Aftica Special 17 Page Supplement

SEPTEMBER 2009

South African AirlinesContinues to Fly High After 75 Years of Serving Its Spectacular Homeland

wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm •• Travel World News2 • SEPTEMBER 2009

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South Africa is growing in popularity,” said Marc S.Cavaliere, South AfricaAirways North America exec-

utive vicep r e s i d e n t ,based at theirU.S. head-quarters ind o w n t o w nFort Lauder-dale, Florida.“The mainsegments areleisure, busi-ness, friends

and relatives. At present there are moreleisure travelers than business, butbusiness is growing rapidly, increasingover 10% a year.

There is also such a broad rangeof things to see and do in SouthAfrica that most travelers havea real desire to come back.”

The airline, celebrating 75 years aloft,has been flying to the United States for40 years and is now offering non-stopservice between New York (JFK) andJohannesburg (Flight SA204), depart-ing Kennedy airport at 11:35 am and ar-riving in Johannesburg 8:45 am (localtime) the following day, with seamlessconnections from Washington D.C.(Dulles airport) with their “Star” ally,United Airlines.

The distance from New York toJohannesburg is 8,040 miles, which is agood reason to put your clients on SAA’scomfortable flight. While “sheer lux-ury” is available in Premium Class, withseats that totally recline, the airline hasnot forgotten its coach passengers.Economy class offers more leg room,seats are wider than on most airlinesand every seat comes with a plush pil-low, blanket and an amenity kit. Andalso, tasty meals.

South Africa is also an interesting, in-triguing land of great beauty withfriendly, relaxed people. English iswidely spoken (often with a British ac-cent) and it has a language all its owncalled, “Afrikaans.”

It was spewed out of a series of volca-noes millions of years ago, a magnifi-cent creation that is one of the most in-teresting and beautiful destinations inthe world.

Its people population is as interestingand varied as the land, with descen-

dants of Dutch and British settlers; alarge Indian population, both Hinduand Moslem; a people of mixed origincalled Cape Coloreds; the Bantu, de-scendants of various black tribes andthe Bushmen and the Hottentots, whomostly live in southwest Africa.

In addition to private enterprise gameparks, South Africa has dedicated alarge portion of their land to nationalparks, including the following north na-tional parks: Augrabies Falls, GoldenGate Highlands, Kalahari Gemsbok,Marakele, Richtersveld and VaalbosNational Park.

The Atlantic and Indian ocean coast-line, converging at Cape Point is a 2-hour drive from Cape Town and a goodstarting point to visit not only the coun-try’s wine district but also the incredibleCango Caves and the Ostrich Farms.

South African AirwaysVacations

Also worth checking into for yourclients are special offers from SOUTHAFRICAN AIRWAYS VACATIONS,commissionable to travel agents.

All packages include round-trip econ-omy class airfare from either New York(JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Johannesburg and Cape Town plusall regional transportation and mostmeals. In addition to set packages, thecompany is always happy to put to-gether custom itineraries.

The following is a sample of some of their most popular all-inclusive tours. Prices, of course, are always subject to change and do not includetaxes. KRUGER IN STYLE

10 days from $2,499, includes deluxeaccommodations at Protea Hotel

South African Airlines Continues to Fly HighAfter 75 Years of Serving its SpectacularHomelandJ OA N G O N Z A L E Z

MARC S. CAVALIERE

For thousands of top selling ideas plus the best airfares

Make up to 15%1-800-387-8850

Victoria Junction and Pafuri Camp,winelands tour, game drives andground transfers.SOUTH AFRICA IN STYLE

Nine days from $1,999, includes CapeTown, winelands tour, the JackalberryLodge in Thornybush Prive GameReserve or the Royal Legend SafariLodge and Spa in the Timbavati PrivateGame Reserve. SOUTH AFRICA ON SALE

Nine days from $1,899, starts in CapeTown and includes a Cape Peninsulatour, the Cape of Good Hope NatureReserve, sitting with the penguins atBoulders Beach, the winelands, cablecar to the top of Table Mountain, thenon to the Bakubung Bush Lodge in thePilanesberg National Park and gamedrives. CAPE TOWN IN STYLE

Nine days from $1,799, a chance toenjoy really fine wines with a visit to the4-star Vineyard Hotel & Spa located on six acres of gardens in a sub-urb of Cape Town known for its cuisineand fine wines and enjoy a range oftreatments at the Angsana Spa or visitthe fitness center. Also see TableMountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens,visit a wine farm in Constantia then onto Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. LION SANDS IN STYLE

Nine days from $2,399, staying at TheCape Cadogan Hotel with time to ex-plore the city and visit the winelands.Also two nights at the Lion Sands RiverLodge in the Sabi Sands Private GameReserve. PLANES, TRAINS & SAFARIMOBILES

Eleven days from $2,999 with a luxu-rious train journey on the Blue Trainfrom Pretoria to Sun City with butlers and private suites. Then to theBakubung Bush Lodge in the Pilanesberg National Park for someserious game viewing followed by aflight to Cape Town for a CapePeninsula Tour.South African Airways Vacations,888-722-4872,flysaavacations.com

NEW NON-STOP SERVICEBETWEEN KRUGERNATIONAL PARK ANDVICTORIA FALLS

Effective August 17, 2009, a new non-stopservice between Kruger National Park inSouth Africa and Victoria Falls will link twoof Southern Africa’s top destinations.

South Africa based airline carrier Airlinkwill give travelers the opportunity to experi-ence both destinations within one day, with-out a stop-over in Johannesburg. The servicewill be available on Mondays, Wednesdays,and Fridays, with the intention to expand thefrequency. The new flights allow travelers todepart from Nelspruit Kruger National Parkat 11:55 a.m. and arrive in Livingstone nearthe Victoria Falls at 1:50 p.m. The returnservice to Kruger National Park leavesLivingstone at 2:20 p.m. and arrives inNelspruit at 4:45 p.m.

