A SELF DRIVE ADVENTURE IN CHINA

NEW YORK, NY (02/14) If you could only do one trip to China in your lifetime, Steppes Travel has that trip all laid out for you. Spend the first few days in the ancient cities of Beijing and Xian. The second half of the trip is a self-drive in a small convoy in Yunnan, where you will experience the real Shangri-La. Rates range from $6,872 to $9,592 for a 10 to 15 day itinerary.

The first part of the trip takes in iconic China. No trip would be complete without time in Beijing where highlights include the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the famous Peking Opera and more.  From Beijing, take the high speed train to Xian where the highlight is a visit to the amazing Army of Terracotta Warriors.   

The adventure comes on the second half of the itinerary. Fly to Kunming to join the others in your convoy.  Yunnan, in the southwest of China, is largely undiscovered by the outside world, but it has one of the best road networks in China.  Driving is relaxed as you pass through stunning scenery.The Yangtze, the Mekong and the Salween Rivers descend from the Tibetan Plateau into lush valleys.  Wander the cobbled streets of Shaxi.  Drive from Shaxi to Tacheng along the Yangtze.  Tacheng lies between the valley carved by the Yangtze and that carved by the Mekong. At Shigu, the Yangtze makes a 120 degree turn and seems to flow uphill. 

Pass through the Meili Snow Mountain range, a sub-range of the Hengduan Mountains, marking the boundary between Tibet and Yunnan.  End your journey in Shangri-La, home of the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan.

Steppes arranges accommodation along the self-drive adventure in the Songtsam Lodges in Yunnan. Each of these lodges is based on a traditional Tibetan dwelling within Tibetan farming villages and each is loaded with charm and is very comfortable. The lodges have been built with the spectacular views in mind. Delicious dining takes advantage of the local fare, consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, local ham and rainbow trout. 

Steppes is offering two set departures from Kunming on June 27 and September 18, 2014.  If these dates are inconvenient, Steppes will organize a bespoke driving vacation for you and a small group of friends at another time. The best time to travel in Yunnan is in the spring and in the autumn.

For more information on the Self Drive Adventure in China, visit www.steppestravel.com or call toll free 1 855 203 7885.

STEPPES TRAVEL NEW TOUR OF EARTH’S WILDEST FRONTIER: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

NEW YORK, NY (12/2013) Steppes Travel, the bespoke tour operator known for its pioneering adventures, is one of the first companies to offer a new, 11-day journey to Papua New Guinea (PNG), exploring with an expert the extraordinary history, exotic wildlife and unique culture of the “Land of the Unexpected.” Tours are limited and there are two departure dates for 2014 -- May 30^th and June 13^th. Rates for the 11-day trip start at US$9752 per person and US$1432 for a single supplement, excluding flights.

Alternatively, Steppes offers a tailor-made PNG adventure which will be handcrafted by the Steppes team.

Occupying the eastern half of New Guinea (the western half belongs to Indonesia) on the remote periphery of both Asia and Australia, PNG lies on a vast tropical island of torturous topography, tree-dwelling kangaroos, 850 separate languages, 1000 different cultures and people addicted to the art of adornment. 

The tour takes in some of the wildest frontiers on Earth -- the coastal fjords of Tufi, the rugged Western Highlands, and New Britain, the main island of the Bismarck Archipelago. It is designed to give a few adventurous travelers access to pristine rainforest, roaring rivers, coral reefs, beaches and crystalline waters teeming with marine life, all making up what is deemed the most culturally diverse country on earth.

·   The very charismatic and knowledgeable Aussie, Ray Andrews, will lead the tour.  A native of tropical North Queensland, Andrews has a vast amount of experience, including roles as Resident Naturalist at a number of bush camps, working with indigenous Australians to create businesses and planting some 100,000 trees in regeneration of the Wet Tropics.  He has also appeared on television with Jeff Corwin and the late crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin.  He has deep knowledge of PNG, having guided extensively throughout the island.  Above all, he is hugely passionate about the natural world.

ADVENTURE: 

• ·   Dive or snorkel the pristine waters of the Coral Triangle and dozens of ocean dive sites in the blue waters of the Solomon Sea, the calm waters of the tropical fjords, and explore wreck and muck dives. 
• ·   Paddle traditional outrigger canoes up tropical fjords
• ·   Climb an active volcano. There is no more dramatic place to do this -- PNG is home to one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet.

WILDLIFE: 

• ·   Go in search of the spectacular Birds of Paradise. Of the 43 known species on earth, 38 are found here, including the Superb, the Twelve-wired, and the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia. The island is also inhabited by the beautiful rainbow bee-eater, the striking palm cockatoo and the prehistoric cassowary. 
• ·   See bizarre Tree Kangaroos, a myriad of other wildlife, and the highly-valued Megapode eggs, incubated by the large chicken-like birds who lay them in the volcano’s heated soils.

CULTURE: 

• ·   The Indigenous people and unique fauna and flora of PNG are found nowhere else on earth.
• ·   See the colorful body adornment of the Huli wigmen, the ceremonial and decorative carvings of the Sepik, meet the Mudmen of New Guinea and the Baining Firedancers.
• ·   Learn about the significance of sorcery and the part it has played – and continues to play – in the original animist religions, and discover ancient rituals, bush medicines, fire-making, mat-making and traditional tattooing.
• ·   Discover modern day PNG and politics Melanesian-style with a visit to Parliament House, one of the most distinctive government buildings anywhere in the world.   

For more information and details please visit www.steppestravel.com

ON FOOT’S WALKING TOUR OF SPAIN’S INCOMPARABLE CATALONIA: TONIC FOR BODY AND SOU

NEW YORK, NY (12/2013) On Foot Holidays, specialist in self-guided, designed walking and hiking tours through the hidden scenic byways of Europe, announces a walking tour of Spain’s historic Catalonia. The tour takes in the volcanic zone of La Garrotxa and the precipitous cliffs of the Cabrerès. Stays are in the medieval towns of Besalu, Santa Pau, Rupit, Joanetes and Olot.  Rates for the seven-night tour start at US$1316 and include seven bed and breakfasts, five evening meals, five picnics, and luggage transfers between hotels. Level: medium to hard with 4 1/2 to 6 hours of walking/hiking a day.

