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.

ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN MAASAI WARRIOR SCHOOL

KENYA (07/2013) – Jump! Throw! Dance! Learn the ways of a warrior with the African bush as your classroom… Beginning August 1, children visiting Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in the Maasai Mara are invited to join in a Maasai Warrior session. Under the tutelage of Kinyaika, one of the oldest trackers in the business, and the Maasai team, learn skills Maasai Warriors have mastered.

These skills, depending on age and ability, include fire making; spear throwing; bow and arrow practice; Maasai jumping, dancing and singing and stone throwing. Look forward to taking part in the traditions passed down for generations: participate in a blessing ceremony (involves Maasai clothing, Maasai jewelry and possibly henna). A certificate is given at the end of the experience; and, for those skilled enough to hit the targets, a wooden bow and (nonlethal) arrow is provided as a prize.

Proud parents can cheer from the sidelines, join in on the fun or leave the traditions to student and teacher and go on safari during this time. Sessions last between two and three hours.

“As a multi-generational family safari business, Cottar’s Safari Service, has always put emphasis on the family experience. The Maasai Warrior School particularly is something our younger guests will never forget,” explains Doug Nagi, Guest Experience Manager and Gold Guide at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp.

The white canvas tented property emits the original safari tradition thanks to its roots with Charles Cottar, an American from Iowa who came to Kenya in the 1900s with his entire family. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is located on an untouched exclusive concession bordering the Serengeti, Maasai Mara and Loliondo reserves, guaranteeing privacy and an abundance of wildlife. Families can choose from four family tented suites, which each consist of two ensuite bedrooms with a shared sitting/dining room, and a private house, which can accommodate up to 10 guests in five large ensuite bedrooms.

The Maasai Warrior School is a complementary activity included within full board accommodation. Full board accommodation rates start at $530 per person sharing. Also included are: bush meals and sundowners; bush walks; day and night game drives; transfers to cultural visits; transfers to Cottars Airstrip and limited laundry.

For more information, visit www.cottars.com or email info@cottarsafaris.com.

PATAGONIA IN A NUTSHELL: INTIMATE ENCOUNTER WITH 7-NIGHT ITINERARY

SANTIAGO, Chile (07/2013) – For the first time ever, Cruceros Australis offers a 7-night itinerary through pristine Patagonia. Noted as the only cruise specialist to take passengers on land at Cape Horn – along with many other high-adrenaline excursions – Cruceros Australis provides an intimate encounter with this region. Bonus: with this itinerary, passengers have a choice of activities to further explore Punta Arenas Chile or the most important city in Tierra del Fuego – Ushuaia, Argentina.

With Zodiac boat excursions one to two times a day and complementing lectures from expedition leaders, passengers receive the full impact of the region. (Keep cameras at the ready to capture the photogenic Magellanic penguin along the way and perhaps the unpredictable elephant seals in Ainsworth Bay.)

Should the halfway point be Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world – passengers choose between a four-hour Tierra del Fuego National Park visit and a two-hour Prison/Yamana Museum visit (explore, explore, explore). If the halfway point is Punta Arenas, Chile, passengers can visit two museums and/or the public cemetery, which tells the story of the city in silence. Of course, the pinnacle of the trip is sailing to Cape Horn National Park, 
known as the “End of the Earth” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

A sample itinerary can look like this:

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Disembarkation at Aguila Glacier and Condor GlacierDay 3: Disembarkation at Garibaldi Fjord and Pia Glacier, then sail through Glacier Alley
Day 4: Disembarkation at Ushuaia
Day 5: Disembarkation at Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay
Day 6: Disembarkation in Chico Sound
Day 7: Disembarkation at Brookes Glacier and Ainsworth Bay
Day 8: Disembarkation at Magdalena Island and arrive at Punta Arenas

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience. Rates start at $2,765 and include airport transfers, 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.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS ACQUIRES STANLEY SAFARI LODGE AND OFFERS “BEST OF AFRICA CIRCUIT”

