Category Archives: Africa

Adventure Travel, Africa, Wildlife travel

andBeyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve Opens Near Victoria Falls

The &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge opened near Victoria Falls on August 1, following an extensive multi-million dollar rebuild. Situated in a 123,500-acre private wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, the lodge is set to provide the most luxurious accommodation and most unique wildlife experiences in the area.

&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. With one camp fully open and operational on August 1, the remaining camp is scheduled to open in September.

Highlighting the area’s cultural heritage, Matetsi is decorated with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone, and features a strong copper theme in homage to the mineral riches of the region. The lodge boasts a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. A 66-foot-long rim flow swimming pool stretches along the river’s bank.

A sole-use private villa, &Beyond Matetsi River House, adds exclusive accommodation for private groups of up to eight. The four-bedroom villa boasts its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool and its own fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler.

Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area and boasting extensive river frontage, &Beyond Matetsi offers the most rich and exclusive game viewing experience in Victoria Falls. Guests are in for exceptional game drives led by highly trained &Beyond guides, including consistent sightings of zebra, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the big herds of elephant that Matetsi is justly renowned for. Wild dogs and hyena are spotted on a regular basis and large prides of lion have made the reserve their home. Cheetah, and leopard, as well as the elegant sable and roan antelope are also among the species seen at Matetsi.

“Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are very excited to be relaunching Matetsi to the world,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO. “Not only does this well-loved reserve offer an outstanding guest experience for its stunning location on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, but it also allows them the opportunity to tour the world-famous Victoria Falls in true &Beyond style, using our own vehicles and guides.  The lodge itself will without question also set a new standard in Zimbabwe and at Victoria Falls.”

With the lodge situated in close proximity to the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls, a complimentary tour of the Falls is included in the rate for a stay of two nights or more at &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge. The activity is an interpretive tour accompanied by an &Beyond guide, and includes the opportunity to explore the paths around the Victoria Falls Park, visit the Livingstone statue, and learn about how the Falls were created. Afterwards, guests enjoy a decadent high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Extensive planning and reserve management has taken place on the concession for almost two years, encouraging wildlife to thrive in this ideal riverside location. As part of the ambitious project, 14 new waterholes have been created on the reserve, using strategically placed troughs and solar pumps. Additional pumps were placed at existing boreholes to ensure a steady water supply. A new network of roads has opened up the reserve for game drives, while bush clearing programs have limited the encroachment of fast-growing plant species, increasing the habitat for plains game.

The wildlife population has also benefitted from increased security efforts, with both armed National Parks staff and privately sourced employees being utilized for anti-poaching patrols.

For more information, or to book log on to www.andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel specialist.

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Africa, Nature Travel, safari

Wild Planet Adventures Secures Unprecedented 4-Hour Gorilla Trek Permit in Uganda

Wild Planet Adventures has just acquired a rare four hour Gorilla Habituation Permit in Uganda, quadrupling the amount of time travelers can spend with the gorillas.
Wild Planet Adventures has just acquired a rare four hour Gorilla Habituation Permit in Uganda, quadrupling the amount of time travelers can spend with the gorillas.

SAUSALITO, CA– Gorilla trekking is the most sought-after African safari after a classic “Big 5” safari and  Wild Planet Adventures has just acquired a rare four hour Gorilla Habituation Permit in Uganda.

“There are less than 800 Mountain Gorillas left in the world with more than 60% living in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The vast majority of Gorilla safaris include only standard permits, which allow a mere one hour to spend with the gorillas once your guides have located them. One hour is hardly enough time to get much more than a glimpse of the Gorillas, and it’s completely inadequate for most wildlife lovers who dream of having an up-close gorilla encounter reminiscent of Dian Fossey in ‘Gorillas in the Mist’,” said Wild Planet Adventures’ founder and director Josh Cohen.

Thanks to the company’s reputation and connections, for the first time ever travelers now have the opportunity to spend an unprecedented four hours with the Gorillas – four times the time allowed on any other gorilla safari. This VIP experience is included in Wild Planet Adventures’ special 25th anniversary safari Insiders Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas and Africa’s Rare 5.