Victoria Falls is home to Sun Interna-

tional’s luxurious The Falls Resort, which fea-tures the three-star Zambezi Sun as well asthe sophisticated five-star hotel The RoyalLivingstone. The Zambezi Sun is located ad-jacent to the Eastern Cataract of the VictoriaFalls. The Royal Livingstone is comprised of173 spacious en-suite guestrooms. SunInternational also operates resorts and lux-ury hotels in South Africa, Botswana,Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland.

Airlink is part of a strategic alliance withSouth African Airlines and SA Express.Airlink flies to more local destinations thanany other airline, operating over 3,500flights per month and servicing more than 25destinations in Southern Africa. Airlink, hav-ing standardized their fleet, is the third-largest Jetstream 41 operator in the world. Sun International Hotels & Resorts,[email protected], www.suninternational.com; Airlink,www.flyairlink.com

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm SEPTEMBER 2009 • 3

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FUN-FILLED NEW PROGRAMFOR CHILDREN AT CAMPJABULANI

Camp Jabulani, a Relais and Chateaux,eco-award-winning luxury safari camp nearKruger National Park, is instituting an edu-tainment program called Team Tusker. Theprogram is designed for children under 12staying at the Camp’s luxurious new lodg-ing, Zindoga Suite, opening in September.

While parents enjoy elephant-back sa-faris, a series of exciting and educationalactivities for kids will be offered daily from10 am to 12:30 pm and 3–6 in the after-noon.

The Zindoga Suite (named after the firstmale elephant born to the camp’s herd) al-lows children to enjoy the unique elephantexperience with their parents (those under10 must be accompanied by a parent orguardian.) Set off from the original site toensure privacy, the ultra-deluxe suite con-sists of two units—one accommodates two

adults and the other, two adults and twochildren. The lodging boasts two wood-burning fireplaces, two heated pools, aswell as a dedicated chef and team.

With 13 specially-trained elephants,Camp Jabulani was the first in SouthAfrica to offer elephant-back safaris, andthe only one to offer elephant-back safarisat night. On these safaris, guests sit behindthe trainer in a comfortable saddle whilethe elephants quietly negotiate narrowpaths in single file and get very close toother members of the animal kingdom.Camp Jabulani also features morning andevening vehicle game drives, balloon sa-faris, bush walks, bird-watching, clay-pi-geon shooting and a visit to the world-renowned Hoedspruit Endangered SpeciesCentre.

Rates for the entire Zidoga Suite start atapproximately $4,590 per night, inclusiveof all game-viewing (excluding balloon sa-faris), elephant-back safaris, accommoda-

tion, meals, beverages, butler and laundryservice, children’s programs and transfersfrom the Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport. Camp Jabulani, [email protected],www.campjabulani.com

SWAIN TOURS HAS SOUTHAFRICAN PACKAGE WITHALMOST $1,500 SAVINGS

Swain Tours is offering a ‘South Africa Safari Special’ with savings of over$1,465 per person, for the special price of $3,380 for eight nights, $510 single supplement.

The price includes internal coach-class airin South Africa with private round-trip air-port transfers, and features three nights inCape Town plus an additional night free,and three nights at Sabi Sands (also with anight free), and includes eight breakfasts,four lunches and four dinners.

In Cape Town, accommodations are at thedeluxe and very stylish Cape Royale Hotel,set against the iconic outline of TableMountain, with panoramic views over thecity and Atlantic Ocean. Daily breakfast isincluded.

In Sabi Sands, lodging is at the deluxeDjuma Vuyatela Lodge—luxurious chaletsbuilt to reflect local architecture.Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with freshbakes, and dinner daily are included, aswell as two safaris (game drives) each day.A daily, guided walk in the bush and dailytours to a nearby Shangaan village to learnabout the customs of the local people is alsoincluded.

Another feature is Boulders PenguinColony in the Cape Peninsula NationalPark, the habitat of almost 3,000 African(jackass) penguins, so-called because theircall resembles the bray of a donkey.

As part of the package, a Winelands Tourwill take guests to Africa’s premier wine re-gion, with wine tasting at two estates.

Other highlights can be incorporated totailor the package to specific requirements.

Travel must be completed by September30, 2009. Complete terms and conditionsare available on Swain’s website.Swain Tours, www.swaintours.com


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Tourism Ministers and Leading Travel ExpertsFrom Across Africa Convene and Connect TheAfrica Travel Association (ATA), in cooperationwith the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and the

Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA), hosted its AnnualCongress May 17–21 in Cairo, Egypt. Under the banner“Connecting Destination Africa,” the event gatheredtourism ministers, tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, andground operators, as well as corporate, non-profit and acad-emic sectors and press, to help shape Africa’s tourismagenda.

Held at the Conrad Cairo Hotel, the congress was hosted byHon. Mohamed Zoheir Garranah, Egypt’s Minister ofTourism.

Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga (MP), ATA President and Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, opened speaking of tourism as a driver of African development.

“Africa realizes the important role tourism can play in eachcountry particularly in the areas of economic development,poverty reduction and promotion of peace. In fact, we havealready seen that most peaceful countries have witnessed asteady increase in tourism arrival receipts,” she said.

In his introductory remarks, Amr El Ezaby, EgyptianTourist Authority Chairman, said the congress presented anopportunity to share information and ideas on marketingAfrica’s tourism products, especially during challengingtimes.

“Until twenty to thirty years ago, Egypt was a one-productdestination: the classic Egypt tour. But in the 1980s Egyptstarted to diversify its product in order to retain its competi-tive edge, by developing resort tourism on the Red Sea,desert tourism and cultural tourism. This diversification ledto dramatic demand and generated an increase of infra-structure from 18,000 rooms in 1982 to 210,000 rooms in2008.” “Today,” he said, “Egypt is striving to change itsimage even further by developing high-end resorts to ap-peal to the luxury market.”

