Africa
African Bush Camps Introduces Safari Logistics Program
January 23, 2012
African Bush Camps is proud to announce the start of a new initiative called ‘Safari Logistics’. Through the services of ‘Safari Logistics’ visitors from all corners of the world will now have convenient and cost effective access to Zimbabwe’s renowned and popular safari areas. Under ‘Safari Logistics’, African Bush Camps will begin its operation of a much–needed seat rate schedule, with flights which will link the renowned Hwange National Park to the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba (Bumi) and the mighty Victoria Falls. In 2011, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector emerged triumphant after a barrage of political and socio–economic challenges that had culminated over the last decade. Travel trends continue to show an increased interest in the destination as well as increased occupancy figures. Boasting unparalleled safari experiences in some of the most remote wilderness areas and National Parks in the region, the destination is largely untouched by... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Zimbabwe on the Rise: The Upward Trend of Travel to the Destination
January 4, 2012
By Shelley Cox Encouraging news on Zimbabwe in recent years has been rare, but should the increased interest evident throughout 2011, as well as the positive upward trend of International tourists visiting the country continue, the future of Tourism for Zimbabwe in 2012 looks bright. Whilst Victoria Falls, as the ‘tourist hub’ of the country, has maintained a trickle of visitors throughout the political and economic disturbances over the last 10 – 12 years, the lodges in the area, like many of the others across all regions of the country, had previously been experiencing a severe drop in occupancy numbers. In 2010 initial signs of growth in the tourism industry became evident with occupancy stats across the country showing a slight improvement from that of 2009. The year 2011, however, has shown a marked improvement with 7 of the main lodges / hotels in Victoria Falls alone having had their best 7 months (month on month) since 1999, and showing a total growth of 66% from 2009 with... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Top Travel Magazines Name South African Airways ‘Best Airline to Africa’
January 4, 2012
SAA’s “Wine Cellar in the Sky” Recognized with “Best Sparkling Wine” Award Ft. Lauderdale, FL – South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, announced that it has won two awards from two prestigious travel magazines. Business Traveler magazine has awarded SAA with the “Best Airline to Africa” and “Best Business Class in Africa” awards, while Global Traveler magazine has named SAA as “Best Airline in Africa” and “Best Sparkling Wine in Business Class.” Both publications recognized SAA’s unique brand of South African hospitality, featuring Skytrax™ 5-star comfort-rated, flat-bed seats in Premium Business Class, gourmet international cuisine, on-demand entertainment, a cellar in the sky stocked with South Africa’s best vintages, and amenities that help welcome the traveler to South Africa well before they land. “We are honored to have earned these awards from two magazines that represent the discerning business traveler. These important... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Elevate Destinations: Occupy the Planet!
December 9, 2011
In recent months, the “Occupy” movement swept the world. Elevate travelers have always been sensitive to the balance between the many communities that co-habit our planet. This year Elevate travelers helped build schools and bring water to rural Rwanda, invested in women’s issues in Colombia and launched a leadership camp for youth in Haiti. Donor-travelers secured land and water rights for marginalized communities in India and Nicaragua and invested in conservation projects in East Africa and the Galapagos. Elevate Destinations provides travelers with a means to express their concern and commitment to pressing global issues by volunteering, providing resources, or simply by staying in eco-lodges that safeguard sensitive ecosystems. We are proud to serve a growing global citizen corps of travelers making a difference and look forward to “Occupying the Planet” with you in 2012. Kilimanjaro Climb In January 2012, a dedicated group will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Cheli & Peacock Wins 2011 Ecotourism Kenya Eco-Warrior Awards
November 28, 2011
Cheli & Peacock, Elsa’s Kopje and Mara North Conservancy are awarded for demonstrating innovation and excellence in responsible tourism and conservation Ecotourism Kenya‘s Eco-Warrior Awards recognize innovations and exceptional achievements for promoting responsible tourism and enhancing tourism sustainability. These efforts directly conserve the natural environment, linked to local communities through mutually beneficial and equitable partnerships. The four awards won are as follows: Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year – Tour Operator – Cheli & Peacock Ecotourism Enterprise of the Year – Small Lodge – Elsa’s Kopje Private Conservancy of the Year – Mara North Conservancy Ecotourism Partnership of the Year – Cheli & Peacock (with Kenya Wildlife Trust) Having started in 1985 as a small mobile safari company, Cheli & Peacock has grown and expanded over the years to become Kenya’s leading Destination... Read More →
Spotlight: Sustainability
Join Friends of Serengeti
November 14, 2011
Pressures on the Serengeti ecosystem have become critical. Population has soared, habitat is being lost, and poaching, roads, towns, and mines threaten this priceless ecosystem. Friends of Serengeti is a nonprofit association for the travel industry that was formed in response to these threats. It’s mission, to bring together travel companies and travelers to build a permanent structure of support, advocacy, and funding for the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Friends of Serengeti combines travel marketing and conservation. It offers an important new marketplace for safari operators, lodges, and hotels. Member companies have an important way to stand out and get noticed by travelers. The premise of the association is that the travel industry must give back, and companies that give back should in turn benefit from their efforts. Member companies raise funds by educating their travelers and asking for donations to fund important projects. Modeled after the successful International Galapagos... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesUganda is Lonely Planet’s Top Destination for 2012!