Guests will spend half a day observing these majestic primates – including silverbacks. This is not just a short glimpse, there’s enough time to see them wake up, hunt, patrol, play, fight, copulate, nurture their young and build their nests. Guides will point out some of the intricate ways they communicate with each other during these activities.

This never-before-available gorilla trek from Wild Planet Adventures is led by experienced scientific researchers. Participants will actually be contributing to the careful habituation of a recently discovered Gorilla troop.  This habituation process is critical in order for Gorillas to get used to human presence without abandoning their natural behaviors, losing important survival skills, or becoming reliant upon humans for food.

As Cohen points out, “while it might be seen as advantageous if humans simply refrain from contact with Gorillas and avoid the need for such a habituation process, statistically that has proven to be more advantageous for poachers and deadly for Gorillas. A major advantage of a researcher-led safari is both the access to the four hour permit as well as the extremely high level of knowledge and expertise that the researchers have, allowing for a safe and rewarding encounter with one of the rarest animals on earth.”

Uganda is also an ideal safari destination because it also offers a wider variety of wildlife encounters (including the Big 5) than a classic safari in Eastern Africa. Long known as the “Pearl of Africa”, it is home to the world’s oldest rainforests, glacier capped mountains, roaring whitewater rivers, sparkling crater lakes, classic grassy plains, savannahs and wetlands. Its lush geography includes the Western Rift Valley, the Nile River (the longest in the world), Bwindi – the Impenetrable Forest, Lake Victoria, the legendary Rwenzori range – the Mountains of the Moon and the Ituri Forest. This incredible array of diverse eco-systems allows travelers to see some of the world’s rarest animals all in one trip.

In addition to the Mountain Gorillas, travelers will also join researcher teams for a full day Chimpanzee habituation safari and nighttime walking safari in Kibale National Park (home to over 12 primate species), enjoy safaris for tree-climbing lions and the “Big 5” in Queen Elizabeth National Park and visit the famous “Mountains of the Moon.” Another highlight is observing the intricate courtship and mating rituals of the stunning Kob antelope, and the playful antics of a colony of banded mongoose, cousins of the meerkats.

Wild Planet Adventures offers two ways to experience Mountain Gorillas in depth with their rare four hour habituation permit. Wild Planet’s 25th anniversary Insider’s Africa safari combines the seven day Uganda segment with a five day South Africa safari in the virtually unknown “green Kalahari”, an area south of the better-known Kalahari Desert that receives more rain. Here travelers will encounter habituated colonies of meerkats, along with Africa’s “Rare 5” including pangolin (scaly anteater), aardvark and aardwolf. The area is also prized for its sizeable populations of cheetah, rhinos, black-maned lions and more. The per person double rate for the 12-Day safari starts at $9,998. See: www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=south-africa&trip=insiders-africa-meerkats-gorillas-africa-s-rare-5
Those who prefer just the Uganda segment can take advantage of a stand-alone 8 day safari featuring the four hour gorilla encounter. Per person rates start at $6,498. (See: Uganda Ultimate Gorilla & Chimp Safari)

For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information for tours worldwide, visit http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/, call 1-800-990-4376 or email [email protected].

In April 2014 Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “Worlds’ 50 Best Trips” award from the editors of National Geographic Traveler for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Previous National Geographic Traveler awards went to Wild Planet’s Thailand, India, Panama wildlife eco-tours and its ultimate African safari in Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is also recognized by other top travel publications for its wildlife-focused itineraries in Africa, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia.

 

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Africa, Responsible Travel, Voluntourism

African Travel Expands Safari with Voluntourism Opportunities

African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for travelers to donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania.
African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for travelers to donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for guests to invest in Africa’s future. Travelers can donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania while enjoying African Travel’s award-winning collection, named one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best.”

“It’s our ultimate goal to provide our guests with the safari of their dreams while making a meaningful difference in the world,” said Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel. “We love the fact that our travelers want to give back to the communities they visit and leave their own legacy. We are heralding the age of voluntourism.”