Catalonia is the picturesque region of Spain that encompasses the northeastern provinces of Girona, Tarragona, Lleida and Barcelona. Stefano Buonamici, writing for The New York Times, described it as, “….a Catalonia outside Barcelona, one tourists rarely see — a rural countryside, created in part by those volcanoes, with dramatic cliffs, verdant fields and untrammeled medieval villages.”

Hikers will savor Catalonia’s fabled hospitality and scrumptious Catalan cooking. The town of Girona, for example, features El Celler de Can Roca, one of the top-ranked restaurants in the world, while little Olot boasts Les Cols, a two-starred Michelin restaurant (reservations are a must). Hikers will also be ensconced for two nights in a Vogue-featured farmhouse. “What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says On Foot’s Director Simon Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for body and soul.”

The walk begins in the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Besalú, staying in a stylish hotel next to the old bridge. From here it’s through the heart of La Garrotxa Natural Park with its numerous (now extinct) volcanoes. Winding up through the beech woods and rolling pastures of the cliff-girt plateau of El Cabrerès, the views are over the Catalonian hills, the towering heights of Mount Puigsacalm and the often snow-capped Pyrénées.  The final stay is in a converted farmhouse in the rural calm of La Vall d'en Bas.

On Foot’s Catalonia tour was designed by wildlife and walking guide Mike Lockwood, who has lived in Catalonia for 25 years. Fluent in Catalan and Spanish, Lockwood authored the “Sunflower” walking guide to the area and designed much of the network of historical paths that this tour follows. Recently, he handed over the baton to Richard Calvin, a keen walker and sculptor in stainless steel, whose wife Sara looks after hotel liaison and runs her own villa rental company.

This trip can be combined with a visit to Barcelona.

Contact: On Foot Holidays at 011 44 1722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

DISCOVER SOUTH WEST ENGLAND AT YOUR OWN PACE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, the company that stands out for its self-guided walking tours all around Europe, offers an excellent option to discover Southwest England. Walk to hidden and delightful spots of the most English counties of the region: Wardour Castle, Saxon Shaftesbury, Cranborne Chase, Milton Abbas, The Cerne Giant, Evershot, Bridport and Lyme Regis.

South West England (Dorset - In the footsteps of Thomas Hardy). This seven-night journey is considered of medium difficulty to walk, with four and half to six and a half hours of walk per day. The tour starts in the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury and ends in the fishing village of Lyme Regis, where you will be able to relax and have a platter of fresh seafood in the so called “Pearl of Dorset”. Created by locals of the region, the route ensures that countryside is varied with plenty of cultural interest on the way. Walk the romantic ruins of Old Wardour Castle, the Saxon hilltop town of Shaftesbury and picturesque Gold Hill. Explore the tiniest and most concealed streets of quintessentially English villages and enjoy our trails with gently rolling landscapes as backdrops, such as the old royal hunting estate of Cranborne Chase, prehistoric Hambledon Hill and the perfectly designed village, Milton Abbas. Characterized by its richness in geological history, the route will take you to the emblematic World Heritage Site: the Jurassic Coast, and guide you up the Golden Cap clifftop, with its far-reaching sea views.

The eating and drinking in this region will be local and plentiful. The tour passes through towns and villages where food enthusiasts will be able to taste real English ales and hearty and traditional foods.

Forget about the hustle of making schedules that include all the “must-see” places of a city, or reading infinite reviews to find the perfect hotel. On Foot Holidays will prepare you a complete itinerary for you to enjoy the region, and arrange your stay at fascinating and typical old inns. We will also handle luggage transfer so you don’t have any worries or items to carry around while walking.

The South West England tour is available all year round. Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,213 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers. On Foot Holidays recommends an extra day to relax and explore the local countryside at Plush, the seaside at Lyme Regis or Salisbury.

For more information, and questions regarding customized variations of the trip contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

WALKING TOURS IN FRANCE: DISCOVERING PATHS LESS TRAVELED WITH ON FOOT HOLIDAYS

NEW YORK, NY (12/13) – On Foot Holidays, creators of walking tours designed just for you and where you act as your own guide while they handle the hassles of transferring your luggage by vehicle, arranging stays in charming inns, hotels or B&Bs, and ensuring that you will dine deliciously at the end of each day, offers three journeys in undiscovered France that will surprise and delight you.

Cotes du Rhone (Gigondas and the foothills of Mont Ventoux).  This seven-night journey is considered medium to hard with walks of four to seven hours each day.  It starts and ends in villages perched atop a cliff.  You’ll visit medieval Venasque, the cobbled-stone alleys of Crestet, the formidable castle of Vaison, and the pretty villages of Mazan, Le Barroux, and Gigondas.  Walk in the extraordinary geological formation of the Dentelles de Montmirail with the highest peak in Provence within sight.  Saunter through olive and cherry tree groves and a sea of vineyards.   Spectacular views throughout.  You might want to upgrade to a night in the Marquis de Sade’s former home.  End your trip, if you like, in historic Avignon, home of the popes in the 14^th century.

All meals typify the best of Provence.  Some recommended dishes include stuffed chicken and mushrooms with cream sauce and roast lamb accompanied by potatoes with foie gras.  The wines include Gigondas reds and whites, from family-owned vineyards in the region.

