GEN Y AFRICA: EXPERT AFRICA'S TOP TEN FOR 20- TO 30-YEAR OLDS

Explore. Excite the senses. Exult in the exotic. For the energetic and soul searching 20-something year old, Southern Africa offers the kind of experiences travelers dream about and then brag about. Expert Africa, one of the leading designers and operators of personalized tours to Southern Africa, has centered in on the top ten places and activities in Southern Africa a Generation Y individual would traverse the Atlantic Ocean for:

1    Devil’s Pool: Zambia

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For a real thrill, jump in Devil’s Pool, which is literally on the lip of the falls. From September to December, this natural rock pool is shallow enough for adults to safely swim in. You can even peer over the edge as the waterfall drops more than 300 feet. Nearby is luxurious Tongabezi Lodge, that offers ‘houses’ with one side completely open to the river and tours to the island where Devil’s Pool is located.

2     Mana Pools National Park: Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is being re-discovered. Mana Pools National Park is perhaps Africa’s best park for really close encounters with relaxed big game. This is the place where old-Africa guides, like Stretch Ferreira and Nick Murray, can walk you within a few meters of wild bull elephants, or crawl with you up to a pack of wild dogs (Africa’s rarest large predators thrive here!). Of course, there’s also magical scenery– open areas and long curving pools – with great plains game.

3     Biking safari: Zambia

Yes, there are game drives, walking safaris and river safaris – but bike safaris? Amid the lush rift valley enclosed by steep escarpment walls in South Luangwa is Tafika Camp, which offers one of the more adventurous safari options: mountain-bike safaris. A small group - no more than four - is led by a highly experienced cyclist and accompanied by an armed National Park scout.

4     Saltpans: Botswana

Take the leap and leave behind your cell phone; it won’t work in the vast open expanse of the Northern Kalahari. Take out a quad-bike across the vast, silvery-white Makgadikgadi Pans – where it’s said that the silence is so complete that you can hear your own blood flowing. Then stop to pick up pre-historic flint tools, arrow-heads and axe-heads which litter the ground. Use San Camp as your base - a small, tented camp with a real sense of place.

        Big game canoeing: Zambia

For a sense of involvement as well as some adrenaline, head out on a canoeing trip beside the Lower Zambezi National Park. The current will gently press you along as your guide in the lead canoe helps you navigate around hippo pods and browsing elephants – you can be sure to spot monster crocodiles on the great Zambezi River. Base yourself for this at Chiawa Camp; it’s not just a premier safari camp – some of the best guides on the river can be found here.

6    Trek with Bushmen: Namibia

Culture is a huge reason to travel, and it’s a true education to visit the Bushmen – the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa. Nhoma offers one of the most authentic cultural immersions with the Bushmen. Here they are able to share their traditions, teaching guests how to gather food, track game and make arrows and snares. Energetic guests are able to head off on a hunt that will often last most of the day and requires a good level of fitness. Time can also be spent with the villagers where evening celebrations will sometimes include trance-dances.

7    Diving: Mozambique

The 2,000km coastline of Mozambique not only has fine white sand, turquoise waters and vibrant coral … but also many largely unexplored islands, and thousands of unknown dive sites. Much of the diving that has been done is excellent with outstanding marine life. And, many of the good lodges here are remote and have their own fully-equipped dive centers with qualified instructors – like the tiny coral island of Quilalea where you can dive from the beach.

8    Gorillas: Rwanda

Though on the pricier side, sitting with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Set out on a gorilla safari, and trek to one of the ‘habituated’ groups where you can spend an hour in the midst of a group of wild mountain gorillas – often you will be sitting within a few feet of these amazing primates.

9     Seeing the great migration… on foot: Tanzania

The great Serengeti wildebeest migration circles the Serengeti ecosystem in an annual pattern, and many will try to see it from a vehicle. Now there are several places within Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park where Expert Africa can arrange a private walking safari. You need an expert guide to make the most of this – but to stand and look down over the vast herds is a very sobering moment.

       Camp out from a dug-out canoe: Botswana

Another offbeat take on a conventional safari is to venture out on a ‘mokoro trail’ in the Okavango Delta. On the Kanana Mokoro Trail, you’ll leave a remote safari camp with just a few mokoros (dug-out canoes), and poles for power. Your expert guides will then paddle you around the delta’s waterways, camping on islands (with the tents set up for you!) and observing the area’s prolific game at close-quarters.

Contact Chris McIntyre, managing director, Expert Africa for customized itineraries that will hit one or more of these places. Email info@expertafrica.com, call 1-800-242-2434 or visit www.expertafrica.com.