The success of Egypt’s diversification strategy is reflectedin the country’s increase in the number of tourism arrivals,with 17-percent growth in 2008 despite the climate.

Dr. Elham M. A. Ibrahim, the African Union’sCommissioner of Infrastructure and Energy, sent words of support: “The African Union counts on ATA to come up with practical solutions particularly on how to cost-effectively promote Africa’s tourist attractions as well as foster cooperation among all tourism stakeholders includ-

ing policymakers, development planners, investors, financiers, operators and the public at large, with a view to addressing the specific development needs of the tourism sector in Africa… I wish to assure you that theAfrican Union will always be ready to work closely with ATAto ensure that the continental tourism industry meets its pri-mary objectives of facilitating socio-economic developmentand integration of Africa,” she wrote in the letter to the delegates.

Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director, spoke of ATA’slongstanding ties with Egypt and the opportunity the con-gress presented to build public-private partnerships.

“ATA is thrilled to be joined by so many distinguished lead-ers in the industry who bring their unique experiences andexpertise to the congress and lead us in addressing the keyissues facing Africa’s emerging tourism industry today,” he said.

High-profile delegates included Lisa Simon, President ofthe National Tour Association (NTA), who discussed whattravel professionals need to know when doing business inthe United States. Africa Travel Association (ATA), [email protected], www.africatravelassociaton.org

Africa Travel Association Holds 34th AnnualCongress in Cairo

(L to R): Paulino Baptista, Angolan Deputy Minister of Hotels &Tourism; Bello Gada, Nigerian Minister of Culture, Tourism andNational Orientation; Shamsa Mwangunga, Tanzanian Minister ofNatural Resources & Tourism; Hisham Zazzou, First Assistant tothe Minister, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism; Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director; Tadelech Dalecho, Ethiopian State Minister of Culture & Tourism; Amr El-Ezaby, Chairman, Egyptian TouristAuthority; and Mohamed Hegazy, Deputy Director, Egyptian TouristAuthority USA & Latin America (photographs courtesy of EgyptianMinistry of Tourism).


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If you are looking for a tour operator to take your clientsto Egypt, Africa or the Holy Land, you cannot do betterthan HLO Tours out of Orlando, Florida. Why? First ofall, HLO has been providing fully customized tours of

Egypt (as well as Israel, Jordan, South Africa, Kenya,Uganda, Tanzania, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, Botswana andZambia) since 1987. The company’s founder and president,Hamdy Nossair, was born in Egypt and he is an archeologist.If you are going to Egypt, who better to take you than anEgyptian-American archeologist?

Secondly, his trips are custom-designed for groups from twoto two hundred. On a typical 10-day itinerary you will see theGreat Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Ramses IImummy, King Tut’s immense treasures and his tomb, theValley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Aswan Dam and all theother historical sites you have seen on television or read inbooks. He will also take you to places you never heard of, butyou will never forget them once he shows you.

Hamdy’s tours are not only customized – they are personal-ized. You will not only see farmers working the fields as theydid 5,000 years ago, you will have tea with them. You will stayin five-star hotels, but Hamdy will take you to the most popu-lar local restaurants to eat authentic Egyptian food. If you areinterested in shopping for the many unique items Egypt has

to offer, he will help you bargain for them. Not a shopper?Then Hamdy will take you to one of the many sidewalk cafes(only the best ones) where you can sip tea or coffee and watchpeople walk by from every corner of the globe.

As an exclusive bonus, Hamdy will take you to the farmingvillage where he grew up, where his brothers and sisters willprepare a meal, take you to the fields, visit local schools, sitwith the mayor and other village officials. You will meeteveryday folks who will be delighted to take you into theirhomes and see how they live – not through the filter of com-mercial tourism, but totally natural, just as they lived whenHamdy was a child and for thousands of years before him.There you will discover the true meaning of family.

Most important of all, you would expect to pay a king’s ran-som for experiences like this, but HLO Tours offers very com-petitive rates and only the finest accommodations, includingthe best Nile cruise boats and most professional tour guides.His company motto is, “Come to Egypt as a tourist and leaveas a friend.” Just talk with Americans who have traveled withhim before over the past 22 years (he will provide names andcontact information) and you will quickly learn how specialHamdy and his company are. Go to Egypt with him and youwill quickly learn how special YOU are. HLO Tours, [email protected]

HLO Offers Real Travel ExperiencesM I LT T H O M A S

Hamdy takes group to White Desert.


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CIVILIZATION IN THE WILDERNESS WITHABENTEUER AFRIKA SAFARI

Abenteuer Afrika is a pioneer in elegant desert dining in Namibia,having organized everything from a five-course repast for two to adinner event for 800. Depending upon budget, clients can choose todine al-fresco under the Namibian sky, or in a white marquee tent.Tables, chairs, centerpieces, silverware, place settings, outdoorheaters, a bar area, the kitchen, music, dance floor, red-carpet en-tryway are client choices. Abenteuer tests and retests everythingprior to the actual event. Sites must be pristine, generators, cater-ing equipment and comfort facilities inspected—even directions tothe sites are double-checked.

Locations are chosen for their spectacular views of the area aswell as that of the setting sun. Sparkling wine and oysters on thehalf shell are a favorite starter. A candle-lit path welcomes guests,and more than 300 more candles decorating the surrounding moun-tainsides create soft serene lighting. Alternatives include fire spin-ners, Marimba band players, thrumming African drums and evenchampagne delivered by parachutists.

Within minutes, guests forget they’re in the middle of the desert,as they relax, chat, dine, and listen to music under the canopy ofstars that is the Namibian sky. Many desert dinners last well intothe next day as visitors become highly reluctant to leave.