The Cotes du Rhone tour was designed by Regis Leroy who knows the region intimately.  He and his wife Patricia are always willing to be helpful. Rates per person sharing for seven nights are from $1,560 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, five evening meals, five picnics, a detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Chamonix and the French Alps (Le Pays du Mont Blanc).  This seven night self-guided hike at the foot of Mont Blanc is difficult and sometimes frankly challenging but worth the extra effort as it encompasses some of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular landscapes in Europe.  In summer, the Alpine meadows are flower-decked and the Aiguille de Midi cable car rises 3840 meters for dramatic vistas over glaciers and snowfields.  There are various options for taking it slightly easier, such as a gentle stroll along the oratories and chapels of the “Route du Baroque” but the best walking is to be had up high with views to die for.

The Chamonix area is a gourmet’s delight and the tour enables you to stay with three excellent cooks – Fiona at Les Contamines, Helen and Leighton at Les Houches, and Carla at Chamonix.  Since you’re in France, the wines everywhere are delicious.

This route was designed by Lizzy Ashley Cooper who regularly walks the paths and routes in the forests, mountain slopes and meadows around Mount Blanc.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,633 and include accommodations, breakfast daily, six dinners, six picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

Alpes Maritime (From the Alps to the Mediterranean). A seven night self-guided walk ideal for you if you would like to move your walking grade up to medium.  The route goes from La Brigue on the France/Italy border down the Roya Valley to Menton on the Riviera and takes you through one of the most remote parts of France.  The medieval village of La Brigue offers the chance to explore winding alleyways and old town houses while Saorge beckons from its cliff-side position..  Visit the ancient towns of Breil and Sospel and stay in the mountain-top village of Ste. Agnes with its views across to the Mediterranean.   The last stop is Menton, Belle Epoque splendor now restored to its former glory.

The cuisine on this route is very southern-France and includes such tasty fare as Nicoise Stew, mushrooms with goat cheese and aioli Provencale.  You’ll also find a touch of Italy-in-France with bresaola and cacciatore.

The Alpes Maritime tour was designed by Richard Petitjean who has lived in the area for 29 years and is a licensed tour guide. Since 60% of France’s flora is found in the region, his knowledge of botany is put to good use.  Rates for seven nights per person sharing are from $1,214 and include accommodation, breakfast daily, two evening meals, four picnics, detailed itinerary and supporting material, and luggage transfers.

For the lowdown on any of these tours such as when best to go, how much walking is involved, where you would stay and how to get there, etc., visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

ANNOUNCING ON FOOT HOLIDAYS – DESIGNED WALKING TOURS THROUGH UNTOUCHED CORNERS OF EUROPE

NEW YORK, NY (11/2013) On Foot Holidays, a specialist in self-guided walking and hiking tours throughout Europe, offers 21 perfectly picturesque trails, ranging from Italy’s barely-trodden Sabine Hills to its must-see Amalfi Coast, and from the untamed coast of Turkey to Spain’s fabled White Villages, with spring and autumn pegged as the ideal walking seasons. Rates start at approximately $1050 per person for accommodations, breakfast, some evening meals, some picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information.

There are trails for all abilities – amblers, scramblers and seasoned hikers.  Travelers choose set-off date and book their own travel, while On Foot sees to it that luggage is transported from point to point, leaving walkers pleasingly hands-free.  Accommodations are on a Bed and Breakfast basis, so that travelers can explore local food and wine options under the guidance of On Foot.  Accent is on local offerings, traditional delicacies, cultural variation, regional dishes and recipes handed down from generation to generation from the best cooks and the best kitchens.

On Foot walking trails are put together by a “Route Advisor,” a person who lives locally and has painstakingly created an itinerary that is designed to take the traveler through varied countryside, packing in en route as much beauty and culture as possible. Each Route Advisor identifies the most welcoming small hotels, farmhouses and village rooms, too – the kind of legwork most people eschew because they don’t have time to do.  Each walk is scrupulously tested and graded for difficulty by On Foot’s Director, Simon Scutt, and by at least one other team member, who are available to impart their first-hand knowledge.

“What is more uplifting than walking through lands that have been untouched by time?” says Scutt. “Throw in culture, fine food and accommodations that are full of character, and our walks are a perfect tonic for mind and body.”

SAMPLE WALK:

Lycian Way, Turkey, $1086 per person, graded medium-hard.

This walk was designed by Kate Clow – an inhabitant of the region for more than 20 years and author of The Lycian Way guidebook. A seven-night itinerary along the Turquoise Coast begins from a mountain hotel near Antalya, taking hikers down to the coast of Phaselis, a beautifully-preserved Graeco-Roman site, past secluded beaches to the Chimaera, the eternal flame of legend, and on to the ruins at Olympus. The last leg, along an untamed coastline, ends at the lighthouse of Kilidonya.  Price includes accommodations with daily breakfast, four evening meals, five picnics, luggage transfers between hotels and detailed route information. Extensions to Istanbul are available.

Contact On Foot Holidays at 01722 322 652 or visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

EXPLORE KENYA’S KIPSING LUGGA BY QUAD BIKE

Kenya (07/2013) - Henry Morton Stanley, David Livingstone, Vasco da Gama, and now you. Join the ranks of these legendary African explorers by taking advantage of Cheli & Peacock’s Quad Bike Adventures. Imagine the wind whipping through your hair as you race across the Andanguru Plain or Kipsing Lugga, and drive along the Seaku and Ewaso Rivers in Kenya’s remote Northern Frontier District. Choose your own adventure on these quad bikes and camp out under the stars or simply take a day trip and return back to your camp at night.

For those who truly want to channel their inner explorer, Cheli & Peacock will organize one or two night trips to the Kipsing Lugga. Spend the morning traversing the area, stopping only to savor a delicious picnic lunch. The afternoon’s activities are entirely up to you, so you can do more driving or hiking if you’d prefer to explore the terrain on foot. If you’re interested in meeting the locals, Cheli & Peacock can arrange a visit and dance performance by a local Samburu tribe. Fly tents provide comfortably rustic lodging for the night, while allowing you to soak up the African night sky’s splendor. In the morning, prepare to be roused by a Yellow-Necked Spurfowl, and be rewarded with a hearty breakfast.