LION’S ROAR RETURNS TO MAJETE FOREST IN MALAWI MAKING IT A BIG FIVE DESTINATION

LILONGWE, Malawi (05/2012)  Through the generous sponsorship of Robin Pope Safaris, four lions from South Africa will re-locate in August to Majete Wildlife Reserve in southwestern Malawi, completing the return of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) to this pristine forest situated in the lower Shire River valley.

The reintroduction of lions marks a milestone in the rehabilitation of the 173,000-acre Majete reserve. At one time lions were common in the Lower Shire Valley, but over the years, poaching took its toll, and no lions have been reported in the region since the 1980’s.

Since assuming management of the park in 2003, the non-profit organization, African Parks, has been systematically resurrecting Majete: the park has been fenced, infrastructure developed and more than 12 different species, totaling some 2500 animals, introduced. The safety that the perimeter fence and law enforcement programs provide, along with an abundance of prey, has now created an environment in which lions can once again thrive.

Because there are no suitable lion populations available in Malawi, two male and two female lions, are being sourced through the North West Parks and Tourism Board in South Africa. Healthy animals at the beginning of their reproductive lives have been selected from Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Reserve. The intricate relocation process will involve weeks of quarantine on both sides of the border. It will be a costly operation with holding facilities erected and flights chartered to transport the predators to their new home. These costs are being covered by Robin Pope Safaris (RPS), the celebrated photographic safari company with properties in both Zambia and Malawi, including the luxury lodge Mkulumadzi in Majete. RPS is passionate about and committed to the preservation of the eco-systems within which they operate, as evidenced by their numerous responsible tourism initiatives, from reforestation programs, to financial support for a number of conservations projects (e.g., preservation of various wildlife and fish species), from recycling to energy-saving ventures and more.

The reintroduction of lions to the Majete forest will not only restore the park to a naturally-functioning eco-system, but will once again render Majete a Big Five reserve: it already boasts elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard.  With the opening last year Robin Pope Safaris’ luxury lodge, Mkulumadzi, and with the only Big Five game-viewing experience available in Malawi, Majete’s future looks bright.

Contact:  African Parks

Mrs. Jane Edge, Director of Marketing and Philanthropy

Or visit: www.african-parks.org

Contact: Robin Pope Safaris

info@robinpopesafaris.net

Or visit: www.robinpopesafaris.net

TOP SAFARI COMPANY TO OPEN FIRST LUXURY LODGE IN ZAMBIA’S LUANGWA VALLEY

SOUTH LUANGWA, Zambia (05/2012)  - Norman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, announced that it will open a luxury lodge on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their flagship, 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 lodge will be called Chinzombo. Christina Carr pointed out that in the 1970’s, Norman Carr was based at Chinzombo during the Luangwa’s Emerald Season. “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic place a new lease on life,” she said. 

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is beautiful, low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Little Vumbura Camp in Botswana). Construction has already begun; completion is expected in late 2012, with the official opening planned for January, 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 plunge 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, considered one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas and one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley marks the end of and 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, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Guests will be able to fully appreciate this pristine wild:  Norman Carr Safaris has one of the best guiding teams in Africa and is known for its exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available.

For more information, contact Kapani@normancarrsfaris.com or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com

MARASA AFRICA ACQUIRES SILVERBACK LODGE TO OFFER TOP-VALUE, ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME GORILLA EXPERIENCE

KAMPALA, Uganda (05/2012) The Madhvani Group, one of the largest diversified private-sector investors in Uganda, has recently acquired (April 1, 2012) through Marasa Africa, its tourism subsidiary, Silverback Lodge in Buhoma, Western Uganda, proximate to the rare, beloved and endangered Mountain Gorillas. Through its acquisition of Silverback and its existing portfolio of Mweya Safari Lodge (Queen Elizabeth National Park), Paraa and Chobe Safari Lodges (Murchison Falls National Park), Marasa Africa is able to offer travelers the definitive Uganda experience.

Silverback Lodge, the largest property in Buhoma, comprises 12 self-contained rooms overlooking nearby Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to Mountain Gorillas, other primates, including chimpanzees, 346 species of birds and 163 species of trees. The Lodge is excellently located, just a short walk to the forest park headquarters, and affords the best, most sweeping views of the valley. In time to welcome guests this season, Silverback will immediately undergo basic upgrading (new bedding, china, glassware, etc.). Thereafter, it will undergo soft refurbishment in keeping with its rustic, traditional style and homey feel. In addition, new kitchens will be introduced, some new furniture added, and infrastructure, including water supply and pressure, will be improved. Rates start at an exceptionally reasonable $380 full board for a double twin room. Because of its size, the lodge can accommodate larger groups.

