Jetsettersblog

Get out of the Jeep and Discover a Whole Different Africa! ~

A vacation to Africa has so much more to offer than just a jeep safari! With African Travel, Inc. , your trip to Africa can include unique and varied experiences you may have never even thought of! Different and wonderful experiences abound, and African Travel can add one or all of these unique adventures to your African Travel vacation plans for a trip that will create memories to last a lifetime! Here are the top 10 Unique Travel Experiences chosen by African Travel’s expert Safari Consultants:

Top 10 Unique Travel Experiences

Get Up Close and Personal with Great White Sharks
Explore the Terrain on Elephant Back
Ride the Dunes on a Quad Bike
Sail in a Dhow in Mozambique
Try a Camel Back Riding Safari
See the Terrain on Horseback
Enjoy a Balloon Ride
Take a Bicycle Safari
Go On a Walking Safari
Voluntourism: Give the Gift of Your Time

1. Get Up Close and Personal with Great White Sharks. Think of Africa and lions and elephants instantly leap to mind. But South Africa is also undoubtedly one of the top shark dive regions in the world! Great white shark diving at Gansbaai and Cape Town is possibly the greatest thrill you will ever experience. From both the boat deck and submerged in the safety of the specially designed cage, you will certainly get the view you are looking for of these magnificent and feared creatures. A full day tour can easily be added to any of our Popular Journeys that include a stop in Cape Town.

2. Explore the Terrain on Elephant Back.Share in the ultimate African experience. View tree tops, birds’ nests, and giraffes almost face to face. Sail high above the bushveld and feel part of the environment, instead of being just a passive observer. On elephant back, you are truly an integral part of the experience. Half day elephant safaris are easily added to any stay in the Victoria Falls area and are an included highlight to our Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa Popular Journey safari. For the ultimate elephant experience, consider another Popular Journey, South Africa’s Finest, which includes a two-night stay at Camp Jabulani. This property takes luxury to its highest level while also devoting attention to the care and well-being of orphaned elephants. Imagine an evening elephant-back safari followed by a romantic setting of a lantern lit bush dinner -a white linen table adorned with a selection of beverages, crystal glasses, fresh flowers and delectable canapés specially prepared by the chef. It is not hard to feel that “Life is good” as you unwind at the end of another day at Camp Jabulani.

3. Ride the Dunes on a Quad Bike. Namibia is bordered on two sides by deserts, the Kalahari and Namib, which have the largest sand dunes anywhere. By far the most exciting thing on four wheels, Quad Biking on the sand dunes is a rush like no other. Whether you’re speeding through the fast stretches or navigating the technical sections, Quadding will knock your socks off! All bikes are fully automatic. Quad Biking on the sand dunes is truly an amazing and unique experience. Quad Biking is offered as a safari activity on the Roaring Dunes and Soaring Skies of Namibia and the Footprints of the Bushmen in Botswana, to name just a few.

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

Coming Soon! Look for the new African Travel, Inc. Journal Page. Get travel tips, travel photos and testimonials, stories from the bush, and you can subscribe to the RSS feed to get all of these things in one place!

About African Travel, Inc.

African Travel crafts personalized African safaris and adventures for today’s travelers who crave an experience of a lifetime. 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 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.

Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States, Mwanaidi S. Maajar, will lead a small group of business executives on a Discover Tanzania tour, June 22 to July 3. It will be the second such VIP tour, a follow-up to last year’s successful group tour led by the ambassador. The itinerary will showcase Tanzania’s natural and cultural attractions and explore business and investment opportunities.

The VIP Safari will also include two exclusive dinners, one in Dar es Salaam with guest of honor Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, president of the United Republic of Tanzania; and the second in Zanzibar with guest of honor Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, president of Zanzibar.

Maajar will show the tour’s participants the potential for profitable foreign investment in the country through tourism, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation and mining. According to Maajar, Tanzania is rich in natural resources and natural wonders, including world-renowned tourist attractions (Serengeti National Park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and the spice islands of Zanzibar). It is a prime geographical location (six landlocked countries depend on Tanzanian ports). And it offers abundant arable land; a skilled labor force; warm, friendly people; and assurance of safety.” On Dec. 9, 2011, Tanzania celebrated its 50th anniversary as a peaceful and stable democracy.

