Jetsettersblog

New for 2009, Elite Vacations has combined its Indian Ocean and Middle East and Africa brochures to offer one new 100-page brochure. Commenting on the decision, Elite Vacations’ Managing Director, Peter Jackson* said, “With such a high proportion of our sales tailor-made and many of them two centres, it has become logical to have a one-stop-shop brochure. We are delighted that this streamlining process has also greatly reduced our carbon footprint.”

As in 2008, the new combined brochure is supported by a smaller-format dedicated 44-page Seychelles brochure** which offers greater detail on the operator’s leading destination.

In the combined brochure the UAE continues to dominate the Middle East programme: 13 properties in DUBAI now including the NEW Atlantis the Palm plus a selection of the emerging Emirates with hotels in AJMAN, RAS AL KHAIMAH and FUJAIRAH.

• LEAD IN for Dubai: Five nights b&b at the 5 star Hyatt Regency Dubai costs from £845pp including return flights with Emirates from Heathrow and private transfers. Regional departures available.

In OMAN, Elite’s private car cultural tour the ‘Oman Adventure’ takes in Muscat, Al Sawadi, Nizwa and Sur, with options to extend in Musandam and Salalah. The choice of hotels in Muscat includes the long awaited re-opening of the newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

• NEW: The 5 star Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat costs from £1329 per person for five nights, including return flights with Oman Air, private transfers and b&b accommodation.

The operator’s JORDAN programme is similar to 2008 with the popular ‘Jordan Discovery Tour’ visiting Amman, Jerash and Petra and options to further extend in Petra, Dead Sea or Aqaba (Red Sea).

Elite has devoted a full page of its brochure to Middle East two-centre arrangements of ten to 12 nights. Dubai is linked with Muscat, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

• NEW: A 12 night two-centre of Sri Lanka and Dubai leads in for £1595pp including flights with Emirates from Heathrow, eight nights’ b&b at the Taj Exotica in Columbo, Sri Lanka and four nights’ b&b at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai plus private transfers.

For the SEYCHELLES, the operator is offering a total of 45 properties in 2009. Following their success in 2008, the number of Seychelles Secrets - small hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation has been doubled. All these can be found in the dedicated Seychelles brochure, but a selection are in the main brochure along with hotels on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, plus private island resorts including Bird, Denis and the newly refurbished Ste Anne Resort and Spa. A page on recommended island hopping itineraries demonstrates how product can be tailored to accommodate specific requirements.

• LEAD IN for Seychelles in 2009: £899pp for five nights’ b&b at Lazare Picault on Mahé including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow and private transfers. Extra night from £30pp.

• UPGRADED: Five nights at the newly reopened 5 star Beachcomber Ste Anne Resort and Spa costs from £2169pp including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow, private transfers, and half board accommodation in a Villa Beau Sejour

In MAURITIUS, Elite Vacations offers 25 properties including four NEW hotels, Sugar Beach, La Pirogue, Les Pavilions (recently upgraded) and The Grand Mauritian which opened in 2008.

• LEAD IN: Five nights at Bois d’Oiseaux near Trou aux Biches costs from £899 per person where four people share a two-bedroom self-catering apartment

• NEW: Seven nights’ half board at the 4 star La Pirogue in Flic en Flac costs from £1625 per person including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow and private transfers

Elite Vacations is offering 13 properties in the MALDIVES with the new 5 star Diva Maldives resort on Ari Atoll making its debut.
• NEW: Seven nights’ half board in a junior suite at the 5 star DIVA Maldives costs from £2239 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow and transfers.

In SRI LANKA, the programme remains largely unchanged with a seven night Sri Lanka Discovery Tour taking in Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya plus a choice of three beach hotels.

• LEAD IN: Seven b&b nights at the 5 star Taj Exotica in Bentota costs from £1109 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers

In MADAGASCAR, there is a seven night Madagascar Adventure Tour plus three beach hotels for extended stays. Also available are options of two-centre holidays with Mauritius or with an East African safari using the new Kenya Airways service from Nairobi.

