Jetsettersblog

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

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

 

TAJ SAFARIS

Banjaar Tola and Pashan Garh Opens in Winter 2008

MUMBAI - Taj Safaris will open two new luxury lodges, Pashan Garh and Banjaar Tola, in winter 2008. Following the success of Mahua Kothi and Baghvan, both new lodges will offer Taj Hotels’ legendary hospitality and the expertise of CC Africa’s unique and in-depth wildlife experiences.

Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park

Opening December 2008, Banjaar Tola will consist of two elegant camps, each containing nine tented suites with their own intimate private deck and solar-heated pool overlooking the river. The dramatic tented suites are made with pressed bamboo wall panels, natural bamboo floors, and locally crafted furniture accented with block-printed Madhya Pradesh cottons and silks in tones of delicate saffron and washed green. Conservation efforts at the camps include:

Each suite is set on raised structures, supporting the tent at only seven points on the ground, allowing natural growth and drainage under all the buildings
Instead of conventional electrical units, the tents are designed with double layers of canvas with insulation materials and air gaps to keep them cool.

In winter, hot water for the bathroom will be piped under the insulated bamboo floors.

The eco-friendly air conditioning system uses a reversible cycle to efficiently deliver both cooling and heating.

Banjaar Tola is located near the southern gate of Kanha National Park, one of India’s largest reserves encompassing Sal forests, large bamboo stretches, and lush green meadows. It is prime tiger country and also features 22 animal species, 70 tree species, and over 200 bird species.

Pashan Garh, Panna National Park

Opening November 2008, Pashan Garh will consist of 12 private stone cottages atop a hill, a romantic private sala suspended high above and overlooking the jungle, and Haveli-style guest areas that open into a spacious central courtyard. Drawing inspiration from the dry-packed stone houses of the Panna region, the lodge will have dramatic roofs made from massive slabs of irregularly shaped slate. The interiors will be sleek and sexy with subtle references to the erotic stonework of nearby Khajuraho. Chocolate brown linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons, and chandeliers complete the decor.

The sprawling flatlands and deep valleys of Panna National Park are a haven to many of India’s endemic species. The thick teak forests, open woods and short grass plains are home to tigers, leopards, wolfs, hyenas, jackals, deer, antelopes, sloth bears, wild boars, and mugger crocodiles.

About CC Africa

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) is the continent’s leading Ecotourism company and one of the most comprehensive safari operators with exceptional lodges and safaris in Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness locations. The company is well known for its success in creating a business that has reaped viable financial returns through long-term investment in commercial wildlife conservation. With over 30 years of tour operating and safari planning in Africa, and a strong focus on guided and walking safaris, CC Africa’s portfolio consists of 38 high-end private game lodges and camps across South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana. Some of their internationally acclaimed lodges include Phinda, Londolozi and Ngala in South Africa and Mnemba and Ngorongoro in Tanzania.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 61 hotels in 42 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

For more information on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced today the Fairmont Mara Safari Club has opened following an extensive renovation program. Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World – the Masai Mara - Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the epitome of tented luxury. The resort will be joined by two additional renowned Kenyan properties in the coming months; in total, US$35 million of phased enhancements have been invested into Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, providing rich and distinctive offerings to guests.

With four poster, pillow-top beds and a veranda overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river, each of the 50 tents at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom, including a number of “outdoor showers” in select tents. The larger-sized accommodations also feature expanded decks which allow for private dining, a new service.

The main lodge at the center of camp hosts an indoor restaurant, bar and library with Internet access to keep the relatives up to date with safari adventures. A spacious outside deck overhangs the river and leads to a heated pool, complete with bar and private massage tents. Outdoor dining will be enhanced with the creation of a boma, a structure influenced by traditional homesteads, where guests can enjoy a cultural dinner reflecting not only African cuisine but also rich musical accompaniment.

Guests can choose from a wide range of activities at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, including game drives and balloon safaris over the Mara plains capped with a champagne breakfast on the savannah or a stroll in the footprints of the hippo-trodden path escorted by a Masai Moran. The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Masai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five”.