Unlike the stark plains of northern Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania provide a fertile oasis for plants and trees to flourish. From the giant baobab tree – the only tree that can re-grow its bark, to the cactus-like candelabra tree which ‘bleeds’ poisonous sap used by tribesmen for hunting, the wild and remote Selous Safari Camp, Jongomero Camp and Ras Kutani provide the perfect environment to encounter this fascinating plant life.

Situated on the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the Selous Game Reserve, the Selous Safari Camp’s abundant water source supports the beautiful open palm forest in which it resides. The game reserve itself is home to over 2,100 species of plants and on a walking safari, guests are taught about their medicinal uses, as well as about ecology, game tracking and dung identification. This region is dominated by the classically African flat-topped Terminalia spinosa trees, which offer shelter from the sun for dozing lions and grazing herds of zebra and impala.

Located north-west of the Selous Game Reserve, the Ruaha National Park is a comparatively drier wilderness and home to the boutique, eight-tent Jongomero Camp. The Ruaha covers a unique transition zone where the eastern and southern species of flora meet. It is common to see the skeletons of trees stripped of their bark by the thriving elephant population – with the exception of the ancient baobab tree which, as a result of thousands of years of evolution can actually grow back its bark, almost like skin.

An idyllic retreat for nature-lovers, Jongomero Camp’s staff encourage guests to absorb the natural world around them, offering alfresco dining on the dry sand river and serving delicious Amarula Cream, made from the local marula fruit to guests as the sun sets over the camp. Guests also receive a small twig from the Feretia Apondanthera shrub on their pillow at night. In Massai culture this shrub is meant to have a magical quality and encourage positive spirits for travellers.

Hundreds of miles from the hot and dusty interior, on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, the beach retreat of Ras Kutani sits within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest. As much of Tanzania’s coastline has suffered from heavy deforestation, this pocket of nature is protected and offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forestsin East Africa.

Ras Kutani is home to a wealth of unusual plants, but one of the strangest has to be the knobwood, with its cork-like protrusions and short spines. The plant has been known to be used locally as an aphrodisiac – which is an appropriate quality to have, as the romantic beach retreat’s picturesque white-sand beaches and seclusion make it very popular with couples and honeymooners!

Rainbow Tours (www.rainbowtours.co.uk/  020 7666 1250) is offering a nine-night safari and beach adventure in Tanzania from £3,795 per person (saving £300 per person). Available for selected departures from 8 January until 1 March and throughout June 2012, the package includes flights from Heathrow with British Airways, six nights on safari split between the Selous Safari Camp and Jongomero Camp with game drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles, walking safaris and boat safaris, plus three nights at the exclusive beach retreat of Ras Kutani, on a full-board basis. Also included are internal flights, road transfers, taxes and surcharges.

Abercrombie & Kent is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with a safari tour of Kenya’s best-known wildlife reserves — Amboseli, Laikipia and the Masai Mara. Amboseli has diverse habitats from acacia woodlands to freshwater swamps, scrub brush and open plains and is home to a variety of wildlife, including hundreds of bird species, elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion and cheetah.

The Laikipia Plateau, a private conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya, is the setting for a Hemingway-style tented safari. The final stop is the Masai Mara. Each day of the anniversary safari is filled with “insider access” experiences.

Highlights include a chance to adopt at Daphne Sheldrick’s Baby Elephant Orphanage; Karen Blixen’s Mbogani House, the farmhouse where the author of “Out of Africa” lived; a visit to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project; a private meeting with wildlife documentary filmmaker and photographer Alan Root; hot air ballooning at sunrise over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush; and private plane charters from Amboseli National Park to the Laikipia Plateau and to Masai Mara.

Scheduled for Sept. 28 to Oct. 9, the 12-day trip is priced from $12,295 per person, double occupancy. Internal air is $1,995.

For more information, call 800-554-7094.

With African Travel, Inc.

Have you been looking for the ideal way to get the most out of your trip to Southern Africa? Are you short on time but want to see everything? African Travel, Inc. has the answer for you– Wild Kingdoms of Southern Africa ! This Southern Africa wildlife odyssey covers South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and it has a little bit of everything. This awe-inspiring journey will take you through some of the best safari destinations in Africa where you’ll discover the heartbeat of Africa through its scenic landscapes, incredible wildlife and wonderful people.