• LEAD IN: A seven night Madagascar Adventure costs from £2598pp including return flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and full board accommodation (half board in Tana)

In 2009, Elite Vacations offers a choice of four 4 x 4 safaris in EAST AFRICA plus a choice of seven beach hotels in MOMBASA and ZANZIBAR

• LEAD IN: Seven half-board nights at the 4 star superior Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar costs from £1098 per person including return flights with Kenya Airways from Heathrow via Nairobi and transfers.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS – Growth in 2008 has prompted Elite to expand the brochure coverage on weddings and honeymoons. The Gift Voucher scheme has proved very popular with honeymooners for reducing their overall cost or for upgrades.

TWO CENTRES - There is a greater emphasis on two centre options this year, and there are a further two pages suggesting popular African and Indian Ocean twin-centres, although different hotels and durations are also available.

SPA - The overall spa offering has been extended in response to the popularity of these properties in 2008, and two pages set out some of the most popular spas featured across a range of destination, and the treatments and products offered in each.

Peter Jackson**, Managing Direction of Elite Vacations, commented, “We continue to offer a cross section of product to appeal to most budgets. Our policy of treating all clients the same, however, means that no matter what the holiday cost our clients receive complimentary lounge passes at the UK airports and private transfers in resort.

Both Elite Vacations’ 2009 brochures are supported by the website www.elitevacations.com  which has been updated to offer greater choice and in many cases, more detailed information and further images.

• All prices are unconditionally guaranteed at the time of booking and include scheduled flights, airport lounge pass and private transfers (where appropriate).

• Contact: Elite Vacations 01707-371000; www.elitevacations.com
**Elite Vacations’ 2009 Seychelles brochure is currently the only one dedicated to the destination available in the market place this year

You could do a last minute trolley dash in the sales – those beige slacks have been reduced yet again! Alternatively, sod the credit crunch, put some colour in your life and book a ticket on an African overland. Dragoman still has space on three departures of its excellent value, adventure-packed 23-day African overland, from Nairobi to Victoria Falls – 19th January, 8th February and 19th March 09 (the latter departure operates in reverse).

Travel through the heart of Africa on a stunning overland route that includes the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. In Tanzania, go wild camping in Serengeti NP, take a jeep safari in spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and overnight at Mt. Kilimanjaro, plus see a side of Africa well off the usual tourist trail, in the small villages of Usambara Mountains. Relax on the tropical spice island of Zanzibar before hitting the road again, travelling through Mikumi NP, en route to Malawi. Explore the local markets along the way and visit a community project at Malawi’s Luwawa Forest Lodge. Crossing into Zambia, head for Victoria Falls, Africa’s adventure capital, and get your adrenaline highs in any number of ways - bungee jumping, taking a flight across the Falls, white-water rafting or riding an elephant.

The tour costs £725 p/p plus kitty $1,010 (~£684) (~£657 kitty for March departure) including 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

Native Escapes, specialist operator to Southern Africa, has nominated the Against Malaria Foundation as it’s chosen charity, and is pledging to purchase a malaria net for each client booking a trip.

The World Health Organisation estimates that there were nearly 880,000 deaths from Malaria in 2006; of which 91% were in Africa, and mostly of children under 5 years. The supply of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) has been identified as one effective method to combat malaria, however, despite big increases in the supply of mosquito nets in Africa, the number available is still far below the need in most countries.

By donating nets, Native Escapes hopes to achieve a double aim of ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach communities most in need, whilst simultaneously raising awareness of this killer disease.

Director Sharon Holmes comments:

“The Against Malaria Foundation was particularly appealing to us because this dreadful disease is so prevalent in the continent we send visitors to. The purchase of LLINs goes directly towards saving lives: statistically, 20 long-lasting insecticide-treated nets installed save one child’s life.

The charity has a number of benefactors, meaning that any costs are covered, and all monies raised go directly towards the purchase of nets. Perhaps more uniquely, donations can be tracked online:- we can let our clients know which consignment their net is in, and they can track where that consignment is – right through to delivery to local African communities”.

