[جتستّرسبلوغ]

قد أضاف [برغرين] مغامرات جديدة إلى ه إفريقيا برنامج أن يغري مسافرات إلى ما بعد اللعبة متنزهات أن يختبر الطاقة وتنوع من العالم قديمة يسكن قارّ.

في [إست فريك], قد قدّم الشركة إلتواء على السفريّ نموذجيّة مع جوهره جديدة من تنزانيا مغامرة, أيّ يضمّ [فولّ-سوبّورتد] مخيم متحرّكة (مع [إنسويت] مراحيض) في الجيّدة لعبة متنزهات مع فريد وخبرة غير منسيّ ثقافيّة. هناك لعبة مشاهدة: فيل (و [بوبب] أشجار) في [ترنجر] و [تري-كليمبينغ] أسود في بحيرة [منرا], [أس ولّ س]
[أوب-كلوس] مجابه مع ال `كبيرة خمسة' في [نغرونغرو] حفرة والقريبة خاصّة حفظ منطقة. [سرنجتي] الموقعة من الهجرة عظيمة حيوانيّة على أرض, ويضمن المرونة من المخيم متحرّكة ال [ولّ بوسّيبل] حيوان برّيّ مشاهدة.

غير أنّ ربّما الحدث هامّ عظيمة من الرحلة إنفاق وقت مع [هدزب] حطابات, تنزانيا قبيلة قديمة و [هونتر-غثررس] بدليّة يفكّر أن يكون ارتبطت إلى ال [سن] الناس من [كلهري]. جدّا قد تلقّى قليل من سائحات الفرصة أن يزور قريتهم وتلاقيت في عمليّة صيد. ال 11 يوم يغادر جوهر من تنزانيا رحلة من كيليمنجارو مطار شهريّا بين يونيو - حزيران
ويكلّف مارس - آذار و$5335 [بر برسن], سهم مزدوجة, بما في ذلك تكييف, نقل, زعيمة [برغرين], كثير وجبات, متنزهة مدخل رسوم و [دومستيك فليغت].

قد قدّم في [سوثرن فريك], [برغرين] اثنان, مغامرات [إيغت-دي] أنّ يستطيع كنت ضممت أن يشكّل ال 15 يوم بوتسوانا وزامبيا إكتشاف رحلة. لحيوان برّيّ متحمسات, هذا الرحلة نهائيّة, يضمّ خاصّة لعبة احتياطيات وبعض من إفريقيا مشهورة لعبة متنزهات.

[سترت ت] الرحلة فكتوريا سقوط ورؤوس إلى بعيدة [كفو] [نأيشنل برك] لاثنان يشبع أيام على الساعة لأسد, نمر وظبي. الجنوبيّة [لونغوا] يتلقّى [نأيشنل برك] واحدة من التركيزات غنيّة لعبة في إفريقيا - بما في ذلك قرن ضخمة [هيبّو].

Heading into Botswana, first stop is Chobe National Park before the vast, arid expanse of the Makgadikgadi salt pans (for quad bike exploring) en route for the Khwai River region, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve – where spotting the ‘big five’ is virtually guaranteed! Botswana’s most famous attraction is left until the end: the magnificent, tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, where motorised transport is traded for the peace of a paddled canoe (mokoro).

The 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour departs Victoria Falls every three weeks between June and October and costs $8895 per person, twin share, including all transport, entry fees, accommodation, leader and domestic flight.

The cost of all Peregrine trips includes carbon off-setting the land and domestic air portion of
the trip. For further information call your travel agent or Peregrine Travel Centre on 1300 854
500. Download a .pdf of the new Africa brochure or watch a video of Peregrine’s African adventures at www.peregrineadventures.com

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

Ethos Marketing is delighted to announce their appointment as the UK office for Baines’ River Camp in Zambia.

Baines’ is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, adjacent to the Lower Zambezi National Park and opposite Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site on the Zimbabwe riverbank. The camp is named after Thomas Baines, the famous English born artist, explorer, naturalist and author who spent much of his life in Africa, and who joined David Livingstone on an 1858 Zambezi expedition.

BAINES’ RIVER CAMP ACCOMMODATION:

EXPLORER SUITES
Eight elegant bush suites, named after African explorers. Each colonial-style suite, some with outdoor showers, pushes luxury to its limits in the Zambezi valley and commands a unique view over the river. Six of the suites boast king-sized beds, whilst the other two offer twins.

BUSH TENTS

Two East African Style Bush Tents, based on a solid floor, with en-suite bathroom facilities and carpeting throughout. These tents are available for pilots and specialist guides.

WHY BAINES’?

One of the last real wilderness areas of Africa.
Undeveloped. Uncontrived.

Some of the finest game viewing and birding in Central and Southern Africa, enjoyed on game drives, on foot or on the river by game cruise or in a canoe.
Specialist birding weeks with David and Sally Johnson to increase your knowledge of birds, trees and habitats - and add some “lifers” to your list.
Five-night photographic workshops with Roger and Pat de la Harpe.
Attend a fly fishing clinic from September to end of season - and try your hand at catching a fierce Tiger Fish.

Some of the finest cuisine in Africa. There are no set meals times or set menus in the wilderness!

To view a map please visit

http://www.bainesrivercamp.com/map.htm

Access to the Zambezi Valley is easiest via the Capital, Lusaka. Direct flights from London Heathrow to Lusaka are available – or guests can fly via Johannesburg. From Lusaka it is just a 30-minute flight to Royal Zambezi airstrip and a short drive to the lodge. Intrepid travellers can drive all the way to the camp if they have a 4×4, including a crossing of the Kafue River by ferry. Alternatively, vehicles can be parked at Gwabi River Lodge and be collected by boat at an additional cost.