You don’t have to spend the night under the stars to channel your inner explorer- Cheli & Peacock also offers day trips to the Kipsing Riverbed through the stunning Mpuskutuk Conservancy, home to many of Kenya’s endemic dry land species like the Gerenuk, Somali Ostrich and the Lesser Kudu. Spend the morning exploring, and drive back to camp, or take a helicopter- as any modern adventurer would. 

Kipsing is stunning, but if you’re in the mood for a more verdant landscape, the Ngare Ndare forest is the place for you. Begin your journey in this forest at the base of Mount Kenya that serves as the channel between the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Mount Kenya, which elephants traverse during their migration. Here, towering, centuries old trees are surrounded by clear streams that turn into bubbling falls and end sapphire pools. Enjoy a panoramic view of this forest from the longest canopy walk in East Africa, which offers phenomenal birding.

Go ahead, book one of these trips- Livingstone would’ve wanted you to.

All trips are led by experienced guides. There is a minimum of four people for the Kipsing trips and a maximum of four people for the Ngare Ndare trips. No one under the age of 16 can drive a bike, but children under 16 are welcome, provided that they have a guardian to drive for them. Helmets, goggles, and first aid kits are provided. Rates for the overnight trip start at $830 per person per night, and day trips start at $215 per person. N.B. Meals are included in this price. Itineraries are valid through December 15, 2013.

Clients have the option to be transferred by road from one of the nearby lodges (Lewa / Borana). They alternatively can arrive from any location in Kenya by fixed wing to the Kipsing airstrip or be dropped by helicopter at a rendezvous point.

For more information, visit www.chelipeacock.com or email info@chelipeacock.co.ke.

NEW STAR ON ZIMBABWE BORDER: VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE

In a move that signifies the positive changes in Zimbabwe, five-star Victoria Falls River Lodge opened its doors in April 2012. This is the first luxury lodge to open in several years and the first private game lodge to be set in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. The boutique lodge is built on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, and is close enough to Victoria Falls to see the spray of the “Smoke that Thunders.”

With uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets, each of the seven luxury tents’ locations is carefully chosen for its own unique views of the river and for the surrounding trees that provide maximum privacy (three of the tents are suitable for families). Sit back on your private deck and spot one of the 415 bird species recorded in the park – or opt for in-room massage, manicure and pedicure services.

Designer and co-owner, Amanda Bosch, envisioned and outlined the layout of Victoria Falls River Lodge in the sand on site – the location chosen because of her affection for a particular dead Leadwood tree and its beautiful color. In fact, a dead Leadwood tree is incorporated in every room.

Amanda’s vision became a crescent-shaped lodge (with no sharp edges) set in front of a towering Baobab tree and back from the river to encourage elephants to keep their natural evening route as smaller game graze in front on the lawn. The main lodge has an open plan design with a beautiful thatched roof and allows guests to easily migrate from the lounge to the bar to the dining area within the structure.

As a five-star lodge, fine dining is made possible by a Blue Ribbon designed kitchen. Bruce Bromberg, American celebrity chef, personally designed the space, continuing his nature of setting culinary trends and igniting passions. He is most noted as a founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, which has accumulated a slew of awards from top US publications for the past decade. Victoria Falls River Lodge’s menu caters to all tastes and includes a variety of local traditional dishes prepared by its expert Zimbabwean Chef.

In this remote location, you have two safari options: river cruise along the Zambezi or the ultimate bush experience within the expansive park where you are located. A safari by water is a perspective not many have the opportunity to experience – and the closest you may get to a hippo in the wild. Or, explore the 150,000 acres that make up Zambezi National Park and track the elephant herds as they move silently through the bush (by car or on foot). And, because the lodge is so close to Victoria Falls and the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, the activity options of a typical safari lodge are doubled. Choices include rafting, the bungee jump, bridge swing, canoeing the Zambezi wine route, tours of the Falls, helicopter flights, a boma dinner experience (sample some local Mopani Worms), village tours, sunset steam train trip and a guided tour of the town of Victoria Falls (note: some activities may be an additional cost).

Then return back to the spacious lodge for a dip in the swimming pool or a nap on the relaxation deck. Victoria Falls River Lodge is child-friendly with special activities and tours for children, as well as the option of child minding services. Children are invited to participate in local activities like grass weaving, bread-making and fishing. And, family tents offer an additional tented room, with one single and one double bunk bed, allowing three children to sleep comfortably. (Children 0-3 years old are accommodated at no extra cost, but are not permitted on game drives.)

Known for its many years of turmoil, Zimbabwe has opened up to the world as an up-and-coming destination. Its economy is on the upswing, especially since it now has the US dollar as its currency. And, Zimbabwe’s government has identified the revival of tourism as a factor for its economy, and is focusing on the tourism sector with renewed fervor.

The parks have not been visited in depth for some time, and are waiting to be explore once again (notably, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Matusadona National Park). And remember, Zimbabwe’s side has the best view of the Falls when water levels are low. To top it off, Zimbabwe has always had the best guides, with the continent’s most stringent regulations to gain a guiding license. Your safari guide will make or break your experience, so ensure it’s a great one by going to Zimbabwe.

Rates for Victoria Falls River Lodge start at $435 per person sharing per night and include a daily choice of game drives in Zambezi National Park or a sunset river cruise, bird watching on Kandahar Island, access to the Tree Hide, daily transfers to Victoria Falls town, a tour of the Falls, meals, local beverages and transfers to/from Victoria Falls Airport.

For more information, visit www.zambezicrescent.com. For reservations and a custom itinerary, visit www.zambezicrescent.com/EN/make-a-booking.html or email reservations@zambezicrescent.com.