Native Escapes specialises in tailor made and small group trips to Southern Africa, with an emphasis on good quality accommodation, using locally employed guides, and devising itineraries with lots of highly memorable activities, like tracking wildlife on foot, swimming with wild dolphins, and canoeing through the reeves in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

For more information on trips offered by Native Escapes, see www.nativeescapes.com email info@nativeescapes.com  or call 020 8977 7034. To make a donation to Against Malaria, or for more information, see www.againstmalaria.com

Specialist operator Sanctuary Retreats is offering five nights for the price of four at two of its luxury lodges in Botswana. The offer also includes a complimentary spa treatment when staying at Chobe Chilwero, which is home to the first full-service spa in Botwana’s safari circuit. This special package is valid for stays between 15th January and 31st March 2009 and is part of a range of deals in celebration of Sanctuary Retreats’ 10th anniversary in 2009.

Visitors can spend two nights at either Baines’, Stanley’s or Chief’s Camp and three nights rejuvenating and revitalising at romantic Chobe Chilwero – an exclusive 15-room safari lodge overlooking the Chobe River – before receiving a third night at Chobe Chilwero absolutely free.

This package includes a complimentary full body Sweet & Savoury Body Scrub at the Chobe Chilwero Spa, which is the first of its kind in Botwana’s safari circuit, as well as meals and drinks, laundry service and park fees. All game viewing activities are lead by experienced and professional guides.

Most of Sanctuary Retreats’ luxury lodges and camps in Botswana are located in the renowned Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s foremost wildlife destinations. This special package consists of the following properties:

Chobe Chilwero

Chobe Chilwero made history in June this year by launching the first full-service spa in Botswana’s safari trail, following complete refurbishment of the lodge. The property is located nearby to the Chobe National Park and boasts 15 air-conditioned thatched cottages, each of which have their own en-suite bath, indoor and outdoor showers, private garden with hammock and viewing terrace over the river. The spa is a significant new development for luxury tourism in Botswana. It features an indoor spa bath, Vichy showers, hydro baths, Jacuzzis and two private treatment rooms, one of which will be elevated in the treetops overlooking the Chobe river.

Baines’ Camp

Intimate Baines’ Camp features five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in Botswana’s tree line. Each suite features private viewing decks and en-suite bedrooms equipped with fully mobile four-poster beds that allow guests the choice of sleeping under the stars on their own deck. The main area benefits from an oversized deck for outdoor gourmet dining; views over the game-rich African landscape; and a swimming pool with two sala’s.

Stanley’s Camp

Stanley’s Camp consists of eight classically styled safari tents elevated on decking above a 260,000 acre private concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. Each deluxe tent comes equipped with handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, en-suite facilities and a private deck verandah. The camp offers some of the best game viewing and walking safaris in the Okavango Delta, offering the chance to walk amongst buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard and wild dog.

Chief’s Camp

Chief’s Camp is situated on Chief’s Island in the exclusive Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve – the only place in Botswana where white rhino can be seen in their natural environment. The camp is comprised of 12 luxury bush pavilions, each boasting private game-viewing decks, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers and spacious four-poster beds. Visitors can also take a dip in the camp’s private swimming pool and enjoy regular sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah.

Booking information

Sanctuary Retreats’ lodges and camps 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

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats’ luxury lodges and camps are part of the company’s wider portfolio, which also encompasses river and expedition cruises around the world and stunning villas in Europe.

Walking specialist operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has launched a new holiday to South Africa’s magnificent Eastern Cape.

This is a 20 day, half board ‘adventure’ which embraces some of the most unspoilt destinations.

The tour begins in the Addo National Elephant Park (about an hour from Port Elizabeth) where one drives in open topped land rovers to view a wide variety of game.

Next stop, is Graaff-Reinet in the Great Karoo – the base for visiting the Valley of Desolation – massive rocky pillars which dominate a King Solomon’s Mines’ landscape.

Other highlights of the holiday include Nieu Bethesda – centre of a vibrant artists community’ the Mountain Zebra National Park (with its stunning Bushman paintings); the village of Hogsback in the lush Amatola Mountains and, finally, the sub-tropical beach resort of Umngazi on the Indian Ocean – renowned for its excellent sea food.

