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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For a remarkable African overland, look no further - Dragoman Overland still have availability on November departures from Cape Town to Vic Falls or Addis Ababa to Khartoum. Trek in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, overland into the immense 1km deep Blue Nile Gorge and visit the spectacle of the Whirling Dervishes, unique to Sudan, or boat safari through Botswana’s Chobe NP, meet Cheetahs at Otjitongwe in Namibia and quad bike through the dunes of the Namib Desert before soaking up the atmosphere in Cape Town ? life-changing journeys await!

Deserts, Delta & Dugouts ? 21-nights, departing Cape Town 23rd November 2008. (Trip code DDD148).

This action packed itinerary promises a comprehensive insight beyond just the highlights of South Africa. Explore Cape Town and its surroundings, the Cape of Good Hope and iconic Table Mountain. Journey through the Cape Province then cross the Namib Desert, home to extraordinary wildlife, including herds of Elephant, Zebra, Oryx.

?Visit a breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross, then head off to one of the most stunning areas of Namibia, the wildlands around Spitzkoppe Mountain (1,987m). Continue north to the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta before jeep safaris in Chobe NP, famed for its huge Elephant population. Finally, explore the falls and gorges of the Zambezi River, canoe the Upper Zambezi or take a flight to see Victoria Falls in all its glory.

The overland costs ?595 p/p plus kitty of US$550 (~?296) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland?s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master.

Ethiopian Highlands & Sudan - 25-night, departs Addis Ababa 19th November 2008. (Trip code EHS48)

Overland journey following the Nile from Ethiopia?s Addis Ababa to Khartoum in Sudan. Expect few western amenities and likely deviations to the planned itinerary, all of which reflect the ?otherness? of this region of Africa. Step into a world of ancient Christian and Muslim traditions against a backdrop of memorable sights and sounds ? the confluence of the Niles, Blue Nile Falls and Gorge, Gondar, the Grave Dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, Lalibela Churches, Bahir Dar, Axum, Lake Tana and the Monasteries and the stunning Simien Mountains National Park.

The tour costs ?925 p/p plus kitty $320 (~?172) including travel aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, hotel and camp accommodation (65% / 35%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

Dragoman Overland
01728 861 133
info@dragoman.co.uk
www.dragoman.com

A Camping Safari in Tanzania is the quintessential African Safari experience. Gone are the days when camping meant tucking into a sleeping bag under the stars. Nowadays, camping in the African bush can include luxuries like four poster beds, hot showers and 5 course dinners prepared by top chefs!

Camping in the bush of Tanzania is the quintessential African Safari experience. To sleep under canvas in the depths of the African wilderness in a self-sufficient campsite, is something that can be enjoyed by all.

Aim 4 Africa http://www.aim4africa.com offer camping safaris for all; young and old. To enjoy the spirit of real Africa it helps if you are searching for a true adventure and love the idea of being challenged in this unpredictable wilderness. It also definitely helps things along if you have a great sense of humour with a willingness to participate and get a little dirty at times!

Camping safaris are designed to get you truly close to nature. Often there is just a piece of cloth between you and the African night. You will be enthralled by chorus of nocturnal birds, insects and a pride of roaring lions in the distance, which will inevitably sound you off to sleep.

Aim 4 Africa offers a range of camping options that makes ’sleeping under the stars’ easy. The view is that camping does not have to mean ‘roughing it’; it is more a case of accessing wilderness areas and getting as close to nature as is possible.

None of the campsites within the Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks are fenced which means that animals are free to roam wherever they choose, and often do, coming very close to the tent including lions, giraffes and buffalo!

Aim 4 Africa offers 3 types of camping options, starting with basic. Basic campsites are usually public campsites, shared with other groups and most include shared bathroom and toilet facilities.

Semi-Luxury camping means bigger and more spacious tents with shower and toilet tents plus a wider range, of mostly 3 course meals. Most camps are private and for the exclusive use of the group and more often than not, they are in the heart of the wilderness.

Luxury camping is exactly that, permanent or luxury mobile tented camps, complete with comfortable luxury beds, ensuite shower rooms and chemical toilets. 3 or 5 course meals prepared by the most discerning camp chefs and presented by handsome waiters in the warm comfort of a dining tent, followed by liquers by a campfire as you listen to the sounds of hyenas, lions and crickets all arond you are an experience out of this world!

Mobile Camping is particularly ideal for witnessing the Great Migration as the camp moves to where the herds are situated at a particular time of year. Most have the added luxury of campfires with after-dinner drinks and a nightcap served with full service from chefs, waiters and camp attendants.

