South Africa: Civil Aviation Authority to increase passenger safety charge

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has updated the passenger safety charge, effective 01 August 2011, for both domestic and international travel. The tax is levied on all passengers departing on domestic and/or international flights from South African airports. The changes are as follows:

• International departures from all South African airports: R12 > R18
• Domestic departures from all South African airports: R12 > R18

For more info pls pls click here!

SA Express to take over Joburg <> Gaborone service from South African Airways

South African Express, operationally independent from South African Airways, but incorporated within the strategic alliance with Airlink and South African Airways, will take over the Johannesburg <> Gaborone service from SAA from 07 August 2011 and will therefore increase its frequency on the route.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South African Airways to add Kigali to route network

South Africa's flag carrier South African Airways is introducing new services to Kigali in Rwanda from 31 October 2011. Kigali will be serviced thrice weekly by SAA’s A319 aircraft.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency: Employees on strike!

update (11 Aug 2011): The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the striking employees have reached an agreement. The strike is officially over since 09 Aug 2011 and since 10 Aug 2011 all parks under the management of MTPA are open to the public again.

Tourism Update is reporting that employees of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency are currently on strike and have therefore closed off several tourist attractions such as Manyeleti Game Reserve, God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and the Kruger National Park demanding a resolution to an on-going industrial dispute. The employees have announced that they will deny tourists access to the attractions. SANParks is advising travellers no to use Paul Kruger Gate and rather to enter the park through Numbi Gate or Phabene Gate. The strike started yesterday (27 July) and will continue today (28 July 2011). We'll keep you posted!

Gap Adventures' last minute deals - Africa tours in August, September & October 2011

 Are you travelling in the next 2 months and haven't yet booked? Great news - GAP Adventures have a selection of trips around Southern & Eastern Africacurrently offered at up to 20%. Please note these trips can change day to day without notice, so don't delay!

Delta and Falls Experience (10 days) >>
departure: 25 Aug 2011
WAS €759 | NOW €646 | SAVE 15%
Africa - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia
Highlights: Meet the San bushmen on the fringes of the Kalahari Desert, Get into the wild with game walks, dug-out canoe rides, and wilderness camping in...

Kruger and Swaziland Express (12 days) >>
departure: 24 Aug 2011
WAS €979 | NOW €784 | SAVE 20%
Africa - Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland
Highlights: Enjoying the scenery of the Panoramic Route, the culture of tiny villages and crocs in St. Lucia Estuary, spotting the 'Big 5' in Kruger National...

Madagascar Highlights (9 days) >>
departure: 02 Oct 2011
WAS €1899 | NOW €1520 | SAVE 20%
Africa - Madagascar
Highlights: Hiking through Northern Madagascar's fabulous forests and landscapes, searching for lemurs, photographing the intriguing Red Tsingy, enjoying Nosy Be's pristine beaches.

Tanzania Lodge Safari (8 days) >>
Departure: 10 Sept. 2011
WAS €2099 | NOW €1785 | SAVE 15%
Highlights: Photographing wildlife in the Serengeti and other game parks, learning the history of man at the Olduvai Gorge, meeting the Masai, enjoying a traditional lunch.
Witness the birthplace of mankind at Olduvai Gorge and explore the world's best game parks.

Delta and Falls Experience (10 days) >>
departure: 03 Sept 2011
WAS €759 | NOW €608 | SAVE 20%
Africa - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia
Highlights: Getting soaked at Victoria Falls, cruising Chobe River at sunset, getting into the wild with game walks, dug-out canoe rides, and wilderness camping in the...

Vic Falls to Zanzibar Overland (15 days) >>
departure: 17 Aug 2011
WAS €989 | NOW €841 | SAVE 15%
Africa - Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia
Highlights: Getting wet at Victoria Falls, getting active at Lake Malawi, inhaling spice plantation aromas, snorkelling and diving in crystal clear waters.