National Volunteer Week 2016 will be held from April 10 through 17. African Travel guests can add voluntourism options to many of the existing brochure tours. One day is the most frequently requested addition, but travelers with more time can extend their opportunities.

African Travel also encourages the sustainable development of tourism by partnering with the TreadRight Foundation and supporting projects that benefit the environment, heritage and community of Africa. Other partners include the Amy Biehl Foundation, which contributes to community building programs in Cape Town, and WildAid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by shutting down global consumption of wildlife products.

African Travel, Inc. is a 40-year-old safari operator, with operations in Africa and the USA, offering customized and locally-hosted safaris to Africa at all price points. The company’s focus is solely on planning and operating safaris in Africa. We have dedicated, experienced teams in Africa, Safari Specialists in the USA, an extensive transportation fleet, numerous hotels, camps and lodges throughout The Travel Corporation‘s Africa-based associate companies. Refer to www.AfricanTravelInc.com for a wide variety of ideas and safaris.

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.

TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, visit TreadRight.org.

For more information and to book the safari, contact your Travel Professional, call African Travel, Inc. at 800-421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com.

 

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Africa, ecotourism, experiential travel, Nature Travel, Sustainable Hotels, Sustainable Travel, Wildlife travel

andBeyond Returns to Zimbabwe with reopening of Matetsi River Lodge

The experiential travel company andBeyond is thrilled to announce that Matetsi River Lodge in Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River and only 25 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, will rejoin its portfolio in July 2016, following a $10 million rebuild and renovation.

Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area (123,500 acres) and boasting a prime river-front setting, andBeyond Matetsi will offer some of the richest and most exclusive game viewing experiences near Victoria Falls, with sizeable elephant herds and the rare sable antelope as some of the highlights. It is opening just as Zimbabwe grows as a safari destination.

andBeyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. The main lodge will house a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. An 82-foot-long rim flow swimming pool will stretch along the river bank and a wine cellar that is ¾ submerged underground will look out onto the Zambezi at eye level. A private, four-bedroom villa, andBeyond Matetsi River House, will accommodate groups of up to eight. The villa has its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool, and fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef, and butler. In addition to twice daily game drives, andBeyond Matetsi will also offer interpretive bush walks, riverboat cruises, and canoeing.

CEO Joss Kent cites the expansion of the Victoria Falls airport – Including a new 2.5 mile runway, a new international terminal, and the construction of a new fire station and new control tower – as a major reason for the change in the travel dynamics, making it a perfect moment to revitalize an old safari favorite of the brand (andBeyond managed the lodge from 1996 to 2011).

“The lodge’s owner is totally passionate about the project and has worked incredibly hard to resuscitate the concession, focusing both on wildlife and habitat. This matches andBeyond’s core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People,” explains Kent. “Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are really excited to once again be helping to protect and nurture this beautiful and unique wilderness area back to pristine condition. The game experience that we will create at andBeyond Matetsi will provide an element that has been missing in the Victoria Falls area for far too long.”

Thanks to its years of involvement with the staff of Matetsi and its model of promoting conservation through involving the people who live near wildlife areas, andBeyond will be working with its community development partner, Africa Foundation, to engage with the local communities. andBeyond will follow its usual principles of employing from the local community as much as possible and purchasing as much as possible locally, contributing to the economy of both Matetsi and Zimbabwe.

The lodge is ideal for multigenerational travel. andBeyond’s specially designed children’s program, WILDchild, will keep young guests busy with activities such as making and using their own fishing rods, and making plaster casts of animal tracks.

Sitting areas and dining spaces will make the most of the river views, with an interactive kitchen. Pre-dinner drinks will be served in an open bar area looking out onto the river or in a cozy lounge complete with fireplace. An open area with a blazing fire-bowl centerpiece will provide the perfect setting for sundowners.