One thing for sure is that camping in this magical location in East Africa is a truly memorable experience. So if you want to experience real Africa, with the thrill of sitting around an open camp fire with the southern skies bright overhead, listening to the evening song of millions of animals then aim for Tanzania and Aim 4 Africa.

Prices for 2-3 people for basic camping starts at 1,075, semi-luxury camping at 1,370 and luxury camping at 2,100. (prices based on 2008 rates, subject to change) The price is based on a private safari in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with professional English-speaking driver/guide, camp chef, 3 meals a day, camp and park fees, crater fee, visit to Olduvai Gorge and trek with a Maasai Warrior in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

To find out more call 0845 408 4541 or visit http://www.aim4africa.com

About Aim 4 Africa Ltd

Aim 4 Africa Ltd is a specialist tour operator organizing bespoke holidays to East Africa - Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi. All programs are designed with the unique, first hand experience of the founders all of whom are East African. The company’s main ethos is responsible travel, ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism and that nature and wildlife conservation perseveres for the benefit of future generations.

For further information contact us at enquiries@aim4africa.com

KAMPALA, Uganda?A delicate eco-system remains in post-conflict Uganda and Rwanda as well as lives that depend on that eco-system remaining safe and healthy. Volcanoes Safaris is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda, and was founded in 1997.

They have created an unrivalled and integrated set of eco-tourism services that introduce clients to the great apes of Africa and the stunning beauty of this area, while ensuring that this eco-system and the surrounding communities are maintained in a sustainable way. Gorillas are undeniably the most unique primate that survives in the forgotten forests of Africa. Sadly, there are only some seven hundred Mountain Gorillas left on the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Man poses the most serious threat to the populations of Great Apes in these areas, but something can be finally be done.

Volcanoes Safaris organizes tracking in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda or in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, housing guests at unique eco-lodges located in these parks. Visiting gorillas and chimpanzees in these parks helps fund conservation and community projects - schools, roads, clinics, community centers, and helps the people of local communities understand the value of their continued survival. In post-conflict Rwanda, the Volcanoes Safaris BLCF Project, backed by the British government, has helped improve hotel infrastructure, train local people in hospitality and guiding, increase income and develop new skills.

The project will bring over 1.5 million US dollars to the Rwandese economy. In Uganda, the company will be setting up a partnership project near the Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee sanctuary. The team at Volcanoes Safaris believes that long-term partnerships between ecotourism companies, local communities, conservation organizations, governments and donors are essential for the survival of primates.

www.volcanoessafaris.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).

Launched By Sanctuary Lodges & Camps

Luxury safari operator Sanctuary Lodges & Camps will be launching new walking tours through Kenya?s Masai Mara, which is renowned for being Africa?s big game territory. This will coincide with the opening of two new luxury tents at the company’s deluxe lodge, Olonana.

The expansion of Olonana will be completed on 1st August 2008 and will bring the total number of rooms at the Kenyan property to 14. A new mini-spa featuring local Africology products will also be opening in a few weeks time. Sanctuary Lodges & Camps has recently made history by opening the first full-service spa in Botswana at its luxury lodge, Chobe Chilwero.

Bordering the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Olonana?s new nature walks and tree planting excursions will bring guests up close to zebra, cape buffalos, elephants, hyena and the resident hippos lazing in the Mara River. Kenya?s Masai Mara region is also home to Africa?s largest concentration of lion, cheetah and giraffe.

Olonana is situated on the banks of the Mara River and consists of 14 spacious permanent tents, each featuring two queensize beds, en suite bathroom with shower, and large verandas with picturesque views. The camp boasts its own secluded swimming pool and a riverside dining room and lounge.

At Olonana, Sanctuary Lodges & Camps? professional driver guides take guests on game drives in open 4×4 vehicles to observe the area?s excellent game viewing. Guests at Olonana can also experience Kenya?s rich cultural heritage by visiting the traditional Masai people in the adjacent local village.

Other excursions at the lodge include a sunrise hot air balloon ride and a scenic flight in a classic biplane ? both across the impressive Masai Marai.

Booking information

Sanctuary Lodges & Camps? Zambian properties can be booked through a number of tour operators, including:

Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.com
Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
Africa Travel Centre www.africatravel.co.uk
Africa Travel Resource www.africatravelresource.com
Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com

Bailey Robinson www.baileyrobinson.com
Expert Africa www.expertafrica.com
Inspirational Travel www.inspirational-travel.com
Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk
Magic Globe www.magicglobe.com
Rainbow Tours www.rainbowtours.co.uk
Steppes Travel www.steppestravel.co.uk
Travel 2 www.travel2.com