But this year tour operators in-the-know, such as Denver based Africa Adventure Consultants, have exciting new safari options to share in the country of Zambia. Long passed over for the luxurious safari lodges of South Africa and the wide-open plains of Eastern Africa, Zambia is now coming into its own as a truly wild African safari destination. The country is home to the famous Victoria Falls, the rugged South Lungua National Park and up-and-coming Kafue National Park, the largest protected park in Zambia, and is predicted to be Africa’s hot new destination in 2009.

“Zambia is one of Africa’s best kept secrets,” says African expert Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants, “it is less-charted territory that is still really wild. In the past few years we’ve seen a significant amount of investment in the safari lodges there, so the overall experience is quite comfortable and more importantly, free of the crowds that plague certain parts of Africa. I am confident that my clients are going to be choosing this destination for 2009!”

Leading a collection of new safari programs to Zambia for 2009, is Africa Adventure Consultants’ Animals in Action Safari.

 This adventure brings travelers face-to-face with Africa’s largest hippo concentration. Aside from some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing, travelers spend their days alongside true experts in safari guiding, conservation and African wildlife including Lex Hes: wildlife photographer and author of Leopards of Londolozi and many others, Michael Lorentz: naturalist and elephant conservationist, Phil Berry: former park warden and giraffe expert, Derek Solomon: seasoned safari guide and author, Manda Chisanga: knowledgeable guide and expert on traditional medicinal plants. This unique, one-time-only safari takes place in November 2009.

After returning from a recent assessment of Zambia, Africa Adventure Consultants’ Kent Redding has decided to add Lower Zambezi National Park to several existing itineraries for 2009.

This remote region is not only a great place for game drives but travelers can also take part in fascinating walking and most appealing canoeing, boating and fishing safaris. “With an expert guide and a cooler full of cold drinks, you can float down the Zambezi fishing for tiger fish, which can reach up to 15 pounds or more and are really great fighters. Otherwise, try for the smaller bream,” adds Kent Redding. “The Lower Zambezi is truly an inimitable experience.” Africa Adventure Consultants also plans to launch additional exciting Zambia-based itineraries in early 2009.

 Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.

The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. And now, the company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50% of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50%. With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Developed by AdventureWomen, Inc., this African safari in both South Africa and Botswana offers everything from “hands on” experiences to “wild” Africa—a variety of activities that keep adventurous women in awe.

As an exciting finale to this custom-designed wildlife viewing safari in Africa, participants will also visit the mighty Zambezi River as it cascades over thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Highlights of this women-only journey include viewing wildlife on safari in Botswana’s famous Chobe National Park, known for its large water buffalo and elephant herds, and taking a safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, a wild combination of unrivalled splendor and stark contrasts, on their own 2,500 acre private game reserve.

Travelers will also experience and photograph African wildlife with fully-guided game viewing in 4X4s, double-deck power boats, river boats, and on foot, and spend a day in the field with a “big game” vet; make a visit to a “Lion Park” to cuddle cubs; safari by elephant back; and safari on horseback (for horseback riders only).

Participants will enjoy wonderful African lodge accommodations in South Africa and Botswana, with private en-suite facilities and modern amenities.

They will be pampered with first-rate staff that provides personalized service and prepares fabulous meals. Travelers are also treated to a stay at the luxurious 5-star Stanley and Livingstone Hotel at majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, to view one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Dates: May 2nd-May15th, 2009.

Cost: $6,995 all-inclusive from Washington, Dulles, to Botswana, South Africa, and Victoria Falls ($800 deposit).

www.adventurewomen.com

The ‘green season’ between mid-January and early April, is a spectacular time of the year to visit the Luangwa Valley. Colourful flowering plants bloom, spectacular sunsets and dramatic electrical storms light up the night sky, migrant birds arrive to breed, big cats are easily viewed and the clearer air allows for great photography. In the 1950s, the late Norman Carr pioneered the concept of walking safaris in the Zambian bush and built the exclusive Kapani Lodge (meaning ‘place of mopane trees’) in the Luangwa Valley. Spend 3-nights at Kapani, exploring the central Mfuwe section of the South Luangwa NP during walking safaris, morning and afternoon game drives and night-time safaris with spotlights. Other than Leopards, 60 other resident mammal species recorded include Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Hippo, Cookson’s Wildebeest and Nile Crocodile, together with an array of over 420 birds, including some of southern Africa’s most colourful species. Later, travel up the Luangwa River to remote Kakuli Camp at its confluence with the Luwi River. Here, incredible boating experiences from the river into the lagoon systems allow for further game viewing activities. Return to Kapani Lodge for a final night before homeward flights.