Price £1,940 per person – 20 days includes, return flights from Heathrow, transfers, half-board accommodation and the services of a tour leader.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays -01707 331133
www.RamblersWorldwideHolidays.co.uk

Many of Africa’s premiere lodges and camps are now offering significant discounts to attract visitors in light of the global economic downturn, according to Africa Specialist Safari company Aardvark Safaris (www.aardvarksafaris.com).

Current Africa Travel Specials with Aardvark Safaris

Aardvark Safaris is now offering this 10-night Kenyan safari at a discount of over $500 per person if you book and pay for the safari by 31 March 2009. The price includes all meals, local drinks, safari activities, airport transfers and internal light aircraft flights. International flights are extra. The safari includes a stay at the legendary Tortilis Camp, just outside Amboseli National Park and overlooked by the snow capped north face of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania luxury
Pay for two nights at Kusini luxury tented camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and get the third night free of charge. Kusini usually costs $595 per person per night and is perfectly situated for game viewing in this world famous park. This offer is valid until March 2009.

Exotic beach
Stay at beautiful Quilalea on the glorious northern Mozambique coastline for three nights or more in February, May and June and your partner receives a 50% discount, equivalent to $135 per night.

To book these special offer safaris, or others across Africa, ring Aardvark Safaris on: 1 888-776-0888; www.aardvarksafaris.com. We are happy to help arrange trips for journalists, providing original ideas and helping plan an itinerary.

Please contact us for more information. Julie@aardvarksafaris.com  info@aardvarksafaris.com

Optional quote: “Many of the lodges we work with are determined to offer great value and there are plenty of savings out there at the moment. With many properties a little quieter than usual you may also find you have your own safari guide for the duration of a trip without it costing you any extra,” says John Spence, co-owner of Africa travel specialist Aardvark Safaris.

Optional information: Aardvark Safaris organizes safaris to more than 15 countries in Africa, from Kenya to South Africa. The Aardvark Safaris team personally inspect every lodge and camp it recommends to clients. They have slept in the beds, eaten the meals and walked with the guides, which means their clients really do experience the safari of their dreams.

We are Aardvark Safaris know how expensive a family vacation can be. So we’ve come up with three family safaris in Africa that offer tremendous savings, and create memories of a lifetime. Even better, these deals literally keep thousands in your pocket, without losing one bit of the adventure and luxury that is an Aardvark Safari.

Start Packing!
Saruni Camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve is promoting family travel in 2009 with an offer that permits one child (under 16 yrs) per family to stay free of charge.

Robin Pope Safaris in Zambia also has a similar promotion, whereby for a family with 2 adults, every 2nd child is free (the youngest upward being the free child). So for a family of 4 or 5, the youngest is free; for a family of 6, the second-youngest is free. This offer is applicable at Nkwali, Robin’s House, Luangwa Safari House, Chongwe River House, Chongwe River Camp, Tongabezi, Tangala and Pumulani on Lake Malawi.

And, finally Nomad Safaris in Tanzania is promoting a family safari in which the youngest child under the age of 16 gets all accommodation and meals free of charge.

To book these special-offer safaris, or others across Africa, ring Aardvark Safaris on: 1 888-776-0888; www.aardvarksafaris.com

Please contact us for more information. Julie@aardvarksafaris.com  info@aardvarksafaris.com

To Biggest Africa Programme Yet For 2009/10

Bales Worldwide has added two new destinations to its choice of African holidays for 2009. Independent and group travel options to Madagascar and Rwanda join holiday choices in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mali, Ethiopia, Mauritius and Uganda making the 2009 programme the largest ever for the operator.

Prices for group travel start at just £1895 per person for the eight day Masai Mara Safari in Kenya with departures on the 2nd and 30th April 2009. The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online at www.balesworldwide.com

The programme for 2009/10 covers 40 holidays options within the continent with two choices of escorted group holidays as well as 17 frequent departures, 21 suggested itineraries and an increased selection of tailor made travel options such as the stunning new Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda and the Shamwari Ranger School in South Africa.