MFUWE, Zambia (06/2013) Robin Pope Safaris’ (RPS) recent acquisition of Stanley Safari Lodge makes it possible to see a trio of Africa’s greatest sights, all on one incredible tour. Robin Pope Safaris’ Best of Africa Circuit will take visitors through Livingstone, Zambia, home of Victoria Falls, on to game-rich South Luangwa National Park, and then to beautiful Lake Malawi in Malawi. The itinerary includes three nights at Stanley Safari Lodge, followed by three nights at Luangwa River Camp, and culminates in four nights at Pumulani Lodge.  Rates start at US$4456 per person and include all transfers between the properties, as well as full board, local drinks, all activities (except motorized water sports) and laundry. Offer is valid from April to November.

The trip begins in Livingstone, Zambia, where visitors can see Victoria Falls. In addition to being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the falls features the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Its spray, billowing up to 1300 feet, can be seen 30 miles away.  After visiting the falls, guests can enjoy lunch or high tea on Livingstone Island, river tours on the Zambezi, and sunset cruises. Wildlife enthusiasts can take elephant rides and game-viewing treks to see the rare white rhino. Canoeing, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and micro lighting are available for thrill-seekers.

After thoroughly exploring Livingstone, guests are taken to the South Luangwa National Park, which many consider to be the best wildlife sanctuary in all of Africa. Located at the end of the Great Rift Valley, and bordered by the Luangwa River, the pristine park is home to 60 different species of animals and over 400 species of birds. Guests can explore all of the natural riches that the park has to offer on safari and even visit the Chipembele Wildlife Orphanage.

Animals aren’t the only inhabitants of the region, however: RPS will take guests to Kawaza Village to interact with locals and engage with their culture.

What better way to conclude the journey than a trip to the beach at Nankumba Peninsula? Revered as one of the lake’s most beautiful shores, these pristine white sand beaches are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will stay at the ruggedly opulent Pumulani Lodge in Malawi. With all imaginable water sports available, there’s enough to entertain even the biggest fitness buff. In the immortal words of Candide, this truly is the best of all possible worlds.

For more information, contact:  info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit www.robinpopesafaris.net

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 On arrival at Livingstone International Airport a representative from Stanley Safaris will meet and transfer you to the lodge (20 mins), where you will settle into your accommodation. Stanley Safari Lodge is located on the hills overlooking the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls in a bush location. Accommodation is in 10 uniquely designed chalets that are constructed of teak and local stone. Some are open-fronted; others closed and designed in Colonial-style brick and tile. Each features a plunge pool and private balcony ensuring spectacular views overlooking the Zambezi River. STANLEY SAFARI LODGE

Days 2 & 3 There is a wide range of activities on offer in the area that can be booked through the lodge.  These include trips to see the falls, town museums and markets and sunset cruises. For the more adventurous, Livingstone boasts a whole host of adrenaline-filled activities including whitewater rafting, bungee jumping and micro lighting. Or you may just wish to rest in camp and enjoy the spectacular scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The day will end with a relaxed dinner and perhaps drinks in the wine cellar. STANLEY SAFARI LODGE

Day 4 Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred by vehicle to Livingstone Airport to connect with your onward flight to Mfuwe, South Luangwa. A guide from Robin Pope Safaris will meet you at Mfuwe Airport for transfer through colorful village life to Luangwa River Camp. The ten-bedded camp is situated opposite the Luangwa Wafwa (a game-rich area of the park) in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area. It offers all the creature comforts of a lodge yet with all the intimacy, tailored activities and flexible mealtimes you come to expect from a bush camp. The camp is unique with its décor of locally crafted and handmade accessories. The main area is elevated between 3 and 9 ½ feet on wooden decks, affording great views to the park and river. The swimming pool is sunk into the deck, linked by a waterfall. Seating areas are all elevated and open plan with a bar area as well as a dining and reading area. Depending on your arrival time, you may settle in for some lunch, a siesta, then set off on an afternoon activity. There is an option to turn back after sundowners or continue to see what nocturnal animals you can spot, returning to camp by 8pm. LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