According to Jim Holden, president of African Travel, “For a safari enthusiast, this is the best southern Africa has to offer. And this year has proven to be an especially good one for game viewing! In Zimbabwe, most of the major game are seen on a daily basis.

I would like to point out that Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and if you’re going to see a waterfall take time to see this one!

When you choose African Travel, you benefit from our 35 years of experience in taking you to the right places for the best game viewing experience. Not every part of Africa is necessarily good for game viewing, so you want to trust an experienced operator with the right connections to optimize your vacation and see the best of African wildlife.”

African Travel works hard to be sure its guests only stay in the best locations. Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, offers truly spectacular game viewing. Near Somalisa is Ngweshla Pan, and this is a major attraction for large herds of elephant and buffalo.

All around the pan is grassland where zebra, kudu, impala, ostrich, and wildebeest graze happily with a watchful eye open for predators. Prides of lion relax under the shade of trees and even leopards can be seen coming to feed in the area.

The opportunities for wildlife viewing are far beyond your wildest expectations and you will never forget this once in a lifetime experience.

Muchenje Safari Lodge provides some of Botswana’s finest safari accommodation.

Its unparalleled safari experiences are ideal for both discerning patrons and newcomers to the bush alike. Situated on the western edge of Chobe National park, Muchenje is the only accommodation in this area, offering unique, prolific game experiences.

Chobe is famous for its large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with numerous predators, including lions, leopards and wild dogs.

There is a great diversity of plains game and an astonishing array of bird species. This is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the whole of Botswana, if not all of Africa!

Southern Africa Wildlife Tour – Wild Kingdoms Of Southern Africa

10 Days from $4,595 per person, land only; includes South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana

MARVEL at of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls, “the Smoke that Thunders ”

DISCOVER wildlife galore on early morning walking safaris as the sun rises over the bush, night game drives with a spotlight in search of the nocturnal species, and the unique perspective from the back of an elephant. The opportunities and activities are endless

EXPERIENCE the friendly culture of Botswana village life when you visit the local community and school

ENJOY authentic bush camps which blend African charm and elegance together with an excellent game viewing experience for the perfect safari recipe

Accommodations

1 Night Johannesburg

2 Nights Ilala Hotel, Victoria Falls

3 Nights Somalisa Camp, Hwange National Park

3 Nights Muchenje Lodge, Chobe National Park

For more information and reservations visit www.africantravelinc.com  or call (800) 421-8907. Read Jetsetters Magazineadventure feature stories about South Africa with African Travel Inc.

Tanzania is one of the most spectacular places for wildlife viewing in Africa, and African Travel Inc.’s unforgettable adventure to Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale will surpass your wildest expectations. Wildlife viewing in Katavi can be nothing short of breathtaking, especially the huge herds of buffalo and amazing numbers of hippo. Almost everywhere you look there is something grazing, bellowing, fighting, mating or hunting.

Further north, on the western border and the edge of Lake Tanganyika, is Mahale Mountain, another region where the clock seems to have stopped. The forested mountain slopes are home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees and eight other primate species. Mahale is considered by many to be the best place in the world to track wild chimpanzees. Observe them as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.

Chimpanzee tracking is even more limited in its opportunities than gorillas and viewing locations are further to reach. Thus it is a great privilege to observe these engaging creatures in their forest home.

Chimps are extremely vocal and quite active, which means treks may continue for quite a while as the chimps continue to move as they feed.

Mahale has sightings virtually every day and the chimps, being used to observation, continue with their daily activities in the company of their human observers.

Mahale Mountains National Park is home to one of Africa’s most studied chimpanzee populations. The support that visitors give through payment of park entrance fees provides the Park with the means to safeguard and protect this unique population of chimpanzees and the beautiful forest they inhabit.

Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale—9 days
1 night Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha
4 nights Katuma Bush Camp, Katavi National Park

3 nights Kungwe Beach Lodge, Mahale Mountains National Park
8 Breakfasts; 7 Lunches; 7 Dinners

Katuma Bush Lodge in Katavi has been designed to blend in with its surroundings to avoid distraction from the beauty of Katavi.