Cape and Dunes Experience (13 days) >>
departure: 21 Aug 2011
WAS €859 | NOW €688 | SAVE 20%
Africa - Namibia, South Africa
Highlights: Seeing the 'Big 5' in Etosha National Park, trying adrenaline activities, tackling the world's largest sand dunes, appreciating beauty in the Fish River Canyon and...

more overland tours in Southern & Eastern Africa >>

South Africa: Port Elizabeth timelapse compilation (video)

I just found this great time lapse compilation video shot in and around Port Elizabeth in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Kudos to Ross Charnock, a 21-year-old aspiring film maker and photographer from PE!

South Africa: Airlink adds more flights and increases capacity to Mozambique

From 01 September 2011 Airlink will increase the number of flights between Johannesburg (OR Tambo) and Nampula from 3 flights per week to 4 flights per week.
Airlink will operate the additional direct flight on Thursdays, complimenting the current flight schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. All flights operate fast and comfortable Embraer 135 regional jets 37 seats.
Flights depart Johannesburg at 11h05 arriving Nampula at 13h35 and depart Nampula 14h40 arriving Johannesburg at 16h45 connecting with domestic and international inbound and outbound flights.
From 1 September 2011 Airlink will be offering more seats on the direct service between Johannesburg and Tete due to demand. Airlink will also operate the AVRO 85 regional jet 83 seats on Thursdays in addition to the current schedule Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Flights depart Johannesburg at 10h50 arriving Tete at 12h55 and depart Tete at 13h40 arriving Johannesburg at 16h00 offering seamless connections with domestic and international inbound and outbound flights. [via flyairlink.com]

South African Tourism: new promotional videos for all 9 provinces

South African Tourism seems super busy today uploading new promotional videos. They just presented short films about all nine provinces, as well as another new country-wide promo named "South Africa...a good place to make a thousand memories" (also watch "Leave ordinary behind" & "Highlights of South Africa" & "A journey through South Africa's extraordinary landscapes"). Have a look!



"South Africa...a good place to make a thousand memories"

South African Tourism - new promotional video: "A journey through South Africa's extraordinary landscapes"

And another new promotional video from South African Tourism (also watch "Leave ordinary behind" & "Highlights of South Africa"). This time the plot of the video is as follows: A traveller takes a life-changing journey through South Africa's extraordinary landscapes and meets some very real people along the way.



How do you like? How do you like it compared to the other two "new" promo videos?

Snow shuts down major roads in KwaZulu Natal & Eastern Cape

update (28 July 2011, 07:35): The N3 between Johannesburg and Durban has been re-opened with restricted lane usage in places. It is advised to postpone travelling on the tour to at least today. The N3 highway at Van Reenen's Pass between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal was closed to at least yesterday morning.

update (27 July 2011, 11:45): According to several weather forecasters, the skies in South Africa will clear soon/cleared already up. Snowfall stopped in most places last night. The Lesotho area will remain rather cold but no more snow was forecast.

update (27 July 2011, 07:05): Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa said yesterday that all long-distance train services had to be cancelled because of the bad weather. The Trans Natal, between Johannesburg and Durban, and the Amatola, between Johannesburg and East London, will not run today.

update (26 July 2011, 13:15): the following roads are currently also closed:

• R56 between Matatiele and Mount Fletcher
• R56 in Kokstad, Maluti
• N10 from Middelburg to Bloemfontein all closed
• All roads leading to Dordrecht, except Queenstown via Lady Frere
• Boesmanshoek between Queenstown and Molteno
• Roads between Elliot and Indwe and Ngcobo and Cala
• N10 between Middelburg and Murraysburg
• Road between Middelburg and Colesberg
• N9 between Middelburg and De Aar
• Road between Cradock to Graaff Reinet
• R56 between Cala and Elliot closed
• R58 between Ngcobo and Elliot
• R67 in Fort Beaufort, Seymour, Cathcart
• R351 between Cathcart and Whittlesea
• Barkly pass on R58 between Elliot and Barkly East
• R56 between Mount Fletcher, Maclear and Matatiele 

Due to snowfall some major roads in South Africa are currently closed. The N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban has been closed from the Wilge toll plaza near Villiers to the Tugela toll plaza near Ladysmith.


View snow in SA 26 July 2011 in a larger map

The N5 and N11 have been closed at mountain passes.
The N2 between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff is currently closed, as well as the Wapadsberg and Lootsberg passes, and the R72 between Kenton on Sea and Alexandria.

Ethiopian Airlines received the 5th Boeing 777-200LR

Ethiopia's flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines has recently received its 5th Boing 777-200LR aircraft. "The Sahara" arrived at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on the 22 July 2011, carrying to its full load from Seattle with a stopover in Paris, for the first time.
Ethopian Airlines named the five Boing 777-200LRs after African land marks - the first 777-200LR was named "The Blue Nile", the second "Rift Valley" , the third "Victoria Falls", the fourth "Mount Kilimanjaro" and the fifth "The Sahara".
According to the airline's CEO Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam, with the new aircrafts the airline is now able to cut travel time of their international flights to the US by two to three hours.

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the most successful and leading airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. With the addition of new flight services to Milan, Ethiopian will provide dependable services to 63 international destinations spanning four continents.

Snow & rain: Road closures in Camdeboo, Karoo & Mountain Zebra National Parks

update (26 July 2011): All tourist roads in Mountain Zebra National Park are closed, including the 4x4 Trails and the Kranskop Loop. 

There are important road closures to take note of when travelling to Camdeboo National Park and Karoo National Park [via sanparks.org]

• All the tourist roads in the Karoo National Park are closed today, with the exception of the Lammertjiesleegte Route, due to snowfall. (update 26 July 2011): The Park is currently running on generator power during 18:00 - 22:00 in the evenings.
• The Valley of Desolation and Game Viewing Area in Camdeboo National Park are closed today due to snowfall and heavy rain respectively.

Velvet Sky increases frequencies

South Africa's latest budget airline Velvet Sky will increase frequencies on its existing routes from August 2011. With the introduction of a second Boeing 737 aircraft to its fleet the airline will be able to expand operations on its existing Johannesburg <> Cape Town and Johannesburg <> Durban routes.
Velvet Sky saw its inaugural flight take off from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Durban on 22 March 2011. The airline is currently operating a Boeing 737, which it sourced from international aircraft leasing company Aergo.

Video: Mozambique Roadtrip Part II

Remember that great "Mozambique Roadtrip" video I posted on the blog some weeks ago? Well, the dudes & dudettes not only visited Vilanculos, but also spend New Year's in Tofinho in Mozambique. And the fun continues...

Baby zebra born at Table Mountain National Park - the first in over 9 years

A Cape Mountain Zebra foal was born on Tuesday, July 19th, in the Cape of Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). A foal was last born over 9 years ago and as a result; staff are monitoring the newcomer very carefully.
As such, the park is appealing to the public and hikers not to try and approach the mother and her foal on foot but to keep a safe and respectful distance. The family group is very protective of the newcomer and will act aggressively towards anyone trying to approach them.
The mother and foal are close to the Cape Point Main Road and it is therefore asked that all visitors and tour operators respect the speed limit of 60km/hr and slow right down if the family group of zebras are seen.
The sex of the newcomer has not yet been determined, however staff are monitoring the family closely and will allow the group of zebras to settle down first at which point they will be able to approach them to photograph and record key information. [via sanparks.org]

Department of Health SA: Zambia currently not on the yellow fever list

South Africa's Department of Health’s (DoH) has pointed out that its proposed policy requiring travellers to and from Zambia to get vaccinated against yellow fever has not yet been enacted and therefore the current policy remains unaltered.

The original press release:
Vaccination for Yellow Fever and vaccine availability in South Africa
Issued by the Department of Health.
21 July 2011
The Department of Health has, over the past few weeks received numerous concerns from members of the public especially travellers and travel agencies regarding Yellow Fever vaccination. Members of the public are advised to note that Zambia is not presently on the list of countries from which South Africa requires a Yellow Fever certificate and travellers to and from Zambia are not required to have a valid Yellow Fever certificate. Members of the public will be informed should any changes occur in this regard.
The supplier of Yellow Fever vaccines has informed the Department that demands have exceeded supply and there is currently a shortage in the country. The situation is expected to normalize in next month (August). South Africans who intend to or through high risk areas are advised to postpone their travel plans if possible. If not, travellers should consult their travel clinic for advise on Yellow Fever and prevention measures. Some of the most common prevention measures include avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothes, applying insecticide repellent to exposed body parts and to sleep under mosquito nets.
Travelers are also advised to be aware of Yellow Fever symptoms which include a sudden onset of fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. In severe cases there may be nosebleeds, vomiting blood and blood in stools. The clinical symptoms may be confused with other viral infections and therefore confirmation of the presence of Yellow Fever virus is critical.
For more information on Yellow Fever guidelines kindly visit the Department's website: www.doh.gov.za (See under Latest Additions - Yellow Fever guidelines).
For more information please contact Fidel Hadebe on 012 395-8493 or 079 517-3333. [src.]

South African Tourism: "Highlights of South Africa"

South African Tourism just uploaded a new promotional video showcasing the "highlights of South Africa".

South Africa country guide >>

tours & activities in South Africa >>

South Africa short of yellow fever vaccinations

According to Tourismupdate and the South African Society of Travel Medicine, South Africa is currently short of yellow fever vaccinations. The shortage was caused by over ordering by travel clinics due to the recent recommendation by the World Health Organization to add Zambia and Tanzania to the list of countries requiring the vaccine [click here for more info].
Some inoculations are still available in Claremont and Somerset West but elsewhere in South Africa there aren’t any left.
Tourismupdate is also reporting that Netcare Travel Clinics received notification that they are allowed to issue Yellow Fever Exemption Certificates to travellers going to Zanzibar and Zambia.

Video: The "Mini Cape" (Tilt-Shift Photography)

I just found another great video about Cape Town. Shot using the "tilt-shift photography" method which allows the photographer to simulate miniature scenes, the video shows a rather typical day in Cape Town. Kudos to Timmy Henny.

GAP Adventures: Trek to the Roof of Africa and Save 15%

With more than 1000 climbers a year, Gap Adventures is the world leader in climbing Kilimanjaro. Offering five routes, group and independent climb options, as well as a safari plus Kili climb option, they offer the best prices with a focus on safety and service. Reach the top of Africa on one of their Kilimanjaro trekking tours which have success rates as high as 96%!

Now's your chance to trek to the Roof of Africa and save 15%. Book on the Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek up the Rongai Route, Machame Route, or Marangu Route and save 15%.

Take advantage of this offer by July 27, 2011 and quote promo code BZDRT-KILI.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek - Rongai Route
Duration: 8 days
Starting Price: €1409

Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek - Marangu Route
Duration: 7 days
Starting Price: €1139

Mt. Kilimanjaro Group Trek - Machame 8 Day Route
Duration: 8 days
Starting Price: €1369

Terms & Conditions: 15% off trip codes DTKR, DTKM, and DTM8. Promo must be redeemed by July 27, 2011 for travel until December 31, 2011. Promotion applicable to new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions and does not apply to optional extras such as 'my own room', single supplements and applicable in-country fees. Promotion can end at any time.

Botswana to ban all wildlife hunting

update (02 Aug 2011): Botswana's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism just published an official response to the www.mmegi.bw article in which it was quoted Botswana was to ban hunting.

MMEGI ARTICLE RESPONSE: “WILDLIFE HUNTING TO CEASE IN BOTSWANA”.

We refer to the above article carried on Mmegi issue of Friday 15th July, 2011.
It was said that; the Botswana government is in advanced legal process to ban the hunting of wildlife in favour of photographic safari.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism would like to clarify that there is no decision made to ban wildlife hunting. Instead, what is being done is to encourage photographic tourism and gradually limit but not ban wildlife hunting. It must be known that species with declining numbers will be considered for limited hunting while those with increasing numbers like elephants, will continue to be hunted within CITES framework.
On the 13th and 14th July 2011, the Ministry and other stakeholders organized two days training workshop for local Media Practitioners on Poverty and Environmental Reporting. It was at this workshop that the Ministry spokesperson highlighted the benefits of photographic tourism to Community Trusts in the country as compared to just issuing hunting quotes during a discussion on Community Based Resource National Management (CBNRM). But there was no reference to hunting ban. Unfortunately, he was quoted out of context.
In conclusion, the Ministry states that the Botswana Government has no plan to ban hunting in this country and we would like to assure all hunting safari companies and affected communities that live near wildlife management areas who continues to benefit from hunting. The Mmegi story does not reflect current government thinking on the subject of wildlife hunting.  

Yours Faithfully

Mable Bolele
Coordinator, Communications, Research and Development 

According to report on www.mmegi.bw the Botswana government is considering to ban all wildlife hunting in the country and to promote photographic safaris instead. The online edition of the newspaper is quoting Archibald Ngakayagae, a Ministry of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism spokesperson, saying that "they [the Botswana Government] will be using recent research findings by wildlife conservationist, Dr Mike Chase, that shows that some wildlife species have dwindled by as high as 90 percent due to hunting, poaching and veldt fires over the last decade. The policy to promote photographic safari against hunting is now advanced and in future they will not be issuing any hunting quotas."

The report by Dr Mike Chase shows that ostrich have declined over the last years by about 80%, wildebeest by 90%, 83% of tsessebe, about 80% of warthogs and roan antelope, and 65% of giraffe. Lion hunting in Botswana was already suspended in 2007.

South African Airways launches London Heathrow fast track

South Africa's flag carrier South African Airways has launched a fast-track service at London Heathrow for all business-class passengers travelling to London on the airline.
The airline's business class customers flying to London will receive a voucher which enables them to pass through Heathrow immigration faster, so that the passengers are saving time and are getting faster to their desired destination.
An announcement will be made during the flight and the vouchers are presented to business-class passengers on board the aircraft prior to arrival at Heathrow.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message on Mandela Day 2011

Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon's message on Mandela Day 2011, 18 July 2011:

"Everybody remembers – and, indeed, needs – an inspirational figure who has played a signal role in their lives.  Nelson Mandela has been that role model for countless people around the world.
Nelson Mandela has been a lawyer and a freedom fighter, a political prisoner, a peacemaker and president.  A healer of nations and a mentor to generations, Nelson Mandela – or Madiba as he is affectionately known by millions – is a living symbol of wisdom, courage and integrity.
As we celebrate his 93rd birthday and this second Nelson Mandela International Day, I join with the Nelson Mandela Foundation in encouraging people around the globe to perform 67 minutes of public service on Mandela Day – one minute for every year of Mandela’s own service to humanity.
Nelson Mandela himself once said: “We can change the world and make it a better place.  It is in your hands to make a difference.”  Let us embrace this message.  Tutor a child.  Feed the hungry.  Volunteer your time at a local hospital or community centre.  Make the world a better place.
Together, the best way we can thank Nelson Mandela for his work is by taking action for others and inspiring change."

Cape Town renames the Eastern Boulevard after Nelson Mandela

The City of Cape Town has renamed Eastern Boulevard in the city centre after Nelson Mandela ahead of the former President's 93rd birthday on Monday.
Mayor Patricia de Lille said they were renaming Eastern Boulevard after Nelson Mandela because he (Mandela) had shown the way towards a society full of opportunities and built on mutual respect.


View Larger Map

On the eastern edge of Cape Town's city centre the N1 and the N2 split, and the N2 turns south as Eastern Boulevard (Nelson Mandela Boulevard), crossing above the yards and approach tracks of Cape Town railway station.

Promotional video: Sedgefield, the "slow town"

The coastal town of Sedgefield, located between Knysna and George on South Africa's Garden Route, is South Africa's and the continent's firs so-called Cittaslow accredited "Slow Town" (since 2010).



The international "Cittaslow" (ital. for "slow town") movement, inspired by the well-known the Slow Food organization, was founded in Italy in October 1999. The main goal of cittaslow , was and still is today, to enlarge the philosophy of Slow Food to local communities and to government of towns, applying the concepts of ecogastronomy at practice of everyday life. Celebrating and supporting diversity of culture and the specialties of a town and its hinterland are core Cittaslow values.

Johannesburg is the third-most visited city in Africa & the Middle East

According to this year's MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities, Johannesburg in South Africa is the third-most visited destination city in the Middle East and Africa. Only Dubai in the UAE and Cairo in Egypt are attracting more visitors. Johannesburg is furthermore the most visited city in sub-Saharan Africa. Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, ranked seventh in the regional ranking and is therefore the second-most visited city in sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of visitor expenditure, Johannesburg ranked fifth, out of ten, in the region with $3,3bn expected to be spent by inbound passengers this year. Nairobi follows on rank eight with $1.3bn to be spent.

The MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities is an annual research program that describes and analyzes the global network of 132 destination cities and how they are connected through cross-border air travel and associated expenditures.

FTTSA & Africa Geographic: Win a luxury holiday at Motswari Private Game Reserve

Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) has teamed up with Africa Geographic and Motswari Private Game Reserve to offer you the chance to win a luxury holiday for two!

To stand a chance to win a 2-night stay for two people sharing including:

• Luxury air-conditioned en suite accommodation
• All meals
• Two game drives and a safari walk per day

All you have to do is the following:

1. “Like” the FTTSA  and Africa Geographic Facebook pages;
2. Send an e-mail with your full contact details and the answer to the following question: “What is the name of the wellness project supported by Motswari Private Game Reserve which aims to improve the health and reduce the vulnerability of local workers and their families to HIV and AIDS”?

(Please refer to the Wish You Were There column in the July issue of Africa Geographic to find the answer) and send it to: competitions[at]fairtourismsa.org.za

Closing date: 31 July 2011 | for the T&C pls read the following pdf!

Video: Time lapse trip along the Garden Route

If you haven't been to South Africa's Garden Route, the following two videos will give you a brief idea on what it is like to drive a long (parts of) the country's most popular tourist destination.

George > 18km > Wilderness > 45km > Sedgefield > 28km > Knysna



Outeniqua Pass > 60km > Mossel Bay

Video: African wildlife in the 1920s

I just found some silent film footage shot in the 1920s about African wildlife on youtube. The film - shot somewhere in East Africa - is eg. including the first ever footage (according to the film) of wild dogs as well as some disturbing pics of hunted & killed lions - titled with "Fallen lords of the jungle - a day's bag". I am not too sure what they did to the gorillas right at the end of the video though... are they dead or simply narcotized?

Take a "virtual tour" along Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape province of South Africa is the geographic southern tip of Africa and the official dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian ocean. It is located at 34°50'00"S 20°00'09.15"E in the Overberg region, about 200 kilometres southeast of Cape Town.


Larger map

btw - also check the other virtual tours in this blog!

Diving at Sodwana Bay

Sodwana Bay, located on the east coast (Elephant Coast) of South Africa near St. Lucia, is classified as one of the top dive sites in the world. The 50km reef complex with its 700m deep valleys and submarine canyons boasts around 95 species of hard and soft coral, sponges, other invertebrates and around 1200 fish species. The spectacular coral reefs are amongst the southern most tropical coral reefs in the world.



Sodwana Bay National Park is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is also covering St Lucia Game Reserve, False Bay Park, St Lucia Marine Reserve, Maputaland Marine Reserve, Cape Vidal, Ozabeni, Mfabeni, Tewate Wilderness Area and Mkuze Game Reserve.

