

Leading a collection of new safari programs to Zambia for 2009, is Africa Adventure Consultants’ Animals in Action Safari.

 This adventure brings travelers face-to-face with Africa’s largest hippo concentration. Aside from some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing, travelers spend their days alongside true experts in safari guiding, conservation and African wildlife including Lex Hes: wildlife photographer and author of Leopards of Londolozi and many others, Michael Lorentz: naturalist and elephant conservationist, Phil Berry: former park warden and giraffe expert, Derek Solomon: seasoned safari guide and author, Manda Chisanga: knowledgeable guide and expert on traditional medicinal plants. This unique, one-time-only safari takes place in November 2009.

After returning from a recent assessment of Zambia, Africa Adventure Consultants’ Kent Redding has decided to add Lower Zambezi National Park to several existing itineraries for 2009.

This remote region is not only a great place for game drives but travelers can also take part in fascinating walking and most appealing canoeing, boating and fishing safaris. “With an expert guide and a cooler full of cold drinks, you can float down the Zambezi fishing for tiger fish, which can reach up to 15 pounds or more and are really great fighters. Otherwise, try for the smaller bream,” adds Kent Redding. “The Lower Zambezi is truly an inimitable experience.” Africa Adventure Consultants also plans to launch additional exciting Zambia-based itineraries in early 2009.

 Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.

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. And now, the company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50% of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50%. With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Developed by AdventureWomen, Inc., this African safari in both South Africa and Botswana offers everything from “hands on” experiences to “wild” Africa—a variety of activities that keep adventurous women in awe.

As an exciting finale to this custom-designed wildlife viewing safari in Africa, participants will also visit the mighty Zambezi River as it cascades over thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Highlights of this women-only journey include viewing wildlife on safari in Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park, known for its large water buffalo and elephant herds, and taking a safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a wild combination of unrivalled splendor and stark contrasts, on their own 2,500 acre private game reserve.

Travelers will also experience and photograph African wildlife with fully-guided game viewing in 4X4s, double-deck power boats, river boats, and on foot, and spend a day in the field with a “big game” vet; make a visit to a “Lion Park” to cuddle cubs; safari by elephant back; and safari on horseback (for horseback riders only).

Participants will enjoy wonderful African lodge accommodations in South Africa and Botswana, with private en-suite facilities and modern amenities.

They will be pampered with first-rate staff that provides personalized service and prepares fabulous meals. Travelers are also treated to a stay at the luxurious 5-star Stanley and Livingstone Hotel at majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, to view one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Dates: May 2nd-May15th, 2009.

Cost: $6,995 all-inclusive from Washington, Dulles, to Botswana, South Africa, and Victoria Falls ($800 deposit).

www.adventurewomen.com

Set between two streams in a lush bushveld valley, Kichaka Lodge is an exclusive five star luxury lodge located within a Big 5 game reserve. This boutique lodge sleeps 20 people in 10 secluded stone and thatch suites, connected to the main lodge by walkways, winding through the bush.

Sumptuous surroundings… total privacy … Space…

The main lodge, constructed of stone and thatch, boasts expansive views over a large water hole popular with hippo, giraffe, elephant and countless other game. Each luxurious, air-conditioned suite has a viewing deck where guests are treated to spectacular views, its own private plunge pool, a fully stocked bar fridge and free wireless internet access. Suites offer over 70m² of space, including a large, comfortable lounge with glassed sliding doors on 2 sides for maximum appreciation of the scenery.

Why Kichaka?
o Gourmet dining – indoors, outdoors, under the stars or in-private in your suite.
o Exclusive game drives in a 7500 hectare well-established Lalibela Game Reserve.
o The remote setting and lack of light pollution make this the ideal spot for a Cosmic safari, stargazing through telescopes on night drives
o Relaxing to the grunts of hippo by the rim-flow swimming pool, adjoining the waterhole.
o Expansive terraces for maximum enjoyment of the views
o Library, cosy lodge bar and wine cellar.
o Impeccable personal service and hospitality.
o Golf, hiking, horse riding trails, fishing and other activities all within easy driving distance.

 Located just 1 hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth airport – Kichaka is the ultimate way to end a Garden Route experience in style!

Rates start from just R2750 per person sharing per night.

Children aged 8 – 14 years pay 50% when sharing with adults.

Luxury transfers from Port Elizabeth are offered for guests not wanting to self-drive.