Abenteuer Afrika Safari also goes to great lengths, before andafter our functions to preserve the environment, ensuring sites look

as though no one was there after all have left. Abenteuer Afrikaloves the desert and holds itself accountable to its preservation. Tothat end, Abenteuer also dedicates a percentage of revenue todesert rehabilitation.Abenteuer Afrika, www.abenteuerafrika.com

COMPREHENSIVE WEST AFRICA PROGRAMINTRODUCED BY KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

Kumuka Worldwide has added West Africa into its adventureholidays’ program with a comprehensive choice of 13 smallgroup tours ranging from seven to 28 days and focusing onGhana, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali.

An ideal introduction to the region is the seven-day ‘Sights andSounds of Ghana’ itinerary, which combines ‘ancients’ such asthe forts and castles of Elmina with the ‘modern’—the rainfor-est canopy walkways of Kakum National Park.There are monthlydepartures on this holiday, with the first scheduled for April 19.The price per person (twin share) is $1,270 which includes thefully-escorted tour with leader/driver, all sightseeing and en-trance fees as per itinerary, plus all meals while camping (sixnights). Other new itineraries include ‘Markets, Coast andVoodoo’ (14 days), ‘West Africa Empires’ (21 days) and ‘WestAfrica in Depth’ (28 days).Kumuka Worldwide, 800-517-086, adventureexperts.com,www.kumuka.com

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Your clients have been to Africa, say, Southern orEast Africa and were wowed on safari. Or, they’veseen the pyramids along the Nile and fallen in

love with Egypt. They want toreturn, but where? SuggestWest Africa — Mali, forstarters. Bordered byMauritania, Senegal, Guinea,Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso,Niger and Algeria, Mali is WestAfrica’s largest country, mea-suring more than 807,000sq.mi (over twice the size ofFrance).

Certain places have con-jurer ’s names, just beyondimagination, and Mali is hometo one of the most famous. Say“Timbuktu,” and chances are

many people won’t know where it is. Strategically locatedon the southern end of the Sahara desert, near the banks ofthe mighty Niger River, Timbuktu—founded by Tuaraeg no-mads in the 11th century—was, and still is the meetingpoint for all camel caravans, traders and travelers to andfrom Sub-Saharan Africa. This fabled city of fabulouspalaces, where salt and gold were exchanged ounce-for-ounce, still captivates visitors today. And it’s but one ofMali’s now-to-be-discovered travel treasures.

Mali, and MoreMali-based West Africa Tours (WAT) specializes in cultural

and adventure journeys throughout West Africa, with mosttours starting in Mali’s capital (and company headquarters),Bamako. WAT offers customized itineraries to its homeland,plus its neighboring countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, TheGambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal andTogo.

Timbuktu-born owner, Mariama Ludovic de Lys, foundedthe company in 1995. The former English teacher switchedto tourism in homage to her native nomadic culture. “Ibegan my career in education,” she explains, “but thenlooked around and realized that if I couldn’t afford to travelas my tribal ancestors did, that I could organize trips andshare with people around the world my passion for explor-ing different cultures.” Mariama personally reviews each

client-designed itinerary and unique to WAT is her partici-pation as guide for many of the tours!

While she’s worked with U.S. clients, until now the bulk ofWAT’s business has been with Europe, due mainly to its for-mer connection to France. That’s about to change, because,as Ludovic de Lys notes, “We want more Americans to knowthis part of Africa…we’ve such a rich history, stunning land-scapes and hospitable people with a long tradition of wel-coming visitors…our guides are fluent in English and weprovide the best transportation and accommodations avail-able at each stop. But more than that, we live here and areso proud to introduce you to our treasures — the villagesand markets along the spectacular Niger River, mythicalTimbuktu (home of the first Islamic university), our desert“royalty” — the Tuareg “Blue Men,” the Dogon region’scliff-dwellers, the world’s largest mud-brick mosque atDjenne, our desert elephants, bird and chimpanzee sanctu-aries (yes, we even offer ecotourism!)… and our rich culturalheritage — for example, there’s nothing like our annualFestival in the Desert…our “Woodstock in the Sahara!”

Acknowledging the challenge of reaching a wider market,Ludovic’s hope is that more aggressive advertising and in-creased word of mouth will put her on the radar. “Promptand constant communication are essentials of good service,and that is what we promise,” she empahsizes. “We answerall queries within 24 hours.”

In addition to FIT/group programs, West Africa Air offerscorporate, private and charter aircraft services, providingramp, welcoming and baggage services at Mali’s major air-ports (Bamako, Gao, Mopti and Timbuktu); perfect for yourVIP clients. Some WAT client namedropping: former U.S.president Jimmy Carter, South African president ThaboMbeki, AOL founder James Kinsey and His Highness theAgha Khan.

Mali, Mariama’s WaySample programs (all land-only and agent-commission-

able) include: the introductory Mali in 7 Days/6 Nights tourtakes in Mali’s former colonial capital Segou, still-me-dieval-flavored Djenne (of the awesome mud-brick mosqueand shop-til-you-drop market); the Bandiagara cliff region— home to the mask-making, stilt-dancing Dogon people;Mopti, Mali’s canal-filled “Venice” at the confluence of theBani and Niger Rivers; and on to the fabled caravan stop ofTimbuktu, eternal sybmbol of the Sahara’s mystique. Cost

You Do Timbuktu? Of Course! Selling Africa’sCultural Adventures with West Africa ToursDiscover the history and mystery of West Africa with this Mali-based specialist.M A RY E L L E N S C H U LT Z

MARIAMA LUDOVIC DE LYSFOUNDER, WAT

ppdo approx $1,550; single supp. $250.WAT’s 10-day/9-night Heart of theDogon Legend adventure departsBamako, traverses the serenely aridSahel with stops at the lively Bobo andBambara villages, to Djenne and on tothe World Heritage-listed BandiagaraCliffs for visits with traditionalthatched hut-living Dogon tribes. Costapprox. $1,700 ppd; single supplement$335.

The 11-day/12-night Niger RiverCruise combines a land tour fromBamako, with highlights including4th-century Djenne’s mosque, localmarkets and Dogon country beforeboarding ship at Mopti, stopping atBozo villages and Fulani camps en-route to legendary Timbuktu to soakup the history and mystery (think, anight in desert under the stars!) beforeheading home. Price approx $3,488 ppdo; single supplement $284. WAT’s 12 day/11-night Desert Festival program com-bines a country intro with the annualJanuary desert music marathon’smagic. Cost approx. $3,500 ppdo, sin-gle supp $300. As noted above, programs throughout West Africa also available.

Major air carriers offer connections to

West Africa via London, Paris andFrankfurt; South African Airways andDelta offer direct service to Dakar fromNew York and Washington DC.West Africa Tours; www.westafricajourneys.com; [email protected], [email protected]

WORLD CUP FOOTBALL WILLEXPAND AFRICA’S TOURISM

African nations would benefit from focus-ing their efforts on attracting visitorsheaded to South Africa for the FIFA WorldCup in 2010, asserted a development ex-pert who addressed the Africa TravelAssociation’s (ATA) symposium examiningSports Tourism in Washington, D.C., lastweekend.

“The South Africans see the value ofspreading the World Cup benefits to otherAfrican nations,” asserted development ex-pert Lelei LeLaulu who addressed partici-pants from North America, Africa andEurope. “So, sister African nations shouldtake advantage and use this once-in-a life-time chance to attract visitors to see otherparts of Africa and observe other types offootball styles.” Edward Bergman, execu-tive director of the ATA, said the weekendworkshops looked at the “challenging butexciting times” and how African nationscould benefit by using their Diaspora com-munities. Africa Travel Association (ATA),www.africatravelassociation.org

NIGHT IN A TREEHOUSEADDS EXCITEMENT TO AGOWAY SAFARI

You don’t get much closer to nature thanspending a night up a tree in the Africanbush, in the open with only a mosquito netbetween you and the stars above.Discerning guests at Lions Sands PrivateGame Reserve in South Africa can do just that.

Guy Aubrey Chalkley, an Irish-Americanimmigrant, first founded a modest campthere on the banks of the Sabie River, whichflows through Kruger National Park, in theearly 1930s. Now his grandsons Nicholas

and Robert More operate a five-star luxurysafari lodge in the same area and they havecreated Chalkley Treehouse andJackalberry Treehouse to add a touch of ex-citement to their guests’ stay. The tree-houses consist of a wooden platform outfit-ted with the what one can expect at aluxurious lodge—a comfortable double bed,crisp linens, mosquito net, comfortablearmchairs for game viewing, toilet, vanitytable, gowns and slippers.

Chalkley Treehouse is built around a ma-jestic, 500-year-old Leadwood Tree withviews across the game-filled plains;Jackalberry is constructed high in a 100-year-old jackalberry tree and overlooks theMsutu dry river bed. They are 20 minutes’drive from Lion Sands Lodge.

Guests are driven to the treehouses atdusk and served a champagne picnic dinner.They have lamps and a spotlight for pickingout game in the bush below before turningin to sleep under the stars, safe and sound.Goway Africa Experts, 800-245-0920,AfricaExperts.com


AFRICA

For hundreds of top selling ideasplus the best airfares

Make up to 15%1-800-387-8850

Blue man at Timbuktu’s mudbrick mosque.

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Fifty years ago this July 17, evolutionary history wasrewritten in Tanzania, the largest country in EastAfrica. British archeologists Drs. Louis and MaryLeakey, working on bone and fossil analysis in

Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (now aUNESCO Heritage Site) discovered a skull that wouldchange all prior scientific hypothesis. Their exciting discov-ery was a humanoid skull with huge teeth that they namedZinjanthropus or “Zinj.” The excellent condition of the skullallowed scientists to date the beginnings of mankind to abouttwo million years ago, and to verify that human evolutionbegan not in Asia, as previously thought, but in Africa. Inkeeping with the significance of this information, OlduvaiGorge is now known as “The Cradle of Mankind.”

“Zinj", whose name was later changed to AustralopithecusBoise, after Charles Boise who funded the Leakeys’ research,is not a direct human ancestor, but is the first specimen of thisspecies ever found, and at the time of his discovery, the old-est hominid. Two decades later, footprints found at Laetoli,south of Olduvai, were interpreted as those of hominids evenolder: 3.5 to 4 million years old.

This year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourismthrough the Department of Antiquities and the National

Museum of Tanzania will mark this historic find with theInternational Conference on Zinjanthropus in Arusha,Tanzania from August 16-22, 2009. The conference will cele-brate the 50th Anniversary of the discovery as well as explorenew information on human origins, conservation and otherallied studies. A special workshop on Louis and Mary Leakeyhas been organized by the East African Association forPaleoanthropology and Paleontology.

“The Leakeys’ work in Tanzania changed our knowledge ofthe evolution of mankind and of history,” said Dr. N. A.Kayombo, Director General of the National Museums ofTanzania. “We are naturally proud that Tanzania was the siteof this significant discovery. We hope that conference dele-gates will join tourists from around the world and visitOlduvai Gorge, the actual site of the discovery, as well asenjoy the natural wonders of the entire NgorongoroConservation Area including the large numbers of wildlife inthe Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as the ‘EighthWonder of the World.’” In the same area, are the EmpakaaiCrater and the active volcano of Oldonyo Lengai mountain –all part of the Serengeti Eco- System. “It is most inspiring tosee the entire area as Louis and Mary Leakey saw it,” con-

Tanzania Celebrates 50th Anniversary ofLeakey’s Discovery of First Humanoid Skull inOlduvai Gorge, “The Cradle of Mankind”

The Olduvai Gorge, “The Cradle of Manking,” part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

cluded Dr Kayombo. Bernard Murunya, Acting Chief Conservator, Ngorongoro

Conservation Area Authority, further noted “visitors toOlduvai should not miss the fascinating exhibits and lecturesat our Olduvai Gorge Museum. Among these exhibits are ho-minid footprints preserved in volcanic rock some 3.6 millionyears old, representing some of the earliest signs of the small-brained, upright-walking Australopithecus afarensis, ever tobe found.” The location of the Museum itself offers wonder-ful views over the Gorge. Walking tours of the area, which isalso a birders' paradise, can be arranged upon request.Excavations at Olduvai Gorge are on-going and continue toproduce splendid specimens of extinct hominids, animalsand plants.

Since the Leakey discovery, examples of at least threespecies of hominids have been found at Olduvai, includingAustralopithecus Boise, Homo habilis, and Homo erectus. Inaddition, the two earliest stone tool traditions, Oldowan andAcheulian have been found along with fossil remains. Boththe fossils and the tools have been crucial to understandinghuman evolution.

Much is now known about the Australopithecines, membersof the Paranthropus genus. All species of Paranthropus werebipedal. They had a brain about 40 per cent the size of mod-

ern man, were muscular, and stood about four feet to four anda half feet tall. They may have primarily lived in woodedareas, eating grubs and plants.

About TanzaniaTanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is focused on

wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, with approxi-mately 28 percent of the land protected by the Government.It boasts 15 National Parks and 32 game reserves. It is thehome of the tallest mountain in Africa, the legendary Mt.Kilimanjaro; The Serengeti, named in October, 2006, theNew 7th Wonder of the World by USA Today and GoodMorning America; the world acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater,often called the 8th Wonder of the World; Olduvai Gorge, the“Cradle of Mankind”; the Selous, the world’s largest game re-serve; Ruaha, now the second largest National Park in Africa;the spice islands of Zanzibar; and seven UNESCO WorldHeritage Sites. Most important for visitors, the Tanzanianpeople are warm and friendly, speak English, which togetherwith Kiswahili, are the two official languages; and the coun-try is an oasis of peace and stability with a democraticallyelected and stable government. Tanzania Tourist Board,www.tanzaniatouristboard.com; Ngorongoro Crater, www.ngorongorocrater.org;Tanzania National Parks, www.tanzaniaparks.com;Visa information. www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org


AFRICA

Dr. Louis Leakey, working on bone and fossil analysis in Olduvai Gorgein the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (now a UNESCO Heritage Site)discovered a skull that would change all prior scientific hypothesis.

TANZANIA FROM PAGE 10


AFRICA

OMONG’WE TRAVEL & TOURS ENTERSTANZANIAN MARKET

Omong’we Travel & Tours (OTT), established this year, is officially open to business, dedicating itself to providing memorable travel experiences with outstanding service pricedcompetitively. OTT handles all details from the moment client ar-rives at the airport in Tanzania until he’s ready to board the re-turn flight.

OTT packages explore Tanzania’s natural beauty and culturalheritage. Currently offered are wildlife safaris to both northernand southern circuits with main destinations that includeSerengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire,Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountain, Ruaha, Saadani national parksand Selous Game Reserve. Mountain trekking tours are alsoavailable to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, as well asbeach tourism and historical tours to Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyoand Zanzibar.

Other OTT services include air ticket reservations for Tanzaniaand international flights, hotel reservations and airport transfers.Partnerships with various hotel groups, including Kempinski,Serena Hotels, Moivaro Lodges and Sopa Lodges, provide affordable accommodation alternatives depending on clients’tastes.

Additionally, OTT provides customized tours based on clientpreferences. This permits clients to structure a vacation based on personal needs.

For example, one can combine Serengeti, Ngorongoro andZanzibar destinations into one tour and explore wildlife, beachtourism and historical sites in one trip. OTT also customizes edu-cational and cultural tours for students, NGOs and any other in-terested group wishing to explore Tanzania. Professional andknowledgeable staff provide efficient service. Omong’we Travel & Tours, [email protected],www.omongwetravel.com

ZARA TOURS TAKES TANZANIA’S TREASURESERIOUSLY

Zara Tanzania Adventures operates their own hotels and comfort-able campsites, which places them in an excellent position to ex-tend value to their clients, along with top-notch English, Germanand Spanish-speaking guides who share their knowledge of the in-credible Tanzania game reserves and carefully guide the climb onthe many routes up Mt. Kiliminjaro.

Zara has four properties that serve differing requirements:Springlands Hotel is a base for all safaris and mountain treks lo-

cated near Kilimanjaro International Airport and has daily shuttlebus connections with Nairobi.

Highview Hotel lies just beside the Ngorongoro Conservation areaand is a perfect base for visiting the Crater or for trekking in theCrater highlands. It’s also a convenient overnight stop for thosetraveling to or from the Serengeti.

Serengeti Wild Camp is a fly-camp offering a real tented bush

camp experience in the heart of the Serengeti—an ideal game-viewing location.

At Ikoma Wild Camp, cottages offer comfortable accommodationin a quiet game land area just outside the Serengeti. Good walkingand game drives are available.

At Ikoma camp and others in Maasai country, Zara contributesto the local Maasai community. Zara also uses accommodationsprovided by the St. Eugene Sisters to benefit the local community.

Zara has an ecotourism policy that dictates respect to the landand its inhabitants. Conservation and development issues inKilimanjaro National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Areaare prime concerns.

Clients are requested to maintain a ‘hands-off’ approach on in-digenous flora and fauna and precious water resources are usedsparingly.

Zara has special Low Season offers where travelers can enjoy thecomforts of a lodge safari, but only pay the price for camping.These itineraries in Northern Tanzania can be booked for the com-plete months of October and November, and also for April and May,through the 15th of June.

With a fleet of 4x4 Land Rovers, 4x4 mini-buses, and 4x4 LandCruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs), Zara is well prepared toshow Tanzania to the adventurers lured by its beauty. Fully-detailedtours are available on their website.Zara Tanzania Adventures, www.zaratours.com


AFRICA

NINTH ANNUAL TANZANIA TOURIST BOARD AWARDS PRESENTED AT 34TH ATA CONGRESS

Hon. Shamsa S. Mwangunga, M.P., Tanzania’s Minister forNatural Resources and Tourism, presented the Tanzania TouristBoard (TTB) Annual Tourism Awards as part of the 34th AfricaTravel Association (ATA) Congress held in Cairo, Egypt, in May.

The 2009 honorees are African Dream Safaris, Thomson Safaris,African Mecca Safaris, Safari Ventures, Lion World Tours, AsanteSafaris, South African Airways, Egyptair, Ann Curry, NBC-TV andEloise Parker, New York Daily News.

Present at the awards dinner and ceremony were the Hon. ZohairGarranah, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim,African Union Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy, ATAExecutive Director, Eddie Bergman and the Ministers of Tourismand heads of delegations from more than 20 African countries, theATA International Board of Directors and ATA Chapter represen-tatives as well as more than 300 ATA delegates. From Tanzaniawere H.E. Ali Shauri Haji, Tanzania Ambassador to Egypt, repre-sentatives of the Tanzania Ministry for Natural Resources &Tourism, the Tanzania Tourist Board, Tanzania National Parks,Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, Zanzibar TouristCorporation, the National Museum of Tanzania, the Department ofAntiquities and Bobby Tours.

Hon. Shamsa S. Mwangunga, M.P., noted: “The 2008 worldwidetourism arrivals were 770,376, a seven-percent increase over2007, with visitors from the U.S. increasing from 58,341 to arecord high of 66,953 to Mainland Tanzania and the Spice Islandsof Zanzibar. We attribute this growth to the many aspects of ourmarketing plan, not least of which is the strong support of ourtravel industry partners we are honoring here tonight.”The Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

CORDIAL TOURS HAS FAR REACH IN AFRICASpeaking of safaris, the name Cordial

Tours and Travel Services Ltd. is boundto come up in travel circles. The operatorin Tanzania receives thousands of visitorsa year, and with over 20 years in thebusiness, motivation remains strong totreat each as a personal guest.

Here is a variety of popular choicesthat have proven winners when blendedwith Cordial Tours’ expertise:

Thrilling game safaris are organized onTanzania’s tourism circuits. The Northern Circuit boasts uniqueattractions like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, andthe internationally famed game parks of Serengeti andNgorongoro, as well as others; The Southern Circuit is a vast ecological wonderland with intriguing tree species, herbivores,carnivores and bird species. The Western Circuit is noted as achimpanzee habitat, while the sunny Coast creates beach holidaysthat can be enlivened with visits to historical Zanzibar, Pemba,Mafia, Dar es Salaam, Kilwa and Bagamoyo; Culturally,Tanzania has more than 120 different tribes, and the way theymake life, food, clothes, dances, art and crafts makes for fasci-nating mingling; Famed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest volcanicmountain in Africa, can be trekked all year, with advantages anddisadvantages each month. Cordial Tours proposes the best routeand itinerary for the climb and Honeymooners can celebrateunder African stars surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty. Cordialadvises the client of best location choices and completely orga-nizes the event.

Fun-filled packages can be organized that feature activities likecanoeing, balloon flights, diving and snorkeling, deep and inlandfishing and other related water sports to suit particular interests.

Some of Tanzania’s compelling sites are:Serengeti and Migration (the Seventh Wonder of the World),

where millions of wildebeests migrate, each driven by the sameancient rhythm and natural cycle; Ngorongoro is the perfect par-adise—a World Heritage Site and international biosphere re-serve. A source of water for neighboring areas, it is blessed withassets of national value and international interest; Zanzibar’stranquil sun and sand are unparalleled—rest and relaxation does-n’t get any better than it does here. Pemba and Mafia also offeridyllic seascapes.

A most crucial part of the vacation process is service to cus-tomers for airline ticketing, reservations and transfers. Cordialhandles all these particulars, as well as lining up a vehicle for hireat a very reasonable amount through just a simple call.

Cordial Tours’ professional framework includes membership ininternational organizations like IATA and ATA and local ones aswell.Cordial Tours & Travels Services Ltd., [email protected],www.cordialtours.com

Left to right: Altaf Visram, Sales & Reservations Director, AfricanMecca Safaris; Gregg Truman, VP in Marketing, South AfricanAirways; Hon. Shamsa Selengia Mwangunga, MP, Minister of NaturalResources & Tourism, the United Republic of Tanzania; Juliet Kichao,Africa Dream Safaris; and Daniel Yamat, Project Manager for theEnashiva Nature Refuge, Thomson Safaris.

DAVID KIZITO


AFRICA

APTA PROMOTES AFRICANTOURISM

The Association for the Promotion ofTourism to Africa, founded in 1980, statedits original mission as: “It is the goal andpurpose of APTA to promote tourism tothe continent of Africa and its islands.APTA will seek to improve tourism toAfrica through the education of its mem-bers.” APTA is an unincorporated, non-profit charitable organization with its ex-ecutive board and regional chapter boardsall volunteers.

Each of the 13 regional chaptersthroughout the Untied States offers educa-tional programs and meetings that includebut are not limited to: conservation, cul-ture, wildlife and charities. These are inaddition to the basics of selling and pro-moting Africa. Corporate members attendchapter meetings and present informationabout the countries they work never struc-tured as a “sales pitch.”

The annual “Discover Africa” tradeshow series is held in a different part of theU.S. each year, hosted by regional chap-ters. This gives agents new to Africa oragents looking for up-to-date opportuni-ties for face-to-face exposure to corporatemembers and those member opportunitiesto showcase their products to a well-quali-fied audience of Africa-oriented agents.There are also partnerships with other or-ganizations and associations to shareAPTA’s African expertise.

The APTA National Forum is open to allmembers. Hosted annually by a differentchapter, each Forum has a unique focus.Recently, new offerings of selected semi-nars, panel discussions, guest speakersand other components have provided evenmore value to the general meeting. In thenearly 30 years of its existence, APTA hasgrown to 13 active chapters, with over200 corporate members and additionalcorporate associate members located inthe United States, Europe and Africa.APTA is for agents to be part of if in-volved on any level in travel to Africa. Association for the Promotion of Tourismto Africa (APTA), [email protected],www.apta.biz

1-800-518-7781

1-866-933-5963

1-877-625-2942

1-800-742-3006

1-877-359-0999

1-800-537-1182

TO AND FROM USA

In cooperation with transatlantic partners from many US gateways.

Call the toll-free numbers to make reservations.

1-888-359-8228

1-866-322-5561


AFRICA

TACV CABO VERDE OPENS ADDITIONAL SALES AND TICKETING OFFICES IN U.S.

TACV Cabo Verde Airlines with airline code “VR” has expandedits marketing presence in the United States with the opening of fournew Sales and Ticketing offices in New York, Chicago, Houston,and Los Angeles. Its current office in Quincy will continue to servethe states of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Withthe opening of additional offices, TACV Cabo Verde Airlines willenhance the services provided to its valued American passengersand travel professionals.TACV Cabo Verde Airlines is the nationalflag carrier of the Republic of Cape Verde. The carrier operatesB757-200 ERs as well as ATR 42-300s and ATR 72-500 aircraftwith a single-class cabin service from Boston (Logan) to Praia,Cape Verde Islands. The frequency is twice per week on Tuesdaysand Fridays for the seven-hour non-stop flight.

Domestic destinations include Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio, Santiago,Sal, Sao Nicolau, and Sao Vicente. Onward international destina-tions in western Africa include Bissau, Banjul, Dakar, Freetown. InEurope TACV serves Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Canary Islands,and Fortaleza in South America. TACV’s mission is to support thepromotion and development of Cape Verde as a North/South andEast/West traffic control hub.TACV Cabo Verde Airlines, 888-FLY TACV (359-8228), www.flytacv.com

Let us put you on the right track!

Visit www.apta.biz or [email protected].

APTA IS AFRICAWE’LL PUT YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK!APTA is recognized as the foremost Travel Trade Association for the Promotion

of Tourism to the Continent of Africa and its islands. Join us and connect with

hundreds of fellow Travel Counselors, Tour Operators, Tourism Boards, Airlines,

and other Suppliers for unique and invaluable information on travel to Africa.

Your APTA Membership Includes:

Educational Dinner Programs

Guest Speakers

New Sales Tools

Destination/Product Presentations

Networking Opportunities

Access to Informative Website

Member Supplier List on Website

Special Discounts

Invitation to Annual Travel Show “Discover Africa”

Quarterly Newsletter Subscription and Submissions

Unique Educational Opportunities


AFRICA

VANTAGE WORLD TRAVEL HELPS GUESTSREDISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF AFRICA

Although it has been recently in the news just for its political unrest and famine, what’s not seen and heard about in the media is the Africa worth visiting—a continent of exquis-ite natural beauty, fierce but stunning wildlife, and unique cultures.

Fifteen years ago, no one would have believed South Africawould host the 2010 FIFA World Cup, or that Kenyan orTanzanian national parks would expand exponentially into theluxury camps market.

Safaris have become a huge draw to these areas, perfect forglimpsing the elusive “Big Five”—buffalo, leopard, elephant,lion, and rhino. Varying levels of intensity can be found for safaritrips depending on parks visited and with lodging ranging fromoutdoor tent camping in “Hemingway’s” style to eco-lodge re-sorts.

South Africa is also an area of powerful natural beauty that canonly be experienced. Canyons, mountain ranges, caves, and wa-terfalls connect the savanna region to the sea.

To the far north, Egypt offers mysterious structures and rich history. Located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, andEurope, Egypt became a prime location for travel and trade years ago.

Ancient history comes alive as visitors discover the legends ofthe Pharaohs, the treasure-laden tombs and the un-deciphered hi-eroglyphs.

Vantage offers a variety of tours through both South & East Africa and Egypt. The most popular South African tours are those traveling from Cape Town to Johannesburg and a visit to Kruger National Park in a 12- to 14-day tour encompass-ing the must-sees of the country. The combination visit of Kenya and Tanzania is another popular two-week programin East Africa. Many others are available to meet specific needs.

Egypt also offers many combinations of tours and cruises, fromthe traditional Nile River and Lake Nasser cruises on luxuriousboats or traditional Dahabiyas to the discovery of the many oasesand desert locations.

Vantage arranges several Egypt tours, depending on length ofstay and interests.

The wonder and majesty of Africa still prevails, with addedmodern conveniences. Vantage World Travel helps clients redis-cover that beauty.

All tours are commissionable to travel agents.Vantage World Travel/Vantage Adventures, 800-826-8268, [email protected], www.travelvantage.com

TThhee LLaanndd ooooff LLeeggeennddaarryy TTeerraannggaaaanndd BBeeaauuttiiiiffuull TToouurriissttiicc SSiitteess......WWeellccoommee!!

SENEGALSENEGALSenegal Tourist Office

Phone: (212) 695-9630

Email: [email protected]

website: www.senegal-tourism.com

Your one-stop shop for customized tours to

WEST AFRICA

Come fly to Timbuktu and back again!Our Mali-based company specalizes in cultural and adventure programsthroughout our country, plus Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo.Owner-guided tours trace the history and mystery of West Africa, offering experiences of a lifetime!Contact us now —we promise 24-hour or sooner response to inquiries:

Tel: (221) 77 510 15 18 & (223) 7646 6124Fax: (223) 20 28 52 32

Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

www.westafricajourneys.com

Aftica Special 17 Page Supplement

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