Days 5 & 6 The next couple of days will be spent as you wish. You can opt to go walking activity or game drive; or even both.  Those with a knack for shopping can take a trip to Tribal Textiles for locally printed fabrics which are crafted into various items – perfect for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Perhaps a trip to Kawaza Village to experience an authentic Zambian village, interact with the locals and even sample a local meal. Nothing is set in stone; you can discuss your specific interests with your guide. LUANGWA RIVER CAMP

Day 7 After an early breakfast, transfer to Mfuwe Airport for your flight to Lilongwe. The flight time to Lilongwe is approximately 50 minutes. On arrival at Lilongwe’s Kamuzu Airport, you will be met by our staff, who will assist with immigration procedures and the payment of airport taxes. Then onto your road transfer to Pumulani. Pumulani is situated on the West side of the Nankumba Peninsula in the South end of Lake Malawi – romantically called “The Lake of Stars”. The ten villas are scattered around the hillside and are individual in shape and style, but all have a spacious bedroom, bathroom and extensive sitting area. The front sliding doors open onto the deck – elevated above the ground, affording optimal views. The central dining and bar area is high above the lake with the most spectacular views and leads onto an expansive deck. The infinity swimming pool is on a lower terraced deck. The lake shore bar offers light snacks as well as refreshments. Meals will be served in the dining area, on the beach or by arrangement on your private deck. The stunning setting of the lodge and the unique comfort of the rooms means that many guests choose to make relaxation their main activity, but there are enough activities available to keep guests busy. PUMULANI

Day 8 Enjoy the first full day of relaxation at Pumulani. Our remote beach setting is ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the lake. Those who prefer can take a dive in the infinity swimming pool near the central dining area with grand views over the lake. For those seeking activity we offer many water sports such as snorkelling, fishing, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, wake boarding and tubing (all motorized activities are excluded). At the end of the day, climb aboard our dhow and let our experienced local crewmen take you sailing into the sunset. PUMULANI

Day 9 Lake Malawi is the world’s most ecologically diverse lake. Its crystal clear waters are home to more than a thousand species of fish, including hundreds of species of colorful cichlids. We offer special diving courses at the best diving spots near one of the islands. For those who are interested in the real Malawian village life, we offer guided walks through one of the local villages. Malawians are renowned for being among the friendliest people in Africa and during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet them. OR you can also simply relax in the beautiful and tranquil scenery or enjoy many other activities. PUMULANI

Day 10 Your last day at the lodge. Today you have the opportunity to continue to relax in the beautiful surroundings, play on the lake, or take a walk to the local village for an insight into Malawian village life, while locals explain their traditions and rituals. PUMULANI

Day 11 Today you will be transferred back to Lilongwe in time for the connecting flight back home. END OF SAFARI

SAXON EXCITES WITH OUTSTANDING DINING EXPERIENCE AT THE NEW QUNU GRILL

Johannesburg, South Africa, June 07, 2013 | No matter how discerning their taste buds, mouths can’t help but water at the Saxon’s newest restaurant, Saxon Qunu Grill. Executive Chef David Higgs, noted as one of South Africa’s top chefs, and his team of culinary prodigies were elated with the official launch of the new restaurant, following months of development. An innovative menu boasts bold flavors and an honest approach to cuisine, using only the finest South African ingredients. Patrons can delight in a hearty breakfast, comforting lunch or cozy, intimate dinner, all with a distinct African flair.

From the West Coast mussels to the free range and grass-fed beef, sourced from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Chef Higgs challenges the norm with his creative menu items and attention to detail. Gastronomy aficionados and gourmands alike will revel in the multi-faceted selections. Guests are spoiled for choice. With a delectable variety of fish, beef, poultry, game and for the vegetarians out there, the menu features scrumptious vegetarian options too.

The grill exudes the warmth of the hotel’s African heritage from its rich surroundings, red tones, woven lampshades and ambient glow, enhanced by the remarkable hanging gardens. Just beyond the gardens, the glass double doors lead out onto the terrace where the striking canopy of age-old fig trees offer a sense of being an intrinsic part of Africa. Whether the occasion is a business lunch, a special celebration or simply to fulfill the need for inspired, appetizing cuisine, Saxon Qunu Grill provides the perfect setting.