Fairmont’s commitment to the land and communities where it does business is a hallmark of the brand, and the company looks forward to furthering not only its approach to responsible hotel operations but also developing innovative community outreach programs in Kenya.

Also opening under the Fairmont banner are Fairmont The Norfolk and Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, which are in the final stages of refurbishment. The collection of three properties will afford travelers a variety of options from which to enjoy warm hospitality and create truly memorable experiences. Opened in 1904, Fairmont Norfolk stands as one of Africa’s most talked about gathering places, hosting luminaries like President Theodore Roosevelt and Out of Africa’s Isak Dinesen. Today, the 165-room property serves as a hub of Nairobi business and ideal safari departure point, with four restaurants, an outdoor pool, an elegant ballroom and four function rooms.

Just 190 kilometers (118 miles) to the north, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, situated at the base of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa, features 120 rooms in cottages, villas and suites on 100 acres of grounds, as well as a nine-hole golf course, pool, tennis and varied opportunities for adventure including horseback riding, bird watching, fishing, and an animal orphanage, as well as being a celebrated base for safaris. Founded by Oscar-winning actor William Holden, club membership included Winston Churchill, Bing Crosby and John Wayne.

Globus rolled out five 2009 vacation packages to Africa, including getaways in Egypt and Morocco.

Through this series of vacations, travelers can meet with Egyptologists for in-depth explorations of the pyramids, cruise the Nile, walk along temples created during Cleopatra’s reign 2,000 years ago, watch wildlife in Tanzania and enjoy the wineland area of South Africa.

Globus Africa packages for 2009 include the Grand Tour of Egypt (11 days), with guided sightseeing to the Sphinx, the pyramids, the seaport of Alexandria, the Ramses II statue, the Alabaster Sphinx, a three-night Nile River cruise, the monuments of Karnak, the Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Temple of Horus, the Old Dam in Aswan, the Temple of Isis and a ride on a traditional felucca (priced from $2,253, land only, includes intra-tour flights);

Moroccan Adventure (12 days) includes Casablanca, the Barbary Coast, Rabat, the fortified Kasbah of Oudaias, the second imperial city of Meknes, Fez, the Middle Atlas range, Ziz Gorges and Er-Rachidia of French Foreign Legion fame (priced from $1,919, land only); and Tanzania (10 days), with stops in Arusha, Lake Manyara for an afternoon game drive, Serengeti National Park for additional game drives, Olduvai Gorge, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a Maasai village, Tarangire National Park and Gibbs Farm where coffee is grown (priced from $3,153, land only).

For more information, call 800-221-0090 or visit www.globusfamilypartner.com

Zara Tanzania Adventures
TEL: 866-550-4447
zara@zaratours.com
www.zaratours.com

MOSHI, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania— Locally-owned Zara Tours is not only Tanzania’s largest Kilimanjaro outfitter, but also one of the country’s largest safari operators. In addition to visiting the iconic national parks, Zara also offers the chance to experience the Hadzabe bushmen, the last tribe of hunter-gatherers in East Africa and the cultures of the Maasai tribes. It offers seven unique weekly departures on exciting trips ranging from five to ten days through the Great Rift Valley in the northern part of the country.

The Great Rift Valley stretches 5400 miles from Syria to Mozambique and was created by tectonic forces that created some of the highest mountains and deepest lakes in the world, including Lake Victoria, the second largest in the world. The area is volcanically and seismically active, which produced volcanic Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and the volcanically active Oldoinyo Lengai, as well as numerous hot springs and shallow soda lakes. The area contains a number of national parks that protect wildlife, as well as many archaeological and anthropological discoveries.

Zara’s safaris include the endless plains of the Serengeti, home to a million wildebeest and herbivores such as elephants, rhinos and buffalo, along with their predators. Nearby Ongorongo Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera on Earth, which is a natural enclosure for elephants, cheetahs, lions, leopards, antelopes and the last remaining population of black rhinos in the country. Olduvai Gorge may be the cradle of civilization, as it contains human fossils dating back over 2.5 million years.

Zara owns the Highview Hotel in Karatu Ngorongoro, gateway to the Northern Circuit game parks, set between the northern highlands Forest Reserve of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the surrounding coffee farms. It’s the ideal base for short excursions to Lake Eyasi area, a home to Hadzabe Bushmen, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks.