“Bales has been steadily growing its Africa portfolio over the last five years and we now offer one of the most comprehensive programmes for luxury travel to Africa. From self drive safaris in Namibia, spa holidays at the stunning Quilalea island resort in the Northern Mozambique Quirimbas Archipelago to sleeping under the stars at the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, we offer 100’s of ways to enjoy this vast continent,” comments Iain Fenton, sales and marketing director of Bales Worldwide. “Madagascar and Rwanda offer some terrific new wildlife experiences as they are added to our portfolio for 2009,” Fenton added.

DANCING LEMURS IN MADAGASCAR

Like a lost world lying off the African coast, Madagascar is an island still delightfully untouched by mass tourism. With a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and unique wildlife experiences and an infrastructure still refreshingly unprepared for conventional travel, it is an ideal destination for those willing to trade modern comfort for a unique experience. Bales is offering several options including the 14 day Dancing with the Lemurs and Turquoise Seas holiday priced from £3450 per person or the 11 day Madagascar, Land of the Lemur trip which is priced from £3360 per person (first departure 13th February 2009). This trip sets off from Antananarivo to the Andasibe National Park and a visit to the Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the Indri Indri, the largest living lemur. Journey south via Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Ranohira, Toliara, Ifaty with the option to take a relaxing break on Nosy Be, known as the ‘Perfumed Isle’ to enjoy some diving or snorkelling.

RWANDA’S MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

The slopes of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains are home to nearly half the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. The country is a perfect extension to a Kenyan safari flying to Kigali from Nairobi and transferring out to the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, close to the entrance of the Parc National des Volcans. Spend three nights and trek out to search for one of the area’s five habituated families of mountain gorillas. This four night extension is priced from £2495 per person (includes flight to and from Nairobi).

SHAMWARI RANGER SCHOOL, SOUTH AFRICA

This award-winning reserve offers a unique safari experience as well as the Shamwari Ranger School which presents an authentic opportunity to truly discover the captivating heart of the African bush. The 3-day experience is an exhilarating departure from the normal luxury safari encounter, presenting a hands-on chance to come face to face with South Africa’s remarkable flora and fauna and learn something of the life of a guide. This three day option operates between May and September with prices starting from £1150 per person (exclusive of international flights) and include all meals, accommodation, selected beverages and a DVD of your experience to take home.

NEW CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE, UGANDA

Set deep in the heart of the misty mountains of south western Uganda, this new lodge occupies a high ridge on the edge of the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Built in partnership with local communities and the Ugandan Wildlife Authority and opened earlier this year, the lodge offers 10 stone cottages and is the ideal base from which to track the usually less accessible Nkuringo group of gorillas. Priced from £4950 per person for 8 days, including international flights with Kenya Airways and 4 nights at Clouds.

BOTSWANA’S NEW LODGES

Bales will also be offering two new camps by CC Africa in Botswana which opened in August 2008. Xaranna Tented Camp is a spectacularly sited camp overlooking a permanent lagoon of the Okavango Delta in 25,000 hectares of prime concession land. Its 9 contemporary en suite safari tents feature a romantic sala and private plunge pool and the camp’s ideal location provides guests with some exhilarating wildlife encounters both on and off the water. Xudum Delta Lodge is situated on a permanent channel of the expansive Okavango Delta and features nine delightfully appointed suites that blend in effortlessly with the surroundings and come with private plunge pools, romantic outdoor showers and dramatic 180° views. Expeditions by game vehicle or mokoro offer intimate wildlife encounters. Priced start from £2995 per person for 9 days, including 2 nights at Xaranna Tented Camp and international flights with British Airways.

For reservations or further information about the new Africa programme please call Bales Worldwide on 0845 057 0600 or go to www.balesworldwide.com

The Blue Train continues to shine, recently winning awards for its service levels, wine list - and even its magazine! Find out more about chartering the train for special occasions and watch this spot for details of new packages due to be announced any day now combining this luxury rail journeys with safaris, spas and golf.

