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.

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

The ‘Sounds of Wisdom’ or Sauti za Busara annual music festival in Zanzibar will take place next year from February 12th to 17th. The annual event has gained global attention and some 400 performers and groups have so far performed in past years to the delight of thousands of visitors who come to Zanzibar every year.

The festival will start of with a ‘carnival’ parade and street events on the 12th February next year and will then be followed by performances of about 10 groups each day at the ‘Stone Town’s’ ‘Old Fort’. Local food delicacies, handicrafts and curio items will be on sale at the venue throughout. Entrance is free from up to sunset every day but passes or tickets will be required in the evenings.

The final event will take place on 17th February at ‘Kendwa Rocks’ on one of Zanzibar’s best beach locations and an all night party will then conclude the celebrations.

The Sauti za Busara festival this year will be preceded by workshops in art, journalism and music and specially tailored sound engineering and lighting courses, aimed at building greater capacity amongst East Africans.
Sponsors for some of the events are still invited and the festival organizers can be reached via www.busaramusic.org or email Busara@zanlink.com

Meanwhile, the Busara organizers have also confirmed their participation in ‘WOMEX 2008’, arguably the world’s biggest showcase event for international music and folk. Meet them at the showground in Sevilla, Spain between 29th October and 02nd November.

“Despite the chaos started by Mugabe in 1997, resulting in the near collapse of our Zimbabwean safari industry in 2000, we’ve continued to host guests,” says managing partner John Berry. “Our roots are African and we still have an office in the Zambezi valley. Throughout the last eight years our intention has been that as long as we have partners, friends and colleagues with a common hope in Zimbabwe we’re going to continue encouraging people to visit,” he adds.

“As a result, we’ve maintained our presence in Zimbabwe and are ready to offer safaris to anyone wanting to visit this marvellous country and all it has to offer.”

Highlights on offer include the legendary Victoria Falls, canoeing the Lower Zambezi and safaris in Hwange National Park. An 11 night trip including three nights at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (dinner, bed and breakfast) and eight nights at The Hide in Hwange (full board) costs £ 2,250 per person. This excludes international flights but includes various activities whilst at Victoria Falls: A guided tour of Victoria Falls, a helicopter ‘flight of angels’ over the fall, night game drive in Victoria Falls.

For a wilder adventure we have a fully backed-up canoe/walk safari which takes place in the Mana Pools National Park on the shores of the Zambezi River.

A fully licensed-armed Professional Guide, who is permitted to conduct canoeing and walking safaris, leads each safari.

The Department of National Parks and the Zimbabwe Hunters and Guides Association monitor all guides and set rigorous exams in order for a guide to become licensed. Special price valid from 15 April to 1st June 09 and 1st to 15th November 09 at £530.00 for 3 nights/4 days.

“Zimbabwe was once widely regarded as one of Southern Africa’s top safari spots,” says John. “As a consequence of the country’s excellent guiding industry, camps and lodges in Zimbabwe have continued to maintain a high level of service even during these difficult times.

• 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

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

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).

VoyageTrek Travel
Cliff Hawk
(206) 695-2915
cliffh@voyagetrek.com
www.voyagetrek.com

SEATTLE—VoyageTrek Travel, the free online travel directory that provides destination match-making services for travelers, announced that it is expanding its program to African safaris and Galapagos Islands adventure cruising. This unique company premiered the AdventureMatch matching service in March 2008. The program has been enthusiastically received by the travel industry.

Current match-making categories include tours to Alaska, select fly fishing lodges, and dude ranches throughout the Western United States. VoyageTrek Founder Cliff Hawk says tour operators are responding well to the new program and the company has had an easy time recruiting top new tour operators. Answering to its initial success and ongoing demand, VoyageTrek continues to expand its travel segments and commitment to helping people find their ideal vacation.

“By adding Africa and Ecuador as travel segments, we provide exceptional value to travelers interested in these areas,” says Hawk. “No one wants to pick the wrong tour operator, and on the other end, the tour operators who are providing the best tours in the business often don’t have a marketing budget or are only known by word-of-mouth so they need an easier way to find leisure travel customers suited to their services.”

As the leading customer referral and match-making program in the adventure tourism industry, VoyageTrek provides multi-category, customized match-making between high-end travelers and suppliers. For adventurers wanting to find their ideal Alaska tour, fly fishing, or rafting destination, as well as a dude ranch, safari or Galapagos cruise, they can do a search at www.voyagetrek.com and click on the “Get Matched Now!” button and program link.

For tour operators interested in the adventure match program, log on to www.voyagetrek.com/operator  or call Hawk at (206) 695-2915.

Baobab’s Nature Expeditions provide adventurous travelers with a passport to the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders.

On these trips, visitors will have enriching and illuminating encounters with nature, allowing them to experience the world from a whole new perspective. Baobab’s team of expert guides will take participants off the beaten path in to wild and wondrous places that are as inspiring as they are educational. With Baobab, people can discover the heart and soul of each destination firsthand.

Whether they dream of seeing the grizzlies in Glacier National Park, crave the experience of a close encounter with a giant polar bear, or desire to reach out and touch a grey whale, Baobab will show travelers the way to a new brand of experiential travel.

Baobab provides access to some of the most knowledgeable guides in the industry, and these Nature Expeditions are led by naturalists who are experts in their field.

Their passion for uncovering and interpreting the mysteries of nature is second to none. Baobab offers trips for those that want to experience the wonders of some of the last truly wild places on earth in areas like Antarctica, Asia, Galapagos, Latin America, and the rugged and remote parts of the northern hemisphere.

www.baobabexpeditions.com