An essential part of any safari is the chance to stay in a tent, from which one can hear elephants lions and hyenas calling, watch zebras and gazelles grazing and smell the changes in the air as night falls and day breaks. Zara owns safari camps called Tanzania Wildcamps. The two at Serengeti National Park offer easy access to the yearly migration of wildebeests and zebras in the Seronera, Ikoma and Lobo areas, as well as safaris by land or balloon in the Serengeti. The Serengeti Wild Camp and Ikoma Wild Camp offer comfortable safari tents and traditional round huts respectively, each with shower, toilet and two king beds, and a large dining tent.

The Ikoma Wildcamp has the additional advantage of offering a walking safari into the bush country between the Grumeti - Ikorongo Game Reserve and newly-established Ikoma Wildlife Management Area. This is the only opportunity within the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem to see wildlife while on foot and have a bush lunch away from camp. Between August and October guests can observe the migration of over 2 million animals moving between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti National Park.

A third Wildcamp recently opened at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a home of Maasai communities, which have lived in harmony with wildlife for thousands of years. This is the place for those who wish to come and discover the secret behind this ongoing coexistence.

Future plans include a Wildcamp in Saadani National Park, where the beach meets the bush; and Selous Game Reserve, the largest protected area on Earth, larger in size than Switzerland or Denmark. Due to its pristine and uninhabited nature, the buffalo, elephant, hippo and crocodile populations are the largest in Africa. The area also boasts over 440 species of birds. Guests at the camp see hippos grazing in front of their tents at night.

For more details on Zara Tours see www.zaratours.com  or call 866-550-4447 or email zara@zaratours.com

Wildland Adventures
CONTACT: Kurt Kutay
TEL: 206-365-0686
E-MAIL: info@wildland.com
WEBSITE: www.wildland.com

Venture into the heart of Africa in style on Wildland Adventures’ newest, active safari, Savannahs and Silverbacks: Luxury Safari in the Heart of Africa. New international flight connections on Coastal Air now make it possible to fly directly from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kigali, Rwanda, to combine walking safaris and game drives in the grassland savannahs of Serengeti National Park with gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Small group departures and private custom trips are available May-October and December- February. Land cost is from $10,995 per person + $1,000 for two days of gorilla permits, which includes the local flights.

Throughout the journey travelers stay at exclusive camps and lodges located in a diverse range of habitats that offer active safari experiences among local cultures and wilderness environments in the African bush.

Exclusive to Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park Tanzania, guests will experience the African wilderness under foot on walking safaris inside the park.

Amidst the highland cloud forests of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, travelers stay in the thoughtfully designed, luxury cottages of Gibb’s Farm, a working organic farm and coffee plantation complete with native spa. Located on the flanks of the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, guests go on hikes with local Maasai warriors and on wildlife safari in Ngorogoro Crater.

From the solitude of Suyan Camp deep within the vast Serengeti guests explore the bush on sunrise walks and take nocturnal game drives exclusively available from this luxury camp. At safari’s end, in the highlands of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, the premier Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides the best opportunities for up-close encounters of the mighty Silverback gorillas while bushwhacking through the jungle terrain.

For information and reservations visit Wildland Adventures on the web: www.wildland.com or 800-345-4453 or e-mail info@wildland.com

Get to meet the locals with Gecko’s Adventures

African overland trips were pioneered by ‘entrepreneurs’ who threw 20 or 30 backpackers in the back of a Bedford truck and battled bad roads and border police for the length of the continent.

The ‘punters’ naturally did the provisioning, the washing up and all the other camp chores. Gecko’s has up-dated the overland epic, catering to the more discerning tastes of a new generation – while retaining the grass roots, budget-minded appeal of the old days.

The Gecko’s style of overland – showcased in the new 2008-2010 brochure – features custom-built vehicles taking a maximum of 24 passengers; a professional driver and cook plus a local leader who provides an insider’s insight into the journey. Better yet, the passengers don’t have to suffer cleaning or cooking duties.