The Lodge underwent a full refurbishment in 2011 but retains an African simplicity and is an idyllic base for exploring the spectacular wildlife of this remote and wild Park.

Kungwe Beach Lodge in Mahale is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in a romantic setting. With the chain of wild, jungle-draped Mountains rising high up behind it, the lodge is ideally positioned along the beach under the tropical shade of the Mahale forest with breathtaking views over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale is from $5,695 per person land only, based on double occupancy.

Save $100 per person on any 2012 Brochure itinerary if booked by December 31, 2011!

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

About African Travel, Inc.

African Travel crafts personalized African safaris and adventures for today’s travelers who crave an experience of a lifetime. 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.

Read Jetsetters Magazine features about South Africa with African Travel Inc.

At The Beautiful Beach Retreat Of Ras Kutani -

Situated on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, just 35km south of Dar es Salaam, Ras Kutani (www.selous.com/ras-kutani) is a unique boutique beach retreat, which sits within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest. As much of Tanzania’s coastline has suffered from heavy deforestation, this truly is a hidden gem which offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forests in East Africa.

Thanks to owner and keen conservationist, Charles Dobie, this idyllic forest has been saved, cultivated and is now continuously patrolled in order to protect it and retain its natural beauty. The forest boasts 132 different species of trees, including mango trees (famous for their spectacular fruit) and the Marula tree (prized for its rich bounty of fruit, and the oil from the kernel, which is used to make moisturizer). Guests can enjoy watching the antics of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black- and- white colobus, as well as many species of birds, baboons, wild pigs, the elusive Civet Cats and other wildlife.

Available only at Ras Kutani, the From Tree To Tree self-guided tour steers guests through this eclectic ecosystem on a gentle, yet fascinating walk. The corresponding map highlights each point of interest along the walk from the wild custard apple shrubs to the African Breadfruit trees – where you’re most likely to find Sykes’ monkeys, yellow baboons, Blue Duiker and Giant African land snails!

In addition to the coastal forest, Ras Kutani promises the epitome of barefoot-luxury and a hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and tranquillity. The luxurious accommodation comprises nine open-fronted spacious, charming cottages, each with en suite bathroom, large verandah with a covered sand floor, seating area, hammocks and views of the clear lagoon, beach and Indian Ocean.

Ideal for water babies, the temperate seas and proximity of coral reefs ensure a wealth of marine life with the chance to see colourful fish, dolphins, whales, turtles and even a shipwreck. Complimentary snorkeling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available for those that wish to venture from their hammock or beach bed. And in season, turtles come to nest along the beach and guests are invited to get involved in projects that look out for their welfare.

Africa Odyssey (Toll Free 1-866-356-4691 / www.africaodyssey.com ) is offering seven nights at Ras Kutani, followed by a three-night sophisticated safari experience at the boutique Selous Safari Camp from $5,611 per person (saving $1,400 per person). Valid for travel throughout June and July, the price includes international flights from various US airports, internal transfers, full board and most activities.

With The Selous Safari Camp

The African bush might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of romantic world hotspots, however deep in the wilderness of southern Tanzania, the bountiful wildlife seems to disagree! From the diminutive dik dik, which stays with the same partner for life to the male zebra, who will lose his whole herd for his favourite mate, chivalry is evident throughout the Selous Game Reserve, with its namesake Selous Safari Camp offering an idyllic environment for a wealth of Africa’s loved-up creatures.

The luxurious Selous Safari Camp comprises two intimate camps, situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera – an important water source, which supports a myriad of birdlife and the largest crocodile and hippo population in Africa. While enjoying an evening sundowner on a boat safari, it is common to see the small oxpecker bird, who lives almost its entire life on the backs of browsing mammals! It lines its nests with the hair of giraffe and hippos and even feeds while on top of them.

While many of Africa’s creatures show plenty of flamboyant, flirty behaviour during the mating season – which generally begins in December, some of the relationships visitors can observe from their private verandah, or while on a walking safari or game drive, can appear closer to the need for armour than l’amore. For example, wherever a giraffe roams, you can be sure a lesser-necked beast with a poorer view of potential predators is sure to follow!