Kudos at Earth-Touch.com for the great video footage!

Gap Adventures' last minute deals - Africa tours in August & September 2011

Are you travelling in the next 2 months and haven't yet booked? Great news - GAP Adventures have a selection of trips currently offered at up to 20%. Please note these trips can change day to day without notice, so don't delay!

Kenya Wildlife Adventure (9 days) >>
Departure: 11 Sept. 2011
WAS €1479 | NOW €1184 | SAVE 20%
Highlights: Exploring Kenya's best game parks and reserves, walking among wildlife at Lake Naivasha, photographing Flamingoes at Lake Nakuru.
From dramatic savannahs to the Great Rift Valley, experience Kenya in all its glory. Travel the vast open plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara and scour the wilderness for Africa’s ‘Big 5’. Full service camping under the big African sky will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife and gets you off the beaten path so you can really experience this land's unique culture. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of some of the most amazing animals on the planet.

Tanzania Lodge Safari (8 days) >>
Departure: 10 Sept. 2011
WAS €2099 | NOW €1785 | NOW 15%
Highlights: Photographing wildlife in the Serengeti and other game parks, learning the history of man at the Olduvai Gorge, meeting the Masai, enjoying a traditional lunch.
Witness the birthplace of mankind at Olduvai Gorge and explore the world's best game parks. Beginning in Nairobi, close to a convenient international airport, this compact adventure will lead you into Tanzania so that you can explore its diverse wildlife and natural splendor. From Lake Manyara to the Ngorongoro Crater and the plains of the Serengeti, our agile 4x4s will improve your chances of seeing Africa’s ‘Big 5’. You'll stay close to the action in comfortable safari lodges— which provide an opportunity to charge batteries, clean gear and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Tanzania Wildlife Experience (7 days) >>
Departure: 06 Aug 2011
WAS €1409 | NOW €1198 | SAVE 15%
Highlights: Exploring Tanzania's best game parks, learning of the history of Man at the Olduvai Gorge, meeting the Masai and savouring traditional cuisine.
Witness big game on open savannah and experience the stunning beauty of the Rift Valley. Led by a certified safari guide, you'll journey to Tanzania in search of phenomenal wildlife in its natural habitat. Full service camping will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife and is an economical way to gain insight into local cultures in a short amount of time. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of one of the elusive 'Big 5'.

more overland tours in Southern & Eastern Africa >>

Gulf Air launched services to Nairobi, Kenya

The national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, is now offfering flights to Nairobi in Kenya. The inaugural flight took off from Bahrain International Airport on 05 July 2011.
The airline is running two return flights to Nairobi a week and is operating an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration of 16 seats in Falcon Gold and 120 in Economy, and has the capacity to carry four tons of freight to the Kenyan capital.

Gulf Air operates scheduled services to more than 40 destinations in 30 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe. The airline's main base is Bahrain International Airport. The airline is part of the Oneworld global airline alliance. It has extensive codeshare agreements with other airlines.

Cape Town: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway - new rates from 01 Oct 2011

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town has announced its new rates, valid from 01 October 2011 to 30 September 2012.
From 01 October 2011 online tickets will cost R85 for children return and R43 one-way. A return pass for adults is R175 and R92 one-way.
Ticket office rates for children are R95 return and R50 one-way. Adult rates are R195 return and R100 one-way.
Concession rates are valid only on Fridays, where South African senior citizens pay R95 for a return pass and R50 one-way. Student rates are R125 return and R65 one-way.

Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of Storms River Trail

Due to heavy rains, access to the Storms River Trail leading to the suspension bridge (crossing over Storms River) in the Tsitsikamma section (Storms River Rest Camp) of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) has been closed with immediate effect.
The situation is being closely monitored and the public will be notified once the necessary repairs to the boardwalk and safety measures have been completed. (via sanparks.org)