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS ANNOUNCE THE SHOEBILL SAFARI: THE ULTIMATE “BUSH & BIRDS” EXPERIENCE IN THE ZAMBIAN WILD

One of Africa’s legendary safari companies, Robin Pope Safaris (RPS), has launched a six-night SHOEBILL SAFARI that comprises stays in RPS’ Nkwali Camp in the South Luangwa National Park, the Shoebill Camp in the remote Bangweulu Wetlands and at Wasa Camp in Kasanka National Park, famous for its annual bat migration and known as one of Zambia’s best birding destinations, inhabited by no fewer than 457 different species. Guests will be under the wing of acclaimed safari guide Jacob Shawa.

Rates (based on a minimum of four and a maximum of six guests) start at US$4350 per person, sharing, and include everything except Visa, airport departure taxes and international flights.

Ornithologists rank the SHOEBILL as one of the five most desirable birds in Africa.   It can stand as high as five feet tall.  Its bill is as big as a boot, and its wingspan can reach eight feet.  Ancient Egyptians depicted it; ancient Arabs referred to it as abu markub, or one with a shoe. Some scientists claim it is the “missing link” between storks and pelicans.  Stork or pelican, this blue-gray “statue-like” bird resembles a creature from Alice in Wonderland (or possibly from The Black Lagoon).

But it’s not just their strange, alien looks; it’s their voices, too.  Shoebills are known to moo like a cow; whine like a persistent kid at a candy store, and clatter their bills during nesting season.  The sound of young birds begging for food is “uncannily like human hiccups.”  Loners, Shoebills typically forage in muddy waters and spread out from each other (sometimes as far as 66 feet), the way people unconsciously step apart in an elevator. To see these wonderful creatures and many other exotic birds and wildlife species, book THE SHOEBILL SAFARI with Robin Pope Safaris. 

For bookings or additional information: info@robinpopesafaris.net or call +265 (0) 179 4491 / 5483.

Or visit: www.robinpopesafaris.net.  Detailed itinerary follows.

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS SHOEBILL SAFARI – DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 On arrival at Lusaka International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Robin Pope, who will assist you with your luggage and check-in for your flight to Mfuwe. Jacob will be waiting for you at the Mfuwe airport, where he will drive you to Nkwali Camp. The drive to Nkwali Camp is one hour through colorful local scenes of villages, agriculture as well as bush. Nkwali Camp has a wide view of the Luangwa River. On Robin Pope’s private land, and overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, Nkwali is ideally situated for the start of your safari. The six rooms all look out over the river and have open air bathrooms. Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy either a lunch looking out over the lagoon to the back of Nkwali, or afternoon tea as well as afternoon and night game drives. Nkwali Camp

Day 2 This is a full day to explore the Luangwa, on board a vehicle or on foot. Nkwali Camp

Day 3 After breakfast around the camp fire, you will be transferred to Mfuwe Airport with Jacob for the 50 minutes flight to Kasanka National Park. Depending on your flight, you may arrive in time for lunch and then enjoy birding for the afternoon with Jacob along the Luwombwa River. With luck, you may see African finfoot, ross’ lourie, pel’s fishing owl and osprey. Returning to camp for dinner and an early night. Alternatively, enjoy after-dinner drinks around the camp fire. Wasa Camp

Day 4 Enjoy a day of birding and game watching in the hope of seeing many mammal species, such as Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, sable antelope, reedbuck and the rare blue monkey. Visit the sitatunga hide with its panoramic views over the Kapabi Swamp where you can spot as many as 40 sitatunga feeding at one time. Wasa Camp

Day 5 Transfer by plane to Bangweulu Swamps, arriving at Shoebill Camp by boat from the airstrip. The search to track down the elusive Shoebill by  boat and foot will start.  Back to camp for lunch and out again after tea to see the herds of antelope for which the area is famous. Dinner is simple but adequate and then an early night. Shoebill Camp

Day 6 A full day of birding and soaking up the surroundings. Watch from the hide at dawn or dusk as thousands of waterfowl fly overhead. Shoebill Camp

Day 7 Today you will take a flight back to Lusaka for your onward connection. END OF SAFARI

ANNOUNCING THE OSCARS OF THE NATURAL WORLD – AFRICA THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE

The Seven Natural Wonders Project, a non-profit conservation initiative based in Dallas, Texas and spearheaded by Dr. Phillip Imler, has declared award winners of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and they are:  The River Nile; Mt. Kilimanjaro; The Red Sea; Ngorongoro Crater; Sahara Desert; Okavango Delta; and the Serengeti Migration. Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador K. Kagasheki, presided over the awards ceremony which was sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines.

The voting process was conducted by specialists* and criteria included “grandeur; amazement and wonder.” 

Uganda’s Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Hon. Agnes Egunyu, accepted the award for “The Nile, longest river in the world with its source in Uganda.”  She noted that this prestigious award is yet another in a series of accolades bestowed on Uganda, among which was being selected in 2012 by the New York Times as a top tourist destination.

To experience some of the wonders of this exciting country and The River Nile in all its glory, Premier Safaris has developed a six-night, all-inclusive package called Nile Spectacle, a water safari that comprises visiting the source of the White Nile, river rafting, and a boat trip to world-famous Murchison Falls and the foaming pool at its base known as the Devil’s Cauldron. Guests will enjoy stays at luxury lodges including Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge, both of which afford spectacular views of the Nile.

The rate per person for six nights, all-inclusive, start at US$3000. 

For more information, contact gm@premiersafaris.com Or call toll free +1-877-620-9329

*The Declaration Committee of the Seven Natural Wonders Project includes Alexandra Cousteau, daughter of the legendary marine explorer and founder of Blue Legacy International; Rich Beattie, executive editor of Travel + Leisure; Dr. John Francis, a vice president of the National Geographic Society; TV host Julia Dimon;  Dr. Frank Gill, president of Audubon; and Arend de Haas, co-founder of the Africa Conservation Society.