The restaurant’s Xhosa name pays homage to the Eastern Cape village where former president Nelson Mandela was born. Mandela chose the Saxon as a quiet refuge while writing his memoirs, thus it’s only fitting that his birthplace has made a permanent mark on the hotel.  

"The introduction of Saxon Qunu Grill to the hotel’s dining options has been a natural progression for us, where the heritage of Africa is encapsulated in not only the décor, but in the flavors of the fare we present to our guests,” said Managing Director George Cohen.

“There is such synergy here, with the history of the hotel, and that of my talented culinary team. With an inherent focus on the experience and the food, Saxon Qunu Grill is a place where people can relax in the tranquil and charming atmosphere and revel in the fantastic service whilst indulging in the finest wine and food pairings,” added Chef Higgs. “With the Saxon exuding the warmth of a home, Saxon Qunu Grill’s experience is the very same one I would afford my family and friends in my very own home."

For more information about the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas, Spa and the Qunu Grill, visit www.saxon.co.za. 

CHELI & PEACOCK SAFARIS GIVE AWAY LIMITED EDITION ZEISS BINOCULARS TO COUPLES ON SAFARI

Nairobi, Kenya, (06/13) – Cheli & Peacock Safaris is giving a complimentary pair of limited edition Cheli & Peacock Zeiss binoculars to any couple who book a safari through Cheli & Peacock at a C&P Portfolio property. Carl Zeiss, international leader in optics since 1846, has developed exclusive Conquest HD 8x42 binoculars to enhance a safari experience, making them a must-have safari essential. Each pair of binoculars is worth $1000. C&P Portfolio properties, which include Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Elsa’s Kopje, Joy’s Camp, Kitich Camp, Lewa Safari Camp, Loisaba Wilderness and Tortilis Camp, can’t get much better, but the way you view and experience them can, thanks to the limited edition Zeiss binoculars.  

The binoculars will not only bring your safari experience closer, but also in high-definition, making them impossible to put down. Get that much closer to a feeding pack of lions with the 8x magnification, which provides a stable image in all viewing conditions and the HD-lens system that guarantees the highest quality color reproduction. With a specially designed 42mm lens, ideal for twilight conditions, early morning and late evening game drives are brought to life. The binoculars’ robust ergonomic design includes a special grip for stability and an easy accessible focus wheel that allows even the smallest details of the African bush to appear sharp and color neutral. At 750gms, the limited edition Conquest HD binoculars are the ideal safari companion, just large enough to allow superb optics while remaining sufficiently compact for day use.

"We are passionate about giving our clients the ultimate authentic safari experience and are delighted to work with the team at Zeiss to offer our guests some of the best binoculars for wildlife safari,” said Stefano Cheli. “We hope that these special limited edition Cheli & Peacock binoculars will not only bring the excitement of safari that much closer, but also serve as a life-long safari companion."

To book your reservation and secure your own limited edition Cheli & Peacock Zeiss binoculars, contact Cheli & Peacock at safaris@chelipeacock.co.ke. Note: a minimum of nine nights is required for this offer. The offer is limited to 500 binoculars.

SAFARI GOERS GET AN EDUCATION IN BUSH MEDICINE

Johannesburg, South Africa (06/13) – “For everything from headaches to ringworm, the bush has a cure,” said Jacques Smit, marketing director at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. “The biodiversity of plant life in the Sabi Sabi area is so diverse it’s like a ‘medicine chest’, supplying the people with precious natural remedies.”

Safari guides at Sabi Sabi offer guests more than a look at the Big Five, they offer a unique learning experience centered on ancient healing traditions of the Shangaan people. During safaris, guides and trackers will identify and discuss the age-old uses of various plants found in the African landscape.

While Selati Camp, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and Earth Lodge all have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand and a 24-hour medical team on call, it is remarkable to experience and understand the centuries-old natural medicine still used in local village communities. Long before modern medicine, extremely skilled and knowledgeable indigenous healers developed cures for various illnesses using the trