Jetsettersblog

With lions, tigers, and other big cats diminishing in population, African Travel reports more travelers than ever calling to find out about how to see the big cats while they can. According to a report in USA Today, “The populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and especially tigers have been decimated in the past half-century.” The safari consultants at African Travel will suggest the top areas for clients to go in Africa to see the lions, leopards and cheetahs.

“Big cat sightings are a sure bet in Zambia,” said Jim Holden, president of African Travel. “The interior parks in Zambia such as Kafue are often referred to as the ‘gems of Africa’ and are teeming with wildlife, especially big cats.” Other recommended places for big cat seekers are Cape Town’s Cheetah Outreach (cheetahs); Kafue National Park in the Busanga Plains, Zambia (lions); Londolozi, South Africa (leopards); Linyanti, Botswana (lions); Luangwa, Zambia (leopards); Manyara, Tanzania (tree-climbing lions); Manyara, Tanzania (leopards); Masai Mara, Kenya (cheetahs); Masai Mara, Kenya (lions); and Namibia (cheetahs).

Also recommended are Southern Explorer, including 10 days in South Africa and Zimbabwe, priced from $4,895 per person double occupancy land only; the eight-day Kenyan Horizons, priced from $4,295 per person land only, based on double occupancy; and The Last Refuge, with nine days in Botswana and Zambia, priced from $6,795 per person land only, based on double occupancy.

African Travel has 35 years experiences offering custom wildlife adventures to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai. African Travel is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. For more information, visit www.africantravelinc.com

African Travel, Inc. has an amazing offer on their unforgettable eight-day Tanzanian Sky Safari: FREE BUSINESS CLASS AIR when you book anytime now through September 15!*

This incredible journey includes Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti – ideal wildlife viewing locales. Arusha Coffee Lodge, Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Migration Camp – the lodging is absolutely top-notch throughout. And transport between destinations is provided by a meticulously outfitted Executive Grand Caravan – an eight-seat luxury aircraft. Game drives are in custom built Safari Cruisers and each day brings the promise of another surprise.

Free Business Class Air is offered only through September 15, so book today!*

Tanzania Sky Safari–8 Days. 1 night Arusha, 2 nights Tarangire National Park, 2 nights Ngorongoro, 2 nights Serengeti National Park. Priced from $6895 per person, land only, based on double occupancy during promotional period August 27-October 26*.

For more information and reservations, contact your local Travel Agent or call African Travel at (800) 421-8907 or visit www.africantravelinc.com  CST 2071444-20

About African Travel, Inc.

With over 35 years providing authentic African experiences, African Travel knows all the options to ensure a wonderful custom wildlife adventure to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia including Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania including Zanzibar, Rwanda and Uganda including gorilla trekking, Mozambique, Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt and Dubai.

African Travel, Inc. was recently nominated by Travel Weekly in their 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards as a Top Tour Operator and Safari Outfitter in Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. African Travel, Inc. is part of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

Terms and Conditions

*Travel on select dates Aug 27 – Oct 26, 2011, and receive FREE international business class air arrangements (Washington DC / Kilimanjaro / Washington DC). Fuel and park fees included. Taxes of $92 per person are additional. Add-ons from other U.S. cities available. Offer subject to availability. Must book by September 15, 2011. Restrictions apply.

For more details go to www.africantravelinc.com

New destinations, plus special offers ranging from free weeks in France
to bonus cultural lessons in Spain, await aspiring linguists

In the same way that authors such as Colin Thurbron, Peter Mayle and Elizabeth Gilbert have won legions of fans by capturing the true spirit of culturally authentic travel experiences, the most passionate travelers long to immerse themselves fully in their chosen destinations. This is the core of Cactus Language Training’s philosophy. One of the world’s leading language training companies, Cactus teaches more than 30 languages in 60 countries at 500 destinations worldwide, each year adding new destinations, immersive cultural opportunities and enticing incentives that enhance the process of learning a new language through culturally enriching vacation experiences. With an emphasis on affordability and authenticity, Cactus’s new vacation programs in 2011 include learning Spanish and Latin Dance in Leticia, Colombia at a school on the banks of the Amazon; studying German in the low-key, less touristy Bavarian town of Lindau overlooking the Swiss Alps; and mastering Russian in culturally diverse Kiev, Ukraine near Belarus.

The new Colombia location is one of 70 destinations in which Cactus offers Spanish language instruction; others include Argentina, Costa Rica, and two in Spain. Likewise, those who seek to speak French fluently can choose among 26 destinations, including coastal Biarritz, Bordeaux, and Monaco in France; or Montreal, Canada. If ease with Italian is the goal, Cactus offers 22 locations across Italy. Thai, Turkish and Brazilian Portuguese (the current passion of Cactus founder Rich Ambler) are among the 30 languages offered by Cactus.

Incentives and Special Offers – all prices for all Cactus programs are guaranteed in US dollars.

A variety of appealing incentives are available for aspiring linguists, including:
• A free week with the purchase of a two-week French language program in Nice (for programs through May 30), starting at $682 for a 3-week course;

• Five free cultural lessons with the purchase of a Spanish language program in Madrid (plus a discounted rate for programs over 12 weeks in length), starting at $284 for a course-only.

• A free excursion to the glass-blowing island of Murano with the purchase of an Italian language program in Venice, starting at $312 for a course-only. Available throughout the year.

Cactus believes that “one size does not fit all” and tailors its broad range of programs to fit the individual needs of the learner. Adding a further dimension to its in situ programs, Cactus incorporates cultural experiences, ranging from wine tasting and cooking to dance and diving, to strengthen and reinforce the day’s language lessons. Cactus also offers courses for children, teenagers, families and mature travelers, as well as executives.

About Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations

Cactus is one of the world’s leading language training companies. Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, Cactus’s expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses. Cactus helps over 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.

Programs include language vacations for both adults and children, comprised of classes mixed with tours and activities (such as dance, yoga, wine tasting, cooking, music, art, diving, surfing and photography); cultural awareness training; and full-immersion language holidays. For those unable to travel, evening and part-time group language courses are also offered. www.cactuslanguagetraining.com/us  1-888-577-8451 Twitter: @cactuslanguage Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cactuslanguagetraining

Lion World Tours is offering its signature South Africa in Style package at $2,499 per person for travel May 1 to 16. At other times of the year, this package sells for as much as $4,169. These travel dates are offered a 40 percent less than the June package price just two weeks later.

The package includes international airfare and fuel surcharges. In addition to airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) on South African Airways, the package includes a four-night stay in Cape Town at The Commodore Hotel, The Table Bay Hotel, or The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.

The package also includes internal flights within South Africa, and a two-night stay at either Jackalberry Lodge or Royal Legend Safari Lodge. Both lodges are located in a private game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, one of the world’s premier Big Five game viewing areas.

In addition to luxurious accommodations, the South Africa In Style package also includes six breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners, as well as a half-day Winelands Tour. The properties are four- and five-star luxury accommodations.

Lion World Tours specializes in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Insight Vacations.

For more information, call 800-387-2706 from the U.S., or 800-668-9968 from Canada, or visit www.lionworldtours.com

Safari Adventure Company and its holding company, the Wilderness Group, are thrilled to announce the evolution of its brand – in the form of a name change: Wilderness Adventures.

Since its inception some five years ago, Safari Adventure Company has been going from strength to strength, and it was felt that the time had come to express its spirit and its roots in one name.

The spirit of adventure is a primary focus of the company, attracting guests who seek to explore Africa through any number of exciting ways: viewing wildlife on game drives in open vehicles, walking through scenic, pristine areas, canoeing waterways, or indeed just being in the wild places of the continent. In this sense, the company’s by-line of “Live adventure, love the wild” still holds true and will continue to do so.

In addition, the company remains committed to the core vision of the Wilderness Group – that of making a difference in Africa by protecting its wildlife and partnering with local communities so that the benefits of ecotourism are available to those who live nearby. With the environment at the heart of their beliefs and values, their quest is to understand the wilderness better, to respect it, to care for it and to share it with guests.

In this way, the new name reflects the amalgamation of the two values, and thus the company takes its place firmly and proudly within the Wilderness family.

Please explore the new website to begin your next Wilderness Adventure: www.wilderness-adventures.com.

Christmas is a time for giving. For those wanting to celebrate somewhere special and unusual – and enjoy the spirit of giving, there can be no better place than rural Africa.

The perfect alternative to a white Christmas in the UK has to be a visit to Isandlwana Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

A special and memorable highlight of a Christmas stay at Isandlwana is the Annual Candy Run to the local Zulu village on Christmas morning.

This tradition was started at the lodge in 2002 and is enjoyed by guests and staff alike, as guest often remark afterwards – it encompasses “What Christmas is all about”. The faces say it all!

Every Christmas day the Candy Run offers guests staying at the hotel the chance to get involved by visiting the local villages and handing out candy. They receive a wonderfully warm welcome and the locals say it’s the highlight of their Christmas.

It’s a lovely way to spend Christmas and give something back to the local community.

The staff go all out to assure guests of an unusual and special Festive Season.

This may include a scrumptious Christmas Eve dinner, a fabulous brunch on Christmas Day after the candy run, a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, entertainment from a Zulu dance team, fascinating battlefield tours or a visit to the local village where you will have a chance to meet the most hospitable Zulus.

All activities and events are planned with the up most care and will be sure to please all who participate!

About the Lodge:

The lodge is environmentally sound and supportive of their local community.

A striking lodge, carved into the side of iNyoni Rock near to the historic 1879 Anglo-Zulu battlefield site,

Isandlwana is steeped in colonial history and offers magnificent views over Zululand. Ideally located for exploration of the nearby battlefields of Rorke’s Drift, Fugitives Drift and Isandlwana itself, there is a rock pool for a refreshing dip, and a comfortable lounge makes a convivial venue for sundowners before dinner in the restaurant.

12 rooms, 3½ hours from Durban airport, restaurant, lounge, rock pool, local tours and activities.

The Isandlwana Community Tribal Trust was formed so that funds earned from the lodge could be used for schools, clinics or other projects, which benefit the entire community.

The trust receives a percentage of gross turnover of the lodge and they can own up to 10% of the shares.

During construction 80 local people worked on the project and there are presently 23 staff members from the village working at the lodge.

Sample Package

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 4 nights on full board basis at the Isandlwana Lodge, South Africa in a standard room, including flights with South African Airways from London Heathrow with group transfers in resort. Price for Dec 2010 (22-27 Dec 2010) from £2568 per person based on two sharing.

For more information contact: info@ethosmarketing.co.uk  or Tel: 01403 243619

Born Free Safaris
CONTACT: Ehron Asher
TEL: 1.800.4SAFARI or 1.800.472.3274
EMAIL: ehron@bfsafaris.com
WEB: www.bornfreesafaris.com

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like the anticipation of the unknown and the thrillof the wild; until excitement turns to anxiety, when the idea of taking on nature in its rawest form on an African Safari conjures up thoughts of facing dangerous animals, braving mosquitoes, and forgoing the basic comforts of home.

Many would-be adventurers settle for a day trip to the zoo and a traditional vacation to a resort. But an African safari doesn’t have to mean sacrifice.

Born Free Safaris & Tours has transformed the meaning of an African safari, offering fabulous accommodations, great food, friendly people, safety, and personalized attention from professionals with over 34 years of experience in Africa.

Born Free Safaris & Tours is not simply a booking agent, but rather a hands-on tour operator that takes the fear out of journeying through Africa.

Tour guides are members of the Association of Professional Safari Guides and are trained in first aid, vehicle maintenance, culture, wildlife, foreign languages and conservation, just to name a few.

Guides are carefully matched with tours based on special interests, areas of specific knowledge, and personality and function as game trackers, problem solvers and personal drivers. Born Free Safaris & Tours has been named a top African tour company by the world’s most prestigious travel publications.

Whether it’s a traditional African style safari, or a high comfort soft adventure, Born Free Safaris & Tours has a program to fit every taste and budget with a range of themes unmatched by any other African tour operator including: tours in over 30 African countries; budget trips or luxurious excursions; wildlife, walking, and air safaris; cultural, historic, and religious tours; diverse accommodations such as such as campsites, lodges, bed and breakfasts, private homes, and ranches; and activities from hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting, canoeing, golfing, hiking, horse-camel-elephant safaris, weddings, honeymoons, and more.

Born Free Safaris and Tours service the young and old, able-bodied and disabled, the wild and the tame by working together to create the ultimate African safari experience.

Born Free Safaris & Tours are pleased to accommodate travelers of all ages and abilities, is an eco-friendly company, and are committed to conservation.

For more information about rates and trip options, contact Born Free Safari’s & Tours at (800) 4-SAFARI, or visit www.bornfreesafaris.com

Escape The Wintery Chills And Head For Warmer Climes This Christmas

Mulled Wine in the Maldives – Lily Beach, Maldives (www.lilybeachmaldives.com)

Wake to the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean and the sun beaming through the curtains on Christmas Day this year. Take a dip in the cooling waters from your very own over water villa before spending the day relaxing on your private deck at the newly opened Lily Beach Resort.

Days can be spent snorkeling in the crystal clear seas, sun bathing on the white sandy beaches or indulging in spa treatments before an evening of entertainment and delicious Maldivian cuisine.
Price – Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk ) offers 7 nights on all inclusive basis at Lily Beach Resort & Spa in a beach villa, including international flights, internal transfers and access to the VIP lounge in Male airport on departure.

Prices for 23 December 2009 from £4,086 per person based on two sharing.

Mince Pies in Marrakech – The Rocksure Collection (www.rocksurerentals.com)

Enjoy a family break closer to home whilst still enjoying warmer climes.

Explore the bustling souks and medinas of Marrakech, venture further into the mountains and discover a labyrinth of Kasbahs built by local Berbers or head off on a day’s camel trek across the desert. Staying in Rocksure’s palatial Riad on the outskirts of Marrakech, set within seven acres of manicured gardens with spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains, guests can relax this Christmas with a personal housekeeper on hand to help cook & clean – bliss!

Price – The Rocksure Collection is offering 7 nights for the price of 6 at El Goute villa in Marrakech. Subject to availability a group of up to 8 guests can rent El Goute over the Christmas period from £4,670 including a personal concierge team and a housekeeper who is available to cook up an array of delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Lunar Rainbow at the Victoria Falls – Zambia (www.zambianhorizons.com)

This year the unique Lunar Rainbow will take place on New Year’s Eve. This occurs when a full moon shines through the falls spray, creating a stunning rainbow which guests will be able to marvel at on the night from Livingstone Island. Besides this once in a lifetime experience this package also offers guests the opportunity to kick start 2010 with an adrenalin packed safari.

Combining the private island paradise of Sindabezi Island, with the beautifully designed colonial River Club guests can take part in an action packed couple of days at the Victoria Falls, before flying to the South Luangwa National Park to spend the last few nights at Norman Carr’s stylishly rustic Kapani Lodge to enjoy day and night game drives, walking safaris and canoe safaris.

Price – Audley Travel (www.audleytravel.com  / 01993 838 500) offers this 12 night Lunar Rainbow New Years package from £3,995 per person, based on two sharing at The River Club, Sindabezi Island and Kapani Lodge. and Includes International flights from London, airline taxes, all transfers, full board accommodation including all meals and drinks, a selection of activities to choose from and a trip to the Falls on New Year’ Eve.

Christmas Crackers in Kenya – Governors Camp, Kenya (www.governorscamp.com)

Take some time-out over the festive season and head to Governors’ Camp in Kenya for a laid-back Kenyan safari retreat.

The holiday begins spending 2-nights at Loldia House, a charming traditional settlers’ farm situated on the banks of Lake Naivasha.

Travellers can stroll around the 8,000 acres coming across herds of wild antelope and zebra along the way.

Day trips can also be taken to the Lake Nakuru National Park famed for its flamingo lakes and excellent viewing of Black Rhinos and even the more elusive White Rhinos.

The Christmas getaway then continues onto the intimate and tranquil Little Governors’ Camp on the Masai Mara for 4-nights.

The camp is hidden in the forest allowing the ultimate back to nature experience with warthogs, elephants and various other animals wandering freely through the grounds. 4×4 game drives across the Masai Mara offer guests the opportunity to witness the plethora of wildlife that teams these world famous plains.

Price- Aardvark Safaris (www.aardvarksafaris.com  / 01980 849 160) offers this 8-night trip to Kenya staying 2-nights at Loldia House and 4-nights at Little Governors Camp from £3,711 per person based on two sharing. Including full board accommodation, international and domestic flights, transfers and two game drives per day.

Trip valid throughout the festive period, subject to availability.

Ethos Marketing is delighted to announce its appointment as the UK office for Pakamisa in the heart of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

With panoramic views from its perch on Pakamisa Mountain, this exclusive boutique lodge is perfectly placed for game viewing over the malaria-free private game reserve below.

Exclusivity is the order of the day at Pakamisa – and with only eight spacious suites, personal attention and the highest levels of service are guaranteed.

The Main House is filled with antiques and European artwork that compliments the African setting.

Owner and host, Isabella von Stepski is not only passionate about the local wildlife! Pakamisa is also home to an impressive Arab Horse Stud and stables – and guests are encouraged to take these beautiful animals out to explore the surrounding landscape. Little can beat the experience of game viewing at close quarters on horseback!

ACCOMMODATION

All eight suites offer a bedroom (king or double bed), deluxe ensuite bathroom and lounge with mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities.

Each suite is styled after a different animal and boasts a private large (90 m2) veranda for maximum enjoyment of the surrounding scenery

ACTIVITES

Horse-lovers will enjoy unforgettable rides and horseback safaris through the Pakamisa Reserve on well-trained horses.

Experienced trainers and guides are available for lessons and to take guests out.Tailor made activities include game-drives, bush walks, birding, archery, clay target shooting, or just relaxing around the pool and pool bar. Fun cooking lessons in the bush can also be arranged!Teenage riding weeks are available for teens aged 12 – 16years.Internet facilities are available

FACILITIES

Living room, Hunters Bar, Library, Rock pool with Pool Bar, El Prado Restaurant and Stable Lounge.

DINING

Meals at Pakamisa are an occasion – whether they are served in the elegant El Prado dining room or “Out of Africa” style under the stars.

The restaurant has an exceptional wine list and offers game specialities.

CHILD-FRIENDLY

Children are welcome, but Pakamisa is best suited to “horse crazy” children over the age of 10 years.

Children aged 4 – 10 years pay 50%, whilst infants stay free.

Two single beds can be placed within the lounge area of the suite.

Child-friendly meals at flexible times can be catered for and babysitting facilities can be arranged without prior notice for less than £2 an hour! A cot is available.

LOCATION

A 5-hour drive (480km) from Johannesburg or a 4-hour drive (400km) from Durban.

Private Charters are available as well as Chauffeur driven road transfers from Johannesburg/Durban/Richards Bay airports.

www.pakamisa.co.za

Images:

http://gallery.ethosmarketing.co.uk/gallery/Pakamisa

Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) renewed their partnership agreement in an effort to promote both organizations’ endeavors in the religious travel trade. Religious travel and hospitality is present throughout the continent and is defined in four ways by WRTA: visiting a religious destination, attending a religious gathering, traveling for missionary or humanitarian purposes, or leisure traveling with fellowship intent.

“Faith-based tourism attracts 300 million travelers worldwide, who spend $18 billion annually,” said WRTA President Kevin Wright.

“We look forward to once again working with ATA, especially as Africa has long served as a top destination for people of faith.” Under the new partnership agreement, ATA and its members will participate in the WRTA World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2009 to be held Nov. 14 to 16, 2009, in Reno, Nev., and WRTA will participate in ATA’s upcoming events in the United States and across Africa, most notably the 35th Annual Congress in The Gambia in May 2010.

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade association in 1975. ATA’s mission is to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships.

For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociaton.org  or call 212-447-1357. WRTA is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry.

For more information, call 859-219-3529 or visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com  or www.WRTAexpo.com