Even the smallest antelope in the world – the dik dik, is an important friend to have in the wilderness. Due to its’ tiny size it’s one of the most watchful and paranoid of the herbivores and is always sure to warn friends such as impala and kudu against approaching lions. As the Selous Safari Camp is unfenced, guests can sometimes see evidence of the dik dik close by. Whether it’s hearing one hurriedly scuttle in the bushes at night or spotting one briefly on the sandy pathways, this creature’s big, Bambi eyes are enough to melt even the hardest of hearts – no wonder it’s so lucky in love!

For ‘lovebirds’ wanting to experience the wild romance of Africa, Rainbow Tours (www.rainbowtours.co.uk  / 020 7666 1250) is offering a nine-night safari and beach adventure in Tanzania from £3,270 per person (saving £570 per person). Available for selected departures from 1 July until 31 October, the price includes flights from Heathrow with British Airways, internal transfers, four nights the Selous Safari Camp with game viewing drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles, walking safaris, boat safaris, concession and park entrance fees, plus five nights at the beach retreat of Ras Kutani, all on a full-board basis.

Tanzania is one of the most spectacular places for wildlife viewing in Africa, and African Travel Inc.’s unforgettable adventure to Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale will surpass your wildest expectations. Wildlife viewing in Katavi can be nothing short of breathtaking, especially the huge herds of buffalo and amazing numbers of hippo.

Almost everywhere you look there is something grazing, bellowing, fighting, mating or hunting. Further north, on the western border and the edge of Lake Tanganyika, is Mahale Mountain, another region where the clock seems to have stopped.

The forested mountain slopes are home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees and eight other primate species. Mahale is considered by many to be the best place in the world to track wild chimpanzees. Observe them as they groom, wrestle and forage across the leafy floor.

Chimpanzee tracking is even more limited in its opportunities than gorillas and viewing locations are further to reach.

Thus it is a great privilege to observe these engaging creatures in their forest home. Chimps are extremely vocal  and quite active, which means treks may continue for quite a while as the chimps continue to move as they feed.

Mahale has sightings virtually every day and the chimps, being used to observation, continue with their daily activities in the company of their human observers.

Mahale Mountains National Park is home to one of Africa’s most studied chimpanzee populations. The support that visitors give through payment of park entrance fees provides the Park with the means to safeguard and protect this unique population of chimpanzees and the beautiful forest they inhabit.

Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale—9 days

1 night Arusha Coffee Lodge, Arusha
4 nights Katuma Bush Camp, Katavi National Park
3 nights Kungwe Beach Lodge, Mahale Mountains National Park

8 Breakfasts; 7 Lunches; 7 Dinners

Katuma Bush Lodge in Katavi has been designed to blend in with its surroundings to avoid distraction from the beauty of Katavi.

The Lodge underwent a full refurbishment in 2011 but retains an African simplicity and is an idyllic base for exploring the spectacular wildlife of this remote and wild Park.

Kungwe Beach Lodge in Mahale is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in a romantic setting. With the chain of wild, jungle-draped Mountains rising high up behind it, the lodge is ideally positioned along the beach under the tropical shade of the Mahale forest with breathtaking views over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Remote Tanzania: Katavi and Mahale is from $5,695 per person land only, based on double occupancy.

Save $100 per person on any 2012 Brochure itinerary if booked by December 31, 2011!

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

Tanzania will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain on Dec. 9 with a number of activities. The Tanzania Tourist Board, Tanzania National Parks and Zara Tanzania Adventures are hosting a grand Kilimanjaro expedition, The Kilimanjaro Uhuru Climb, with 200 climbers from around the world, Dec. 4 to 7. The climbers will use four different routes to scale the mountain and will all meet at Uhuru Peak on the eve of Independence Day, Dec. 9.

The Expedition will honor the efforts of Tanzania’s first president, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, in tourism development and his campaign to spearhead Tanzania’s independence and African unity.

On Dec. 4, the Nyerere Day Relay Marathon will run from Mwanza on Lake Victoria to Butiama Village, the birth place of the founding father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. One hundred runners will participate in the 192-kilometer event. Runners will run in groups of 10. Each group will run a 19-kilometer lap. The event is organized by Capital Plus of Dar es Salaam. The celebrations will climax with Independence Day Celebrations at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Dec. 9.