November 14, 2011
Lonely Planet says "While it lacks the recognition of its big-name neighbours like Serengeti and Kruger Park, Uganda’s national parks boast all the animals, minus the crowds." Lonely planet has voted Uganda as the top destination to travel to in 2012, from a list compiled by Lonely Planet inhouse travel experts and users. Here at Volcanoes Safaris we are not surprised by Uganda’s success! From ornithologists to adrenaline junkies Uganda has something to offer all travelers. The highlight for many of our guests is of course tracking the mountain gorilla on the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. A unique variety of birds and 4 of the Big 5 can be seen on the sweeping savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Coupled with volcano climbing for the adventurous, some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa and the opportunity to experience the rich and colourful culture of local people, Uganda has so much to offer! For one of the best safaris to... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Piper & Heath Travel’s Annual Africa Exposé Safari – Big Cat Conservation
October 28, 2011
Annually, Piper & Heath Travel undertakes an expedition to explore and expose a unique African eco-tourism feature. The drive behind these adventures is to go experience Africa with safari enthusiasts, then come home and share the experience with the travel community at large. These trips are not-for-profit with the aim of spreading a specific message regarding the chosen feature which could be a country, tribe, animal, conservation area etc. The expedition has a professional HD videographer as well as a professional photographer on board. Participants are also expected to provide diaries and interviews along the way. At various destinations, the safari is joined by prominent subject matter experts to provide insight to the feature being explored. For 2012, the Exposé safari will focus on Big Cat Conservation. The recent motion picture event, The Last Lions, exposed audiences to some of the conservation challenges facing large carnivores in Africa. There is no question that despite... Read More →
Member Press Releases Trade Events
Save the Date: Africa Travel Association’s Annual U.S-Africa Tourism Seminar
October 28, 2011
SAVE THE DATE Mark your calendars for the Africa Travel Association’s 5th ANNUAL U.S.-AFRICA TOURISM SEMINAR in Washington D.C. WHEN & WHERE Friday, March 16, 2012, 8am (Registration begins); 9 am – 5 pm (Program), Washington D.C. Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW. LEARNING & NETWORKING The one-day learning, networking and business building event provides government leaders and industry professionals from Africa and the USA the opportunity to learn about new products and trends, explore innovative marketing and promotional opportunities, and address industry challenges. Government tourism leaders, diplomatic community representatives, African Diaspora community leaders, travel trade media, faculty and students are encouraged to attend. PREMIER SPONSOR The 2012 event is once again sponsored by the Travel & Adventure Show and precedes the Travel & Adventure consumer expo being held March 17–18 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center. ATA conference participants... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Spotting Leopards on Okonjima
October 10, 2011
by Nigel Berriman -Okonjima guide If you thought a guide’s only work is telling entertaining stories while pointing out Leopard and other interesting sightings on Okonjima, you would be very mistaken. They also gather critical data on the animals in the reserve and feed this back to AfriCat HQ who in turn use the information for strategic planning and research of the animals in their care. The Leopards and Spotted Hyaena in the 4000 hectare reserve have been monitored on a regular, almost daily basis since May 2008. Guides have been taking notes on the animal’s positions, movements and prey species. At present there are six leopards fitted with radio collars in this area: TJ (Tyson junior), Mafana, Nkosi and Scarface (males) and MJ, (Maha Junior) and her cub Oshiwa (females). Oshiwa left her mother during September last year and is now hunting independently. MJ has since given birth to two cubs that are now about 8 months old. During the 39 month period from May 2008 to the end of July... Read More →