Safaris cost from £2,795 p/p including scheduled international flights via Johannesburg (South African Airways), transfers, 4-nights at Kapani Lodge and 3-nights Kakuli Camp, with all meals and expertly guided game viewing activities.

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

SAVE 25% - Zanzibar & Zambezi Zigzag – 22-nights departing Dar for Victoria Falls 7th Dec 08.

Kick-off with 2 nights on the idyllic Indian Ocean beaches of the Tanzanian coast and 3 nights on the tropical island of Zanzibar, including a guided tour of Spice Plantations and a local lunch. From Tanzania, head to Lake Malawi, the world’s ninth largest, home to a greater variety of indigenous species of fish than any other lake. The lake serves as an important food source for the many Malawian villages scattered along the shore. The journey continues on to Zambia, and an opportunity to experience the prolific wildlife of game-rich South Luangwa NP during night and day safaris. The overland concludes with two further watery highlights, a canoe safari along the Zambezi and optional rafting and bungee jumping at Vic Falls.

The tour now costs just £394 p/p (normally £525 – saving £131 p/p) plus kitty $700 (~£388).

SAVE 25% - The Safari Experience – 23-nights departing Victoria Falls for Nairobi 14th Dec 08.

This tour combines all of the elements of the Zanzibar & Zambezi Zigzag but also includes a jeep safari in spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, wild camping in Serengeti NP and an overnight stay at Mt. Kilimanjaro, plus an opportunity to see a side of Africa well off the tourist trail, visiting small villages in the Usambara Mountains.

The tour now costs just £506 p/p (normally £675 – saving £169 p/p) plus kitty $600 (~£333).

Both tours include travel aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck, hotel and camp accommodation, all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local campmaster. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

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

Zambia is definitely the rising star of the African travel industry, Redding said. With new properties, remote game reserves and specialist safari guides, in-the-know safari operators like Africa Adventure Consultants can now offer a true wild Africa experience. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe may be coming back on the radar when it comes to African safaris, following word of the power-sharing agreement among the politicians there. Soon the country may be in a position to rebuild and flourish and the entire African travel industry anxiously awaits its rebirth. And as domestic airfare prices soar in 2009, air travel to Africa is still affordable. With new flight routes to Africa being added all the time, prices should remain affordable well into 2009. As the American economy faces some of its greatest challenges since the Great Depression, even luxury travelers are branching out and demanding more value for their travel dollars. Many travelers are seeking out destination specialists, such as Africa Adventure Consultants, who can help them plan an itinerary that is an outstanding travel experience but at less overall cost.

Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and most recently, Ethiopia.

The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes.

The company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50 percent of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50 percent.

With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups.

For information, call 866-778-1089 or visit www.adventuresinafrica.com

In East Africa, the company has introduced a twist on the typical safari with its new Essence of Tanzania adventure, which combines a fully-supported mobile camp (with ensuite toilets) in the best game parks with a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. There is game viewing: elephants (and baobab trees) in Tarangire and tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara, as well as
up-close encounters with the ‘big five’ in Ngorongoro Crater and the nearby private conservation area. The Serengeti is the site of the greatest animal migration on earth, and the flexibility of the mobile camp ensures the best possible wildlife viewing.

But perhaps the greatest highlight of the trip is spending time with the Hadzabe Bushmen, Tanzania’s oldest tribe and nomadic hunter-gatherers thought to be related to the San people of the Kalahari. Very few tourists have had the opportunity to visit their village and join in a hunt. The 11-day Essence of Tanzania tour departs from Kilimanjaro Airport monthly between June
and March and costs $5335 per person, twin share, including accommodation, transport, Peregrine leader, most meals, park entry fees and domestic flight.

In Southern Africa, Peregrine has introduced two, eight-day adventures that can be combined to form the 15-day Botswana and Zambia Discovery tour. For wildlife enthusiasts, this is the ultimate trip, combining private game reserves and some of Africa’s best-known game parks.

The trip starts at Victoria Falls and heads to remote Kafue National Park for two full days on the watch for lion, leopard and antelope. The South Luangwa National Park has one of the richest concentrations of game in Africa – including huge pods of hippos.

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

• 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

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