If you would like further information on the property please visit http://www.kichaka.co.za

&Beyond CEO Steve Fitzgerald said the word “Africa” no longer accurately reflected the company’s operating regions and the word “Corporation” was a “dampener, because who wants to go on vacation with a corporation?”

The expansion of &Beyond includes the opening of two new lodges in India in the central state of Madhya Pradesh — Banjaar Tola adjacent to Kahna National Park and Pashan Garh near Panna National Park.

Both are scheduled to open in December 2008. In addition to other India sites,

&Beyond is also planning new lodges in Kenya and Tanzania, and is in discussions with the government of Madagascar about the construction of luxury lodges in that country’s national parks.

&Beyond owns and operates 46 luxury lodges and luxury camps in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and India.

For more information,

visit www.andbeyond.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Mr Geoff Dixon, said the successful survey flight between Australia and South Africa in 1948 was another remarkable achievement for Qantas Empire Airways, following the introduction of the Kangaroo Route between Australia and the United Kingdom in 1947.

“Qantas Empire Airways’ 1948 survey flight from Sydney to Johannesburg with a Lancastrian aircraft was a milestone in the airline’s development as a long haul carrier,” Mr Dixon said.

“It was particularly impressive to the South Africans at the time, whose own airlines had flown none of the world’s oceans and whose major sea crossing was the Mediterranean.”

The Qantas service from Sydney to Johannesburg via Perth, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Mauritius became the first direct service between Australia and South Africa. When commercial passenger services commenced four years later in 1952, operated by a Lockheed Constellation L-749A aircraft, the route became known as the Wallaby Route because of the ‘short hops’ between ports along the way.

When Electra aircraft were introduced on the route in the 1960s, new speed records were set and a flight time of 54 hours was recorded in June 1963 against the Super Constellation time of 61 hours, 40 minutes. Today, and with favourable tailwinds, Qantas B747-400 aircraft fly between Johannesburg and Sydney in under 12 hours.

Mr Dixon said the survey flight in 1948 paved the way for what would prove to be a very successful route for Qantas 60 years on.

“The past 60 years have seen major changes in aviation with faster aircraft and more affordable travel. The history of the Wallaby Route reflects these changes with more people able to travel between the two great continents,” Mr Dixon said.

“South Africa is an important market for Qantas for both business and leisure travel. Today, Qantas operates five non-stop four-class B747-400 services per week between Sydney and Johannesburg, which will increase to six per week from 16 December 2008 and move to daily in 2009.”

The new and exciting Small Group Journey Under African Skies is the ultimate safari in the place where it all began – East Africa. With an intimate group size of no more than 14, guests are accompanied by an expert safari guide for an unparalleled adventure and some of Africa’s finest wildlife spectacles.

Making the journey truly exciting, A&K’s exclusive luxury camps are set up for the group in Kenya and Tanzania’s iconic gameviewing areas – the Serengeti, Masai Mara and the Ngorongoro Crater. This style of travel encapsulates the very heart of old Africa. Tents are spacious and beautifully furnished with private verandahs, specially designed twin beds, crisp cotton sheets, duvets and hot water bottles for chilly nights, a safari wardrobe and wash basin plus ensuite bathroom complete with hot shower and flush toilet.

Special Offer: The first two guests to book a spot on the February group departure by 27 November will receive a complimentary hot air ballooning safari. Prices start from $16,990 per person twin share.

A&K’s Australasian Managing Director, Sujata Raman said, “Africa is A&K’s spiritual home; it’s where it all began. Our expertise and experience in East Africa is unsurpassed and any traveller with us is guaranteed a wonderful travel experience, totally unforgettable, delivered with A&K’s signature service and style.”

For more information or a copy of the 2009 Inspiring Journeys brochure, contact
Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 851 800, or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au

The Royal Treatment, priced from $6,999, includes 13 days of African culture, nature, wine, safari and pampering in boutique hotels and lodges; three nights at the picturesque Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town; a full-day Cape Peninsula tour; two nights at the La Residence boutique hotel in Franschoek in the historic Cape Winelands; a half-day tour of Stellenbosch with wine tasting; breakfasts at The Twelve Apostles and La Residence; two nights at the exclusive Birkenhead House, high above the cliffs in the whale-watching haven of Hermanus; private wine tour at Bouchard Findlayson; breakfasts, lunches and dinners while at Birkenhead House and three nights at the luxurious Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa in a private game reserve at the edge of Kruger National Park;

safari game drives while at Royal Malewane; one-hour spa treatment at lodge; hot-air balloon ride at lodge (if booked by Jan. 31, 2009); breakfasts, lunches and dinners while at Royal Malewane; meet-and-greet upon arrival in South Africa, including assistance through immigration and customs, as well as transfers. South African Airways Vacations offers vacation options for all budgets, with experts on hand to ensure its clients experience the vacation of their dreams.