While the area’s cultural heritage will be highlighted with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone throughout, a more contemporary touch will be brought in with recent art by Zimbabwean artist Helen Teede. Splashes of bright blue will mimic the waters of the Zambezi River. A strong copper theme will run throughout the lodge in homage to the mineral riches of the region, from copper drums in the open-air outdoor enclosure known as a boma, to copper pots and pans in the kitchen and copper details on the bathroom taps. Simple glass coffee tables will showcase objects found along the banks of the Zambezi, such as driftwood, nests, and rocks.

andBeyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalized luxury tours in 15 African countries, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile and Argentina. The company also owns and operates 33 safari lodges and camps in Africa and India, as well as privately guided expeditions in Botswana, which positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel, conservation and community empowerment has been globally recognized with multiple awards over the years.

 

Visit www.andBeyond.com for more information.

 

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Adventure Travel, Africa, experiential travel, Wildlife travel

Wild Planet Adventures Marks 25th Anniversary With Exclusive African Safari

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Wild Planet Adventures has created a one-of-a-kind safari, Insider’s Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas, and Africa’s Rare 5
To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Wild Planet Adventures has created a one-of-a-kind safari, Insider’s Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas, and Africa’s Rare 5

Creatures in the wild don’t magically appear at a safari guide’s whim. But it certainly looks that way for one company that specializes in safaris that require a high level of wildlife expertise, often seeking rare animals and conducted in non-commercial destinations.

Wild Planet Adventures has spent 25 years honing techniques to observe some of the world’s rarest animals in their native habitats. They make special arrangements for exclusive site access and feature exclusive activities that allow silent approach to animals. They bring together scientific researchers and biologist guides to take advantage of wildlife migrations, seasonal courtship, nesting and peak activity times for up-close encounters in virtually unknown destinations.

2016 marks Wild Planet’s 25th anniversary, and Director Josh Cohen wanted to create a special anniversary trip that would highlight Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise with their most ambitious wildlife experience ever.

“For our 25th anniversary we wanted to offer a very special safari that would thrill both new and experienced wildlife lovers with access to some of the rarest animals in Africa, a safari packed with unprecedented wildlife opportunities such as the ability to spend four hours with mountain gorillas (most permits only allow one hour). This one-of-a-kind 25th Anniversary safari is our new Insider’s Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas, and Africa’s ‘Rare 5”

This 12-day safari combines South Africa and Uganda; a convenient grouping since South Africa is often a required stop en-route to Uganda. The trip begins in a remote and non-commercial area of South Africa known as the “Green Kalahari.” This virtually unknown savannah lies south of the better-known Kalahari Desert and features dependable rainfall that supports some of Africa’s rarest animals along with rhinos, zebra and giraffe. The “Green Kalahari” is a prized area to track big cats such as cheetah and black-maned lions (Africa’s largest).

 

But what drew Wild Planet to this little-known destination is an unusual phenomenon; from May to September some of Africa’s rarest nocturnal animals forage during the day instead of night, making it the best place to enjoy close encounters with members of Africa’s “Rare 5”- pangolin, (scaly anteater), aardvark and aardwolf. There are also 2 colonies of habituated meerkats, allowing for exceptionally up-close encounters of one of the world’s most popular and adorable creatures. This is just the kind of specialized wildlife expertise that Wild Planet is known for.

On Day 5 guests depart South Africa for Uganda to enjoy unprecedented access to one of the rarest animals on the planet, the mountain gorilla. Uganda is home to the highest concentrations of primates on earth, and the majestic gorillas are amongst the most coveted of all wildlife encounters. Only 840 mountain gorillas remain, of which at least 60% are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, in typical Wild Planet Adventures’ style, special arrangements allow its guests to spend four times the amount of time that is normally allowed in close contact with mountain gorillas.  This extended viewing time allows travelers to intimately experience the gorilla family as they wake up, hunt, patrol, play, fight, copulate, and breastfeed.