The Blue Train Accolades
With over 60 years of opulence and classical splendor, The Blue Train continues to lead above the rest by collecting the continent’s prestigious awards. At the Africa Rail Awards ceremony held in June 2008, The Blue Train was named Best Passenger Rail Operator. Another award decorating the already brimming Blue Train cabinet for 2008 is the Platinum Diner’s Club Winelist Award for its wine list selection.

Another pride at The Blue Train is that of its magazine – The Blue Train Magazine, which is published by the well-established African Media Spirit Company. The magazine has been going strong for almost 18 months now, and is available to read as an on board complimentary guest magazine on the train itself and in the departure lounges in Cape Town and Pretoria. It is also now distributed to South African Tourism Country Managers worldwide. The magazine recently received several accolades at the South African Publication Forum Awards Banquet, and guests often comment on its elegant layout and interesting content.

Tailor-made charters
The Blue Train’s tailor-made charters continue to prove popular with corporates who charter the train for incentives, business and even leisure. The train can be chartered for occasions such as strategic meetings, product launches, VIP cocktail parties, et al. With the festive period around the corner, Christmas lunches, dinners and even wedding receptions, are the order of the week.

Special Packages
Since 2005 The Blue Train has partnered with other well-known tourism establishments to bring guests the ultimate travel and excellent value for money packages. Popular packages include a trip to the Pilanesberg National Park in the Northwest Province, where The Blue Train partners with Bakubung Game Lodge or Sun International’s Sun City – combining The Blue Train experience with game safaris and much more. Another of the much favoured packages is a trip to the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Country Club found in Kwazulu – Natal, South Africa’s “Kingdom of Pleasure.” “Our guests enjoy the option of the ultimate luxury travel accompanied by a stay at a five-star hotel with pampering spas and championship golf courses,” comments Cynthia Ndaba, Executive Manager of The Blue Train.

She adds, “With a long-standing reputation of South African hospitality, The Blue Train symbolizes the very essence of luxury train travel. Exquisitely crafted and appointed to achieve a degree of unequalled luxury to satisfy the senses of every guest from all corners of South Africa and the World. Welcome aboard!”

For more information on The Blue Train please visit: www.bluetrain.co.za  or contact The Blue Train offices on:
Pretoria; Tel: +27 (0) 12 334-8459 / 60; Fax: +27 (0) 12 334-8464/ 8081
Cape Town; Tel: +27 (0) 21 449-2672Fax: +27 (0) 21 449-3338

Escape the winter blues, get off the beaten track and grab some of the action with Dragoman on a 21-night journey loaded with adventure activities. From elephant safaris and white-water rafting to quad biking through the dunes of the Namib Desert and community projects along the way, this overland journey is a great way to experience the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of south western Africa, from Livingstone to Cape Town. The overland next departs 10th February 2009.

This action packed itinerary promises a comprehensive insight into more than just the highlights of Southern Africa. First up, explore the falls and gorges of the Zambezi River, canoe the Upper Zambezi or take a flight to see the magnificent Victoria Falls in full glory.

Continue south to safari in Chobe NP, the second largest in Botswana, famed for its huge elephant population, then canoe the lush ecosystem of the Okavango Delta observing hippo, crocodile, elephant and a vast diversity of flora. Cross the Kalahari to Namibia and camp at the beautiful n’Kwazi lodge, a tranquil spot on the banks of the Kavango River.

Next, Etosha NP - one of the world’s pre-eminent wildlife areas, before driving on to the wildlands of Spitzkoppe Mountain 1,987m (5,857 feet), to enjoy excellent hiking and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises - for those who can manage a 5.30am start! Visit a breeding ground for Cape Fur Seals at Cape Cross on the barren, inhospitable Atlantic coast, before journeying on through the Namib Desert. Explore Fish River Canyon - one of the world’s largest ranking with the Grand Canyon, before soaking up the atmosphere in and around Cape Town, including the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain.

The overland costs £695 p/p plus kitty of US$630 (~£397) including transport aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck and canoes, camp and hotel accommodation (90%/10%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local camp master. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

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