SAA Vacations, a division of South African Airways, offers a wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa utilizing the airline’s route network to create packages throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. South African Airways, the most awarded airline to Africa, features the only nonstop service from the U.S. to South Africa with daily departures from Washington as well as daily direct service from New York that offer travel convenience and award-winning service.

For more vacation packages to Southern Africa, call 888-722-4872 or visit www.flysaavacations.com

The company has the largest online database of specialty tour operators and is the new “go to” resource for vacationers who don’t want to do online research for hours on end to find the right adventure tour operator for their needs. VoyageTrek does all the work and provides qualified recommendations or “vacation match results” based on their research, word-of-mouth investigation, on-site visits, and tour operator interviews. Trips to Alaska, select fly fishing lodges, and dude ranches throughout the western United States are some of the top vacation match-making requests.

 Recent expansions include African safaris, Galapagos Islands cruises, trips to Peru’s Machu Picchu or Ecuador, and tours throughout South America, starting with Argentina.

Log on to learn more at www.voyagetrek.com

The fares include all taxes, fees and fuel surcharges. Most importantly, there’s no fine print, and passengers can stow away their wallets for the duration of the flight, as all passengers are entitled to enjoy free meals, beverages (including alcohol), pillows, blankets, amenity kits, and even individual, on-demand entertainment systems at each seat on the aircraft, as is customarily offered on all SAA flights from the U.S.

The all-inclusive fare is available now through Dec. 5 for travel commencing Nov. 15, 2008, and ending by March 31, 2009, excluding holiday blackout dates. Low add-on fares of up to $150 are available to Cape Town, Durban, East London, George and Port Elizabeth, with low add-ons also available from 26 other cities in the U.S.

Runners will range from serious contenders who train and compete year round to more casual athletes participating for the total uniqueness of the marathon route and cheering crowds. Last year, the Kilimanjaro Marathon attracted over 3,200 runners from over 40 countries around the world.

Numbers are expected to be up this year. Under the backdrop of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest mountain and the world’s highest freestanding mountain, the marathon is divided into a full race (42.2 kilometers), a half race (21.1 kilometers) and a fun run. In each category, the marathon course begins at the sports stadium in the town of Moshi, winds into rural villages and farms, veers through uphill paths, plunges into a swatch of forest, and whirls through coffee and banana plantations.

 At every juncture, African music, meals and entertainment (including tribal dancers), make the event a wholly unique experience.

For the first time, the top three male and female Tanzanian winners in both the half and full marathons will be supported financially for one year after the marathon, during which time they will be trained to meet international standards for future races within and outside of Tanzania.

 Current winning total prizes for men and women in the full marathon are $7,434, and for men and women in the half marathon $1,938. Donations from sponsors and individuals are being directed to numerous community projects in the town of Moshi. Donations will be made to Tanzania Athletics for their annual projects in other sports, and to local charities in Moshi. This year the emphasis will be on improvements to the maternity ward in Moshi’s town hospital, and expansion of space and new materials for the Kiboroloni Primary School, spearheaded by Wild Frontiers Ltd. and the Keys Hotel.

Plans are currently underway to include a marathon course for physically challenged runners.

 Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approximately 25 percent of the land protected by the Government.

It boasts 14 National Parks and 34 game reserves. It is the home of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt. Kilimanjaro; the Serengeti, named in October 2006 as the New Seventh Wonder of the World by USA Today and Good Morning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World; Olduvai Gorge, the cradle of mankind; the Selous, the world’s largest game reserve; Ruaha, now the largest National Park in East Africa; the spice islands of Zanzibar; and seven world Heritage Sites. Most important for tourism, the Tanzanian people are warm and friendly, speak English, although Kiswahili is the national language, and the country is an oasis of peace and stability with a democratic and stable government.

For more information about Tanzania, visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com  For more information on the marathon, visit www.kilimanjaromarathon.com