“It took some effort to secure the longer gorilla permit,” said Josh Cohen, Wild Planet Adventures founder. “We have arranged for an exclusive, unprecedented four-hour, researcher-guided permit which allows us more intimate time spent with the gorillas than any other safari operating today. Travelers will also join researcher teams for a full day Chimpanzee habituation safari and nighttime walking safari in Kibale National Park (home to over 12 species of primates), enjoy safaris for tree-climbing lions and the “Big 5” in Queen Elizabeth National Park and visit the famous “Mountains of the Moon.” The final highlights are the intricate courtship and mating rituals of the stunning Kob antelope, and a colony of adorable banded mongoose, cousins of the meerkats.”

This is an ideal second safari to Africa for travelers who have already seen the Big 5, even though the trip also includes those must-see animals. So it’s a perfect celebration of Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise for their 25th anniversary.

The per person double rate starts at $9,998. Guests fly by private plane from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Tswalu Kalahari, a private, sustainably operated luxury game reserve. On Day 5 guests transfer by plane to Entebbe, Uganda. Both mid-range and upscale accommodation options are available for the Uganda segment. 2016 Departures are May 16, June 26, July 19, Aug. 21, Sept. 17 (11-day trip) and Oct. 11, 2016, and private departures are also available on custom dates. For information.

25th Anniversary Season

Wild Planet’s 25th Anniversary season is packed with more of its signature wildlife features than ever. Its carbon-neutral safaris emphasize conservation and sustainability. Their expert wildlife guides go the extra mile to increase the chance of wildlife sightings and rare animals in destinations not often accessible to the general public. The company’s comprehensive itineraries balance diverse and complex wildlife habitats with key cultural experiences, allowing travelers the most comprehensive wildlife safaris possible in each destination.

In April 2014 Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “Worlds’ 50 Best Trips” award from the editors of National Geographic Traveler for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Previous National Geographic Traveler awards went to Wild Planet’s Thailand, India, Panama wildlife eco-tours and its ultimate African safari in Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is also recognized by other top travel publications for its wildlife-focused itineraries in Africa, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia.

For detailed itineraries, exciting wildlife photos and video galleries and booking information, visit www.wildplanetadventures.com, call 1-800-990-4376 or email [email protected].

 

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Adventure Travel, Africa

Join Abercrombie & Kent President on Luxury African Safari to Botswana

Celebrate the reopening of Sanctuary Chief's Camp in Botswana with Abercrombie & Kent President (c) Sanctuary Retreats
Celebrate the reopening of Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana with Abercrombie & Kent President (c) Sanctuary Retreats

DOWNERS GROVE, IL –Experience a one-time-offering of Abercrombie & Kent’s flagship Botswana Safari in Style hosted by A&K USA President Phil Otterson and Paul Bauer, Managing Director of A&K Southern Africa in July 2016 to celebrate the reopening of Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in the Okavango Delta. Limited to just 22 guests, this journey features a host of extras handpicked to elevate the experience, including a scenic Flight of the Angels helicopter tour over Victoria Falls, a ride on the Royal Livingstone Express train and a stay at Chief’s Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, which offers Africa’s finest game-viewing.

“This year Botswana is celebrating 50 years of independence,” says Otterson. “The story of Botswana’s journey from poverty to becoming one of Africa’s most stable, thriving societies and a leader in sustainable tourism is inspirational and I’m looking forward to sharing it with our guests.”

Botswana Safari In Style: Special President’s Journey

July 11-20, 2016

  • Explore three phenomenal wildlife areas – Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve – under the expert guidance of A&K’s incomparable safari guides.
  • View mighty Victoria Falls from a scenic “Flight of the Angels” helicopter ride.
  • Experience the newly rebuilt Sanctuary Chief’s Camp – named one of Africa’s best by Condé Nast Traveler – set in the Mombo Concession of the Moremi Game Reserve, home to superb “Big 5” game viewing.
  • Gather for a unique dining experience on the Royal Livingstone Express, as you journey by train through the untamed Zambian bushveld.
  • Sharpen your photography skills with a presentation by a noted wildlife photographer.
  • Meet the elephant whisperer and a trio of semi-habituated African elephants.
  • Tour Nakatindi Village by bicycle, a project supported by A&K Philanthropy, and learn how bikes make education and healthcare more accessible in this remote region.

