Airlink has launched daily flights that connect andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve to each other, as well as to other tourist hubs throughout Southern Africa.
Travelers to the experiential travel company andBeyond’s exclusive safari lodges in South Africa can now make use of a newly launched network of flights to quickly and seamlessly connect to the region’s top tourist destinations. Regional carrier Airlink has launched daily flights that connect andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve to each other, as well as to other tourist hubs throughout Southern Africa.
The new flight circuit, which operates daily, creates a number of easy travel possibilities by linking the two andBeyond reserves to each other, as well as to other top safari reserves in South Africa, including the northern and western parts of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, as well as Londolozi and Skukuza. It also allows guests to seamlessly enjoy a more varied travel experience by connecting both reserves with beach destinations such as Cape Town and Vilanculos in neighbouring Mozambique. Both andBeyond reserves can also now be easily linked with Livingstone in Zambia.
Not only have connections been made quicker and more convenient but andBeyond has added the new flights to its Fly Me To Phinda safari, which offers complimentary flights from Johannesburg when spending three nights or more at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge or andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge. The new links to Johannesburg and Skukuza will be included in the offer, while the remainder of the connections will be available as a supplement.
Airlink operates a brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 208BEX on all lodge hops, with the aircraft equipped with advanced avionics features that increase reliability during the low-cloud conditions that the South African lowveld and coastal areas are renowned for. Multiple flight legs can also be booked with the same carrier on a single ticket, resulting in assured connections and increasing peace of mind in the event of any schedule disruptions. Flights can also be booked by global travel agencies, allowing agents to combine travelers’ international flights and lodge connections on the same ticket.
The new flight circuit will be in operation from January 1, 2017, with flights already available for sale. For more information, please visit www.andBeyond.com, log onto www.flyairlink.com, or contact your travel agent.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