CHELI & PEACOCK SAFARIS INVITES GUESTS TO EXPLORE THE HEIGHTS OF LOVE WITH A MOUNTAIN-TOP PICNIC

Cheli & Peacock Safaris, a collection of award-winning boutique safari camps and lodges in Kenya, is offering a fresh, new take on the traditional bush picnic. Upping the ante a few couple thousand feet, they have arranged for adventurous couples to helicopter to the top of Mount Kenya for a romantic picnic lunch.

The breathtaking ride over Kenya’s sprawling wilderness is topped only by the dramatic location of the picnic – couples will feel like they’re on top of the world. Upon arrival, plush blankets are spread and the picnic basket unpacked. The picnic lunch consists of crisp salads and herbs from the camp’s on-site gardens, freshly baked breads, and for dessert: homemade Danish Layer Cake. Fine South African wines and bubbly accompany the meal, with coffee and tea to finish.  

From Elsa’s Kopje, a spectacular lodge in Meru National Park, the helicopter trip to Mount Kenya is just 45 minutes. Trips may be also arranged from any of the C&P Portfolio’s properties including Joy’s Camp, LewaSafari Camp, Loisaba Lodge and Kitich Camp.  

Mountain-top picnic excursions to Mount Kenya are available starting from $430 per person per hour, depending on helicopter size, number of passengers, distance, etc. If they wish, guests may also indulge in light hiking and/or fishing at Lake Alice, located on the Northern slopes on the Mountain. Helicopters can accommodate up to six guests, and as with all C&P Portfolio properties, children are welcome. Excursions should be booked in advance, preferably at the time of reservation.

For more information visit www.chelipeacock.com

TOP SAFARI COMPANY TO OPEN FIRST LUXURY CAMP IN ZAMBIA'S LUANGWA VALLEY

Norman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.”

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013.

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas.

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, contact Kapani@normancarrsfaris.com or visitNorman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.” 

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013. 

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas. 

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, visit www.normancarrsafaris.com

KENYA’S THE ARK KICKS OFF WEBCAM: TWO BY TWO OR FIVE BY FIVE, CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ARE STREAMED LIVE

For lovers of all creatures great and small, Kenya’s The Ark, set in the game-rich Aberdare National Park, has launched a webcam that streams live video 24/7 of wild animals coming to its floodlit watering hole and salt lick.  Guest wannabes, Ark-o-philes or the just plain curious can virtually observe elephants, buffalo, impala and other game quench their thirsts, soak up nutrients, vie for position or try to get “teen-agers” to obey. Simply double click http: http://www.thearkkenya.com/live-webcam-feed.

 Of course, nothing beats the real thing.  Visitors to the quirky venue, modeled after Noah’s Ark, have the advantage of not only watching the phenomenon first-hand from one of the boat-shaped lodge’s four “decks” -- they can take unforgettable photographs and videos.

Those who want to stay at The Ark will not have to suffer 40 days and 40 nights of rain – instead they will be treated to a cool climate and gorgeous scenery including nearby Mt. Kenya, highest mountain in this East African nation and a World Heritage Site.  The Ark is an historic and “must-see” Kenyan property whose uniqueness comes from a reversal of the game drive – animals come to the people instead of the other way around. Die-hards can make use at night of a buzzer system that alerts guests to sightings at the watering hole: one buzz for elephant, two for rhino, three for leopard, and four for something even more dramatic (use your imagination).

Come to The Ark two by two:  Rates start at: US$255 for a double room, and include full board, taxes and service charge. Rates for a single start at US$150 with same inclusions.

For more information, contact:  www.marasa.net; www.premiersafaris.com

THE WILDER SHORES OF LOVE: EXPEDITION TO RE-TRACE DISCOVERY OF LAKE ALBERT & MURCHISON FALLS, UGANDA

A four-night expedition to re-trace and document the African explorations of Sir Samuel Baker, one of the more courageous and colorful 19^th century European adventurers, and his second wife, Florence, a Hungarian beauty who was a former slave, is being led by Julian Fisher and accompanied on the Uganda leg by Baker’s great-great-grandson, David Baker.

A widower and committed abolitionist, Baker attended a white slave auction in Bulgaria and rescued a beautiful blonde girl twenty years his junior, who was about to be sold into a Turkish harem. In 1864, Baker and Florence, after withstanding hunger, disease, and myriad deprivations and threats, arrived at the shores of a lake in what is now Uganda, and identified the place where the White Nile enters the lake. Baker christened the lake “Albert,” after England’s late Prince Regent. Then, upstream the couple discovered the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile flows through a 23-foot-wide cleft in the rocks to plunge 148 feet below, forming a spectacular rainbow. Baker named the falls in honor of the then president of the Royal Geographic Society, Sir Roderick Murchison.

Those enchanted by the romance and derring-do of Africa’s great explorers can follow in the footsteps of Samuel and Florence, who became notorious in Victorian England because they traveled as an unwed couple.  After their incredible adventures, notoriety turned into fame:  he for his discoveries, she for her resourcefulness (among other gifts, she was an expert seamstress, who made all their clothes) and together for their unconventional romance (they later married).

Premier Safaris, a specialist in adventure/luxury safaris in East Africa, is packaging a trip for those who want to follow Samuel’s and Florence’s journey to Lake Albert. It includes a boating safari on the Nile to Murchison Falls, game drives, and stays in Murchison Falls National Park at two luxury lodges:  Chobe Safari Lodge and Paraa Safari Lodge.  Located in a little-known section of the Park, Chobe boasts breathtaking, panoramic views of the River Nile, coupled with the sounds of its frothing rapids.  Paraa, known as the “jewel of the Nile,” also offers delightful views of the river and its resident population of hippos and crocodiles.

Rates for the four-night safari are $1,975 per person sharing; single room supplement is $118. Rates are valid from 1 January 2013 – 31 December 2013. There is a minimum of two guests per departure. 
Included in the rates are two nights at Chobe Safari Lodge and two nights at Paraa Safari Lodge, Murchinson Falls National Park, most meals, ground transportation in custom built safari vehicles with English speaking guides, all park fees (as specified in the program) and government taxes.