To observe the gorillas, visitors need a seasoned guide and a permit secured well in advance, usually by the tour operator. While rates for gorilla trekking permits have recently increased by half in Rwanda to $750 per person, rates have remained at $500 in Uganda. Those who have experienced seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat invariably say, “It’s the thrill of a lifetime.”

Before farmers cleared the slopes for cultivation some 900 years ago, Bwindi was part of a larger forest that extended along the Rift Valley escarpment south to the Virunga volcanoes. In 1961, Bwindi became a Game Reserve as well as a Forest Reserve with its size increasing to 127 square miles. Then, thirty years later, as its attraction for gorilla tourism was recognized, Bwindi was elevated to a National Park. That same year habituation of two gorilla families began, and two years later the “Mubare” group was made available to tourists. Another family was habituated the following year. More groups have since been habituated, and some were even split into two to increase the number of families. Today, some three hundred plus Mountain Gorillas – half the world’s population of this highly-endangered species – live here.

Because of its outstanding beauty and scientific value as one of the densest rainforests on the planet, in 1994, the entirety of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. At the time it was said that Bwindi’s eco-system “defines the very essence of the continent.”

In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors can hike in the park, meet the diminutive-sized indigenous peoples (once called Pygmies) through the Batwa Trail, tour the local Bwindi Community Hospital, and stroll through the community gardens.

Silverback Lodge is an hour’s flight from Entebbe or a three-hour drive from Mweya Safari Lodge, an ideal stop-over. It can also be reached directly from Kampala by road (takes an entire day) or from Kigali (a six-hour drive).

Reservations may be made through the Marasa Africa Reservations Office:

Marasa Central Reservations
Plot 96-98, 5th Street, Industrial Area
P O Box 22827, Kampala, Uganda
Ph: +256 (0) 41 4255992
Ph: +256 (0) 31 2260260/1
Fax: +256 (0) 31 2260262
Email: mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ug
Website: www.silverbacklodge.com

EXPERT AFRICA SHOWCASES BICYCLE OPTIONS: EXPLORE AFRICA AT YOUR OWN PACE

London, England (04/12) - Expert Africa, one of the leading designers and operators of personalized tours to Southern Africa, has outlined several places that offer the opportunity to explore by bicycle. Wind rushing through the hair…rays of sunshine caressing the skin…and the world before you – pedal on.

Zambia:

Amid the lush rift valley enclosed by steep escarpment walls, is Zambia’s South Luangwa. Tafika Camp, located on the banks of the Luangwa overlooking the South Luangwa National Park, offers one of the more adventurous biking options: mountain-bike safaris. Bike rides usually leave after afternoon tea and consist of a small group - usually not more than four guests. The group is led by a highly experienced cyclist and accompanied by an armed National Park scout. These bikes are also used to visit the nearby Mkasanga village and the local school and clinic that Tafika supports. Visitors are introduced to the village elders who are always pleased to show the guests around.

On the Livingstone side of Victoria Falls, the very peaceful Islands_of_Siankaba is built on two densely forested islands, linked by suspension bridges. This lodge provides mountain bikes with frames made out of bamboo - the bamboo is almost as good as carbon, with a much lower carbon footprint. The bikes are used by visitors to see the local villages and school, as well as to take in the 1.5km nature trail.


Malawi:

Likoma Island, located in Lake Malawi, is home to implausibly clear waters, sandy beaches and secluded coves. The one lodge on this island is Kaya_Mawa with rooms widely spread around a golden beach and the two rocky headlands that bind it. Kaya Maya provides two kinds of bikes for visitors to explore the island: mountain bikes and quad-bikes. Both of these bikes can navigate the small footpaths that criss-cross the area without the interference of traffic. Lots of the other islanders bicycle, so the bikes are a great way to blend in with the local community. They are also much less ostentatious than 4WDs when arriving in a local village – the traveler feels less self-conscious and the villagers are more accepting.

Expert Africa offers an eight day package combining both Tafika Camp and Islands of Siankaba, as well as Kaya Mawa in Malawi with rates starting at $5,647 per person sharing. This is on an all inclusive basis and includes flights and transfers from Johannesburg.


Mozambique:

In northern Mozambique, the rugged and untouched tropical coastline is dotted with small villages and a few beach lodges. One of these lodges is Nuarro Mozambique. The beach is a short walk down the hill from Nuarro; and, the bush is filled with natural paths that lead to each of Nuarro’s chalets. Venture into the local villages by bicycle, accompanied by a member of the staff who comes from the area. Thus, you will receive a very warm welcome and numerous requests for photos. Many also utilize the bikes to travel to a rather remote lighthouse.