As with all Luxury Small Group Journeys, Abercrombie & Kent includes private airport transfers on arrival and departure; Scenic Sundowners, a chance to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a spectacular view; and Travelling Bell Boy® service that transfers luggage from camp to camp, along with complimentary Internet access.

To learn more about this exclusive opportunity to travel on Botswana Safari In Style: Special President’s Journey (10 days from $13,295 pp/dbl), contact your travel professional, call 800.554.7094 to speak with an A&K travel consultant or go to www.abercrombiekent.com.

 

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Africa, Conservation, Sustainable Travel

Win 7-day Natural Habitat Adventures Kenya Safari for 2 in World Wildlife Fund Sweepstakes

You can win a 7-day/6-night safari, offered by Natural Habitat Adventures, to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya World in a sweepstakes from the World Wildlife Fund aims to raise public awareness of conservation efforts.
You can win a 7-day/6-night safari, offered by Natural Habitat Adventures, to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya World in a sweepstakes from the World Wildlife Fund aims to raise public awareness of conservation efforts.

You can win a 7-day/6-night safari to the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya  The World. Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Natural Habitat Adventures have just launched a sweepstakes for the safari, custom-designed by Natural Habitat Adventures for the sweepstakes and not available anywhere else. Enter by December 8; the winner will be randomly drawn in mid-December.

The week-long safari offers an immersion in East Africa’s iconic landscapes, amid some of the most prolific and diverse wildlife on the continent. The prize-winner and a guest will explore the vast savannas of the Maasai Mara in search of the fabled Big Five — elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard — and a host of other wildlife. Safari activities include classic game drives and exclusive guided bush walks on a private conservancy, with exceptional proximity to wildlife from a mobile safari camp located in a remote sector of the reserve.

The sweepstakes aims to raise public awareness of the efforts of WWF and its on-the-ground partners in Kenya who have worked together for years to protect elephants, rhinos and other wildlife by fighting illegal wildlife trade, minimizing human-wildlife conflict, and protecting critical habitat.

RULES

  • Enter the sweepstakes by visiting www.worldwildlife.org/sweepstakes and completing the sweepstakes registration form.
  • The sweepstakes begins on November 2, 2015 and ends on December 8, 2015.
  • Open to legal residents of the United States who have reached the age of majority at the time of entry.
  • The registration form requires each entrant to provide his/her full name, complete mailing address, date of birth, telephone number, and email address. All required information must be provided to enter and to be eligible to win.
  • During the sweepstakes period (November 2, 2015 – December 8, 2015), there will be a limit of one (1) entry per person. Sponsor (Natural Habitat Adventures) reserves the right to disqualify any person who submits more than a single entry.
  • No purchase necessary to enter or win.
  • Winner will be drawn at random in mid-December.

PRIZE DETAILS

  • Explore the savannas of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve via open-air 4×4 vehicles and on foot with a local Maasai guide, and spend three nights in a luxury mobile safari camp in the heart of the reserve.
  • Stay at an intimate safari camp on a private conservancy with exclusive activities that are not available in the national parks, including bush walks and night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife.
  • Opportunities to look for Africa’s Big Five—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard— as well as a multitude of other classic African wildlife such as giraffe, zebra, cheetah, gazelle and more.
  • Grand Prize package includes: Two (2) round-trip standard economy airfare tickets to Nairobi from a major commercial airport in the United States near the winner’s primary residence; accommodations for six (6) nights in Kenya (double-occupancy room, room and tax only); economy-class airfare from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve; meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7; services of the Natural Habitat Adventures’ professional Expedition Leaders and camp staff; airport transfers; and permit and entrance fees.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in 100 countries for over half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visitwww.worldwildlife.org to learn more and follow our news conversations on Twitter @WWFnews.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.  Nat Hab has donated more than $2 million to WWF and will continue to donate 1% of gross sales plus $100,000 annual through 2018 in support of WWF’s mission

 

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Adventure Travel, Africa

Passage to Africa Invites Solo Travelers on 2 Safaris at Zakouma National Park this Spring

Passage to Africa is inviting solo travelers to join two departures of its safari to Chad’s Zakouma National Park.
Passage to Africa is inviting solo travelers to join two departures of its safari to Chad’s Zakouma National Park.