For reservations, email: GM@premiersafaris.com or visit:  www.premiersafaris.com

VAMIZI ISLAND ANNOUNCES DIVING PACKAGE AT ONE OF WORLD’S BEST DIVE DESTINATIONS

Vamizi Island, an eco-active African island in the Indian Ocean waters of Mozambique, with 15 extraordinary dive sites, announces a vacation for divers that offers beginners, intermediate and advanced divers eight fully-guided dives with a seven-night stay throughout 2013.  Rates start at $4190 per person and go up to $5870 per person depending on the time of year.

The package includes seven nights’ accommodations in an ocean-facing villa; all meals; soft drinks, local beer, wine, basic spirits, bottled water, daily laundry serve and guided activities including shore-based snorkeling, sea kayaking, birding, walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing and Hobie Cat sailing.

Opened in 2005 and located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  Many diving experts have deemed it the best dive they have ever experienced.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops spectacular scenery with a canyon plunging more than 200m deep with steep cliffs and filled with colorful marine life.

While there are now 15 dive sites, more are being discovered all the time, including sites for all diving abilities.  The island boasts a pristine coral reef, deemed one of the healthiest coral reef eco-systems in the world, abounding with what ecologists call “indicator species” – species so sensitive to changes in the marine climate that they serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” The reefs – a seascape of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs – teem- with an array of whales, dolphins, turtles and reef sharks to Gregorian corals and giant clams. A survey carried out on the waters of Vamizi identified 46 genera of coral species and more than 400 species of fish. This kaleidescope of colorful sea creatures is a must for any serious diver. But the sheer beauty of Vamizi and its surrounding crystal-clear waters appeals to anyone who loves island living.

Vamizi is located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago and is only seven and a half miles long by about a mile wide.  Vamizi Island Resort is the only resort on the island, a conservation project in partnership with WWF and funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each of the 13 one and two bedroom villas was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  The island has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife, and visitors.

For complete itinerary, rates for specific dates and transfers to the island, call +44 1285 762218 or visit:  www.vamizi.com

For reservations:  reservations@vamizi.com

STANLEY SAFARI LODGE SOLE AFRICAN PROPERTY TO WIN WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARD 2012

Competing among some 1000 nominees, Stanley Safari Lodge, an exclusive safari property near Victoria Falls in Zambia, has won Best Luxury Bush Lodge in Africa from World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA) 2012. It is the only property in Africa this year to win a WLHA award. The awards, presented at the 2012 WLHA Gala Ceremony held on October 13 in Kuala Lumpur, are conferred on some of the world’s most sought-after hotels, lodges, resorts and private islands.

“We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award, especially considering the star-studded field of entrants and because it reflects highly on our level of service,” said Reinout de Gruijter, owner. 

Only luxury venues operating in a luxury niche market are able to participate in WLHA.  The main criterion to be successfully nominated and included in the official voting process is overall service excellence. “We can always learn from one another and be inspired to greater levels of excellence, meaning exceeding customer’s expectations and paying attention to detail,” said Marinique de Wet, Director of the WLHA.

Stanley Safari Lodge, only 1.8 miles from legendary Victoria Falls, is set on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and overlooks unspoiled bush. The views are splendid: the spray of the Falls in the distance, the mighty Zambezi river and, on top of that, yet another beautiful African sunset. From the main garden, infinity pool or privacy of a guestroom, views are superlative.

The open-sided Main House has been designed with space and vistas in mind and has a truly African feel. Guests can enjoy sundowners in the African-style lounge, a three-course dinner in the dining room or spend quiet time in the library or upper deck discovering the secrets of the continent.

The atmosphere at Stanley Safari Lodge is tranquil and intimate, and, with only 10 private cottages or suites, the level of personalized service is superb.

Each and every cottage is individually designed. But what makes Stanley Safari Lodge really special is the open design of many of the rooms: the optimal way to experience the real Africa, just like Stanley must have done centuries ago. 

For more information visit www.stanleysafaris.com. 

NORMAN CARR SAFARIS FROM A RUSTIC WALKING SAFARI TO SOPHISTICATED LUXURY, GUESTS HAVE IT ALL

In the 1950’s, Norman Carr, a tireless and visionary conservationist,  pioneered walking safaris in Zambia’s Luangwa National Park – a concept that today has been embraced in other countries, though the best is still found here.  His legacy continues with Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), comprising a main lodge, Kapani; an innovative and exciting new luxury camp, Chinzonbo; and four Bush Camps, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.  Together, they combine sophisticated luxury and the simple rustic life of the bush.

Kapani, which means “place of mopane trees,” was built by Carr in 1986, and was his home until his death in 1997. It is located on an ox-bow lagoon and houses 18 guests in eight luxury suites, each with its own lounge and en-suite bathroom.  The lagoon house has spacious rooms, elegant furnishings and private views. Kapani is ideal for families and those interested in engaging with NCS local community and conservation projects.

Recently, NCS has welcomed a new investor to the family – Thierry Dalais. The visionary behind North Island – Seychelles, Dalais was captivated by the Luangwa Valley and everything this truly wild place has to offer adventurous travelers. A thrilling new development is well underway with the creation of Chinzombo Camp, a cutting edge safari experience infused with Norman Carr’s history and legacy. The camp is something completely new for Zambia incorporating unique and innovative concepts in design and green technology. Five spacious villas, each more than 1776 square feet, will be equipped with Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. Each villa has its own 10’ by 20’ pool. The sixth villa, at 3013 square feet, is designed for families, and has two bedrooms – one double and one triple – each with its own en suite bathrooms as well as a large swimming pool.

The NCS bush camps have all benefitted from upgrades in soft furnishings, infrastructure and new vehicles. All of the renovations have kept the rustic charm everyone loves, while making the camps more high-end and luxurious.

Norman Carr knew that to go on foot on a safari meant that one instantly becomes part of the surroundings as all five senses come into play.  There is a special exhilaration to being in an area with no roads or people – just wilderness.

The four Norman Carr Safari Camps have been set up so that a walk from one to the next is conducted at a non-strenuous pace with a fully qualified guide and an armed game scout. The camps are rustic and situated in remote areas but they are extremely comfortable and great for those who want to truly “get back to nature.”  Guests may also opt to stay at one camp only.

Luwi Camp is made up of four grass and thatched en suite bamboo chalets close to a hippo- and croc-filled lagoon.  Deep within the Luangwa wilderness, wildlife is instantly visible from the camp and the area is completely exclusive.  Meals are served al fresco with lunch under a shady tree and dinner under the stars. 

Nsolo Camp is a very romantic camp next to a watering hole under the shade of a large grove of trees.  Just three hours walk from Luwi; four spacious en suite rooms are set on a raised wooden platform with thatched roofs and private verandas.  Meals are served in the open or in the shade of the camp’s thatched dining area and are accompanied by the sight of wild life drinking at the waterhole. 

At the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers lies Kakuli Camp with its four traditional Mehru style safari tents with en suite bathrooms.  A chitenge, an open-sided thatched area with wide views of the river, houses the bar and dining area and is a great place to relax and watch the immense herds of hippo.  Deep in the bush on an elevated stretch of river bank overlooking a wide grazing lawn, there is always the feeling that something exciting is about to happen.  And most of the time it does.  The views here are spectacular.

Mchenja is Zambia’s premier bushcamp and takes luxury to a level not usually found in the Bush.  Set beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees (Mchenja means “ebony tree”), five stylishly designed tents have thatched roofs, en-suite shower and bathroom facilities. The camp overlooks a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa. There is a small pool alongside the bar within the main chitenje which is built around one of the fallen Mchenja trees.  Guests seek cool refuge here during the heat of the day.

Thierry Dalais and his family are also part owners of Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi. These two legendary companies are now working closely together to offer exclusive, wild and authentic safaris for the most discerning of adventurers.

Rates begin at $ 275 for Kapani Lodge, $ 450 at Kakuli Camp, $ 535 at Luwi and Nsolo Camp, $ 585 at Mchenja Camp, and $ 575 at Chinzombo. Rates include local transfers; all game viewing activities; soft drinks, local beer, spirits and house wines; laundry and National Park entry fees.  

Norman Carr Safaris will also arrange safari packages from seven to ten days which can include stays in Livingstone. For additional information or reservations, email kapani@normancarrsafaris.com, telephone 011-260-6-246015 or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com.

CHRISTMAS IN PATAGONIA: CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS OFFERS DEALS FOR THE SEASON

While there won’t be reindeer, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to a Christmas with Santa Claus and penguins this winter. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis conveys peace on earth with the natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. A big bonus for families looking for quality time together: kids cruise free.

These two four-night expedition cruises depart December 21, 2012 and December 22, 2012 with your choice of Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Either way, the route involves Patagonia’s signature wildlife and environment: fjords, canals and glaciers.

While on board, revel in the season as you pass by the raised Christmas tree, enjoy a special Christmas dinner and meet with Santa who will make an appearance with gifts for the children.

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $2,187 per adult for these departures, and children 15 and under will sail free (one child per adult).

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

GORILLAS UP; PRICES DOWN: TIME TO GO TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST/UGANDA

According to the just-released 2011 Census by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the critically-endangered mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is confirmed at 400. The prior census in 2006 put the number at 302.  Part of the increase is due to improved census methods and conservation through daily ranger monitoring, but it is also due to actual population growth.  Aiding in the rising numbers is veterinary care provided by Gorilla Doctors. Their Uganda field team, led by Dr. Fred Nizeyimana, regularly monitors all of the habituated gorillas in the Park for health problems and performs medical interventions when it is determined that an individual has a life-threatening disease or illness.

Those travelers who have placed on their bucket list seeing the mountain gorillas should plan a trip to Uganda now.  The Uganda Wildlife Authority, in celebration of the country’s 50^th anniversary of independence next year, is cutting gorilla fees in April and May 2013 by $150, thus putting gorilla fees in Uganda during those two months at $350.  Beyond that, Ugandan gorilla fees, usually $500, are substantially below those of Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo – now at $750.

There are other reasons to go, too.  Marasa Africa, one of the largest diversified private-sector investors in Uganda, is offering a special fly-in three-day package to track the gorillas in the Park at $2,156 per person sharing.  The rain-forest is spectacular with a heavily vegetated and dense landscape and spending time with the shy and peaceful gorillas is an unforgettable experience.

Marasa’s fly-in four-day package at $2,693 per person sharing includes everything on the three-day package and an additional day on an escorted trek with the Batwa, the pygmies who live just outside the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  The Batwa guides will discuss how they hunt and the medicinal plants they use.  They will also share a traditional meal and relate ancient legends and traditional songs.   It is a cultural experience like no other.

Accommodations for both packages are in the recently purchased and refurbished Silverback Lodge, part of the Marasa portfolio of quality tourism products in East Africa.  Silverback is situated in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO site home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.  In Bwindi that includes 36 family groups and 16 lone males. Ten family groups totaling 168 gorillas are habituated to human presence for tourism. The 124-square-mile Bwindi is also inhabited by non-habituated chimpanzees, more than 100 other species of mammals, 346 species of birds, and 163 species of trees.

The rates includes accommodation with meals while on safari, domestic scheduled flights and ground transfers in custom built safari vehicles with English speaking guides, gorilla permits, all park fees, and government taxes.

There are many other reasons to go to Uganda, including a safari on the Nile River.  More internal flights are being offered there than ever before.  Premier Safaris is ready to assist.  Please contact:  operations@premiersafaris.com for itinerary suggestions and quote.