Expert Africa offers a seven day package at Nuarro Mozambique for $2,121 per person sharing. This includes full board accommodation, non-motorized activities which do not require a local guide, as well as flight and transfers from Johannesburg. Motorized activities with local guides are additional and payable locally.


For more information, contact info@expertafrica.com or visit www.expertafrica.com.

UNIQUE MOZAMBIQUE: KAYAK WITH EXPERT AFRICA IN PRISTINE WATERS

Mozambique (03/12) – Mozambique is one of Africa’s hidden gems: fine sand that squeaks underfoot, remarkable mangrove forests and tropical islands surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant coral. With a permanent tropical ocean current running north to south along its 2,000 km coastline, water excursions are a must for visitors.

Expert Africa, one of Southern Africa’s leading designers and operators of personalized tours, has explored and studied Mozambique’s pure coast line, gathering a fun list of places to kayak the smooth waters well off any beaten track.


1. Quirimbas Archipelago: This string of small islands is in an exceedingly remote area of Northern Mozambique – Expert Africa believes that it’s the last large stretch of East African coastline where the marine environments are ecologically pristine and largely unexplored. Located within Quirimbas National Park, Ibo Island Lodge offers overnight kayak safaris where guests can sleep in mobile fly camps on tiny deserted islands, as well as excursions by sea kayak into the cool mangrove forest and through the winding canals – both accompanied by excellent guides. These opportunities are great to explore the further reaches of the park and usually entice the more adventurous traveler.

Ibo Island Lodge’s standard mobile island hopping safari is based on a seven night package that includes three nights at Ibo Island Lodge. This is $2,968 per person, based on two people sharing and includes local aircraft transfers, full board with four nights hopping by traditional dhow or kayak, three nights at Ibo Island Lodge, snorkelling and a guided tour of Ibo Island. When island hopping, guests will stay in a mobile camp (crew assembles the camp, cooks and looks after guests).

Should travelers only wish to visit Ibo Island Lodge, nightly rates start at $335 per person sharing, and include meals, guided historical island tour, non-motorized water sports (unguided kayaking and use of snorkel gear) and daily transfers to the private beach. Guided sea kayak excursions are $30 per person.

2. Nampulu Province: Few visitors come to the stunning province, and those who do usually head straight for its rugged and untouched coastline, which is dotted with small villages. Both Nuarro Mozambique and the luxurious Coral Lodge 15:41 offer kayaking into the mangroves. The coastline around Nuarro is a mix of rugged coral rock, giving way to little coves and secluded beaches. Guests can spend a morning exploring by kayak and arrange for a picnic lunch on one of the tiny deserted beaches nearby. The lagoon in front of the Coral Lodge is home to mangroves and sea grass that provide a nursery for a large number of fish – kayak here alone or with a member of the Coral Lodge team.

Nuarro Mozambique’s rates start at $295 per person per night, and include a buffet breakfast, two course lunch, three course dinner, dhow cruises, kayaking, snorkeling, bush trails and bike rides. Rates at Coral Lodge start at $425 per person sharing per night, including all meals, all non-motorized activities and a guided tour to Ilha do Moçambique.

3. Bazaruto Archipelago: A marine national park covers most of the archipelago, a chain of four large islands strung out in the Indian Ocean - two of which are uninhabited. These islands are surrounded by a maze of sandbanks and corals reefs in the turquoise seas. Pestano Bazaruto Lodge lies at the northern tip of Bazaruto Island, the largest island of the Bazaruto archipelago. There is a distinct laid-back feel here with kayaking as one of the many water activities. Benguerra Island is famous for its unspoiled white beaches and is comprised of forest, savannah, freshwater lakes, wetland eco-systems and a two-mile long coral reef. The island is home to approximately 140 bird species and was declared a National Park. Marlin Lodge, located one of the island’s most beautiful areas overlooking tranquil Flamingo Bay, is another kayaking candidate. Vilanculos is a coastal town on the mainland and the gateway to Bazaruto Archipelago. Within the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the mainland but accessed by boat, is the Dugong Lodge. The lodge resides on a long beach in the area and is for travelers who are looking to relax – water activities, such as kayaking, are payable locally.

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge rates start at $502 per person per night – kayaking is an additional fee. Marlin Lodge’s rack rate is $580 per person per night and includes meals, selected drinks, non-motorized water sports and laundry. Dugong Lodge rates start at $390 per person sharing per night, and includes meals and non-motorized water sports.


For more information, contact info@expertafrica.com or visit www.expertafrica.com.

THIS IS UGANDA NOW

Beautiful, peaceful and serene, a great travel destination for both renewal and adventure.