Best of all, Gecko’s goes to many of the key game parks – such as Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, South Luangwa and the Okavango Delta - that other operators miss or charge extra for. Rather than having passengers carrying large amounts of cash to cover game park costs, the company includes these entry fees in the tour cost – yet their tour costs remain some of the sharpest in the market.

Geckos is the only overland company to purchase a complement of gorilla permits – which are limited in number - at the beginning of each season, giving travellers the best chance of seeing the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda.

The new Gecko’s African overland safaris start with the 25-day African Wanderer which travels between Livingstone (Victoria Falls) in Zambia and Nairobi, Kenya, via the lake and mountains of Malawi; and takes in the laid-back lifestyle of Zanzibar and some of the best game parks in Africa: South Luangwa, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

This trip runs in both north and southbound directions.

The African Wanderer has departures year-round and costs $2695 plus a local payment of US$700, including transport (a combination of custom-built safari vehicle, ferry and 4×4 Land Cruisers); park entry fees, guides and most meals on safari.

At the top end is the epic 60-day Africa Encompassed, which begins in Cape Town and travels north-west through South Africa to the deserts and canyons of Namibia, to the salt pans and Okavango Delta of Botswana. From Livingstone (on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls), the trip continues through Zambia to Malawi and on to Tanzania and Kenya, taking in some of Africa’s best wildlife experiences along the way. The climax of the trip is the gorilla trek, where travellers have the opportunity of spending an hour with our closest relatives in the mountain forests of Rwanda.

The Africa Encompassed safari departs roughly monthly, year-round and costs $5585 including gorilla trekking permit, plus a local payment of US$1750, payable on arrival. This includes transport, park entry fees, specialist wildlife guides in addition to the cook, driver and local leader, camping equipment and mokoros (canoes) in Okavango.

The Gecko’s Africa range also includes overland trips and shorter safaris that can be linked together, as well as time out in Zanzibar and a Mt Kilimanjaro trek. For further information contact Gecko’s Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.geckosadventures.com to download a pdf file of the new brochure.

Explore Egypt with a tourist guide

Hailed as “the travel service innovation of 2008″ by the Irish Times

OurExplorer facilitates with ease the on-line booking of professional tourist guides from all over the world. Save time and money while you explore your next destination with the wisdom and guidance of a local.

Have you ever thought whilst visiting a new destination, “I wonder where the locals eat, drink, fish, ski, shop or party?” OurExplorer suggests its time for us all to stop simply sight-seeing but rather start exploring with the local wisdom and knowledge of a professional tourist guide.

OurExplorer has launched a new travel concept in BETA, a user-rated tourist guide booking tool created exclusively for your personal travel needs.

As the global financial crisis still looms, OurExplorer can save travellers hassle and money by getting the maximum out of their overseas adventure with a private tourist guide.

Enjoy the insight of the best shopping and value for money dining experiences in a city, directly from a native. Some tourist guides are currently offering special discounted rates and free tour hours on OurExplorer.

OurExplorer promote professional tourist guides only. Pre booking, the traveller can view their experience, license, past client testimonials or even chat with the tourist guide.

OurExplorer launched in July 2008 with now over 400 private tourist guides covering more than 80 countries worldwide — making it the biggest professional tourist guide directory in the world and growing all the time!

Make your trip overseas unique and full of adventure.
You book your flight and accommodation on-line, why not your tourist guide?
Get a tourist guide for land (city guide, mountain guide) or sea (diving guide).

Purpose of OurExplorer:

1. To help tourist guides increase their income thereby benefiting the local community - especially those in poor countries e.g. Kenya, Mexico and Cambodia.

2. Increase cross cultural awareness and acceptance via direct connection with locals e.g. people in USA get the chance to understand those in Pakistan and Israel

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry but it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends,” said Mahatma Gandhi.

“Less than 9.7% of overseas travelers interact in meaningful discussion with a local,” according to the Tourism 2020 Vision reported by WTO.

The IMF concluded in March 2007 that “direct support of independent local businesses when you travel has the most positive results on local economy”.

“Rather than just donating money, OurExplorer is a sustainable long term solution to help low income families globally,” said David Cunningham (Chief Exploring Officer).