Cape Town, South Africa – Passage to Africa is inviting solo travelers to join two departures of its safari to Chad’s Zakouma National Park.

The expedition, limited to a maximum of eight guests on only 16 safaris a year, starts with a night at the 5-star Kempinski Hotel in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital and largest city. Then travelers will charter to Zakouma for a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Camp Nomade.

Solo travelers are invited to join two departures, March 27 – April 4 and April 3 – April 11.

Camp Nomade is an upmarket mobile camp that allows guests to explore numerous paths and rivers across the 3,000 square kilometers of Zakouma Park. The wildlife experience rivals anything else in better-known safari Africa and perhaps more crucially, the park retains the ineffable sense of being truly wild.

Zakouma National Park, one of Africa’s most exotic, vibrant and unexplored areas of Africa is home to 66 mammal species and 374 bird species, highlights include:

Walking with the iconic elephant herd

Viewing flocks of more than 10 million red-billed quelea

The constant presence of northern carmine bee-eaters, like splashes of fire across the sky; a photographer’s dream

Encounters with predators both large and small

Spotting endangered species including the Kordofan Giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest and West African lion.

“A journey to Zakouma is like going back to an Africa that was 30 years ago; to have one’s senses ignited and to be inspired…and at the same time, to make a real contribution to conservation,” said Michael Lorentz, co-founder and CEO of Passage to Africa. “It is the personalization of the experience and its uniqueness, experientially, culturally and spiritually, that transports us. The rewards are infinite – beneath the rough exterior lies a wealth of warmth and undiscovered natural wonders.”

“News about Boko Haram’s involvement near Chad may be alarming, but issues have only occurred in areas at the far west of the country, more than 500 hundred miles away from Zakouma National Park in the east. Passage to Africa guides monitor these issues very closely and if there is any threat to the safety of the guests, the trip will be cancelled and all money will be refunded,” the company stated.

Passage to Africa is a premier safari company comprised of some of the most respected African safari specialists including Michael Lorentz, who started the bush career in South Africa’s Timbavati Game Reserve in 1985. He gained fame for creating Elephant Back Safaris in Botswana in 1991 before starting Passage to Africa in 2000, where he and his fellow guides are legends for family and solo adventure, conservation and historical safaris to Africa and beyond.

For more information and reservations, contact Passage to Africa, at +1 855 451 1689 or +27 15 793 0811; or visit the website at www.passagetoafrica.com.

 

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Adventure Travel, Africa, experiential travel

Natural Habitat Adventures Debuts New African Riverboat Safari in Botswana

Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.
Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.

BOULDER, CO – Natural Habitat Adventures is introducing an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers beginning in June 2016.

The Great African River Safari features an intimate cruise aboard the Chobe Princess followed by an overland safari through private reserves, a combination that offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana while also touching into Zambia and Namibia. Guests spend three nights aboard the Chobe Princess, plying the broad channels and backwaters of the Chobe River and its confluence with the Zambezi River, and five nights at small luxury camps exclusively for Nat Hab guests and deep within Botswana’s premier private game reserves.

The 10-day itinerary begins in Livingstone, Zambia, near Victoria Falls. Days 2, 3 and 4 are aboard Chobe Princess. Guests then transfer by air from Namibia into Botswana to commence the land portion of the trip, which includes immersive safaris in the Selinda and Moremi game reserves. The adventure ends in Maun, Botswana. Departures begin in June 2016 and are scheduled through October 2017. Rates start at $10,995 per person, double, and vary by travel date. See: www.nathab.com/africa/namibia-botswana-africa-cruise/.

“Animals absolutely abound here, and our guests will encounter them in exceptional seclusion on this private adventure,” said Nat Hab founder and president, Ben Bressler. Hundreds of hippos, enormous elephant herds (70,000 live in Chobe National Park on the Botswana side of the river alone), great numbers of buffalo and antelope, rafts of crocodiles, a multitude of water birds and more are on display from the boat’s outdoor decks, and in air-conditioned comfort through the panoramic windows. Excursions by small skiffs up narrow channels provide even closer eye-level sightings.

Each departure is limited to just seven guests to ensure the most personalized safari experience possible in the quiet, remote areas visited. On wildlife drives, each traveler gets a window seat for optimal viewing and photography.

The adventure also includes Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Nat Hab guests will have a guided tour of the national park on the rim, exploring different viewpoints over the falls via a network of walkways before heading upriver to secluded Toka Leya camp, located on the banks of the Zambezi. A sunset cruise is included, where guests are sure to see plentiful hippos.

Travelers lodge at remote tented camps booked exclusively for Nat Hab guests. These include Selinda Explorers Camp and Little Tubu, an isolated enclave on Hunda Island. Rather than frequenting the more heavily visited national parks in Botswana, guests explore private concessions where visitor numbers are strictly limited but wildlife is prolific. The 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve is vast big-game country home to huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope that are spotted on a regular basis. Hunda Island within the private Jao Concession borders Botswana’s famed Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. Huge numbers of various hoofed game abound here, with accompanying predators, especially lion and leopard. Guests fly on charter flights between locations, to reduce rough road travel and maximize time on safari.

Guests enjoy the personalized service of some of the top naturalist safari guides in all of Africa — a Nat Hab hallmark. A Nat Hab Expedition Leader accompanies the trip from start to finish. This staff also has additional training and resources provided exclusively to Nat Hab guides by World Wildlife Fund’s top researchers.

The Chobe Princess riverboat offers five suites with a choice of king and twin bed configurations. Bathrooms are en suite. Crisply decorated with contemporary flair in a palette of white, dove gray and chartreuse, the boat’s interior including the dining area and lounge make the most of its river setting with large picture windows and sliding glass doors in the cabins that provide private views of an ever-changing landscape.

For more information see www.nathab.com/africa/namibia-botswana-africa-cruise/

For information on all of Nat Hab’s trips, descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit www.nathab.com.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.

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Adventure Travel, Africa, experiential travel

Lion World Travel Offers Special Rate for Last Minute Victoria Falls & Botswana Safari

Lion World Travel is offering a last-minute 10-day "Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe" safari.
Lion World Travel is offering a last-minute 10-day “Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe” safari.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.– Lion World Travel is offering an incredible last minute 10-day vacation package to Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana from U.S. $3,699 per person including international economy airfare, based on two people sharing a room. This affordable and carefully curated safari vacation takes you to Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and the Chobe Game Reserve in Botswana, famous for its enormous elephant population and magnificent scenery. This “The Wonder of Victoria Falls and Chobe” vacation package is valid for travel from Oct. 21 through Dec. 20, 2015.

The itinerary also includes:

Economy class flights from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg on South African Airways

Regional flights to Victoria Falls and back from Kasane

Road transfers as per the itinerary

Seven breakfasts / three lunches / five dinners

Four nights at the newly refurbished four-star Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, featuring an onsite waterhole and a non-stop parade of wildlife visitors

Three nights in luxury at the four-star Mowana Safari Lodge, offering superb and comfortable accommodation on the banks of the Chobe River

Guided walking tour through the magnificent rain forest of Victoria Falls

Tranquil sunset cruise on the Zambezi River

Boma Restaurant dinner for an African experience

Six game activities at Mowana Safari Lodge including game drives, bush walks, fishing and bird watching

Mowana river boat cruise at either sunrise or sunset to witness the breathtaking beauty of the colorful African skyline

This package is valid for travel from Oct. 21 through Dec. 20, 2015 and is priced from U.S. $3,699 per person sharing.

Lion World Travel, in its 51st year, is a leading North American tour operator specializing in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of Travel Corporation , which also includes: Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Insight Vacations, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.

For details and reservations, contact Lion World Travel at 800-387-2706 or visit www.lionworldtravel.com.

 

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