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 Djenné 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.

They may be environmentally friendly, but a new study reveals that wind farms are proving deadly to bats because changes in air pressure can cause fatal internal injuries. Thankfully for bats, Zambia is reassuringly wind farm-free! Join Wildlife Worldwide on a 7-night bat safari, specially timed to coincide with Zambia’s spectacular bat migration – an ecological phenomenon, departing London 21st November 08.

Every year at the end of October thousands of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats congregate in the trees of the Mushitu swamp forest near the confluence of the Musola and Kasanka rivers in Kasanka National Park.

The bats come to feed for just six short weeks, gorging on the abundance of seasonal fruit and by mid November their numbers reach into the millions. To see the bats dispersing at dusk against the setting sun is one of Africa’s wildlife wonders and one that definitely shouldn’t be missed. Apart from bats, Kasanka is at its most beautiful during this time.

The forest comes alive with migratory birds and wild flowers, and morning sightings of the rare Sitatunga are guaranteed from the sixty foot high Fibwe Hide. There is also an opportunity to visit the Bangweulu Swamps, a vast watery wilderness best known as the place where Livingstone died in 1873, and as the habitat for the increasingly rare Shoebill, an unusual stork-like bird, now considered to be a distant relative of the pelican. After witnessing the marvels of central Zambia, a light aircraft transfer whisks guests off to Nkwali Camp to experience the miracles of wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park in the ‘green’ season.

The safari costs from £2,850 p/p including scheduled flights, all transfers, safari lodge accommodation, all meals, national park fees and expert wildlife guiding.

Wildlife Worldwide
0845 130 6982
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
www.wildlifeworldwide.com

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

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

Chongwe River Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, announces the addition of the Cassia Suite, an intimately private, stand-alone unit overlooking the Zambezi River where it joins with the Chongwe.

This premium site was originally the Valley home of Chongwe River Camp owner Chris Liebenberg, who relinquished it to extend elite accommodations at the luxury bush camp. The Cassia Suite offers the seclusion, exclusivity and romantic setting prized by honeymoon couples. Built in the same grand style as the camp’s Albida Suite, the octagonal tent features gauze windows that can be rolled up during the day.

The adjoining bathroom is appointed with a double basin, shower and a free-standing bath. Composed of organic ferro interspersed with natural wood, the walling around the bath allows for both privacy and the luxuriance of open-air bathing.

The lounge at the front of the suite is outfitted with comfortable plush chairs and sofas and is accented with fine antiques. Beside it is a private pool set at the edge of the river, the ultimate place to relax and relish the confluence of two great rivers and the drama of the northern escarpment. A separate dining area allows meals to be taken in the suite or in the main camp.

Safaris are available and are accompanied by knowledgeable, professional guides for an exhilarating, safe and informative African experience.

There are no fences at Chongwe. Thus, nothing bars an extraordinary safari — either real or of the mind.

But the real includes huge populations of elephant, lion, and leopard and more than 250 species of bird life, making game viewing in this area of Zambia exceptional.

Guests may choose day or night game drives in open safari vehicles; guided walking tours; canoeing or motor boating to view wildlife along the riverbanks.

Fishing is another option, especially Tiger Fish angling. Rate for 2009 peak season (July to October) at Chongwe River Camp Cassia Suite is $850 per person per night (based on double occupancy).

Price includes accommodations, meals and drinks, laundry, all game viewing, National Park fees and transfers to and from the local airstrip.

Reduced rates are available for low season (April to June and November) at $700 per person per night (based on double occupancy).

Visit the Zambia blog within Jetsettersblog.com for more Zambia travel deals.

For more reservations information,

email reservations@chongweriver.net

 or visit www.chongwe.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.

For a limited period tailor-made natural history specialist Wildlife Worldwide is offering savings of at least £355 p/p on its 12-day Leopards of Luangwa tour, centred around Kapani Lodge, former home of Zambia’s father of conservation, Norman Carr, and its satellite bush camps, Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli, departing Heathrow throughout September and October 2008.

The holiday is based in the 9,050 square kilometres of Zambia’s renowned South Luangwa National Park and guests are accommodated for three nights at Kapani Lodge, once home of Zambia’s most famous conservationist, the late Norman Carr.

A further two nights is spent at each of Kapani’s satellite bush camps, Luwi, Nsolo, and Kakuli. Kapani’s bush camp experience is particularly unique as each camp is located in a different habitat - the broad banks of the Luangwa River, the edge of open grassland or mopane woodland close to a waterhole – thus offering diverse game viewing opportunities. Included activities feature walking safaris with expert naturalist guides – something for which the Luangwa is renowned, morning and afternoon game drives and night-time safaris with spotlights. Luangwa Valley is rich in wildlife, but in particular is the site of Africa’s highest naturally occuring Leopard population.

Of 60 other resident mammal species recorded, Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Cookson’s Wildebeest and Nile Crocodile feature high on the list together with an exciting array of over 420 birds including some of southern Africa’s most colourful species. Complete the holiday with a relaxing night at Pioneer Camp, near Lusaka, a great conclusion to a Zambian wildlife adventure.

The holiday now costs from £3,095 p/p (normally £3,450 p/p) including scheduled international and regional flights, lodge or bush-camp accommodation with all meals and drinks, expertly guided game viewing, transfers and all National Park entry fees.

Wildlife Worldwide
0845 130 6982
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
www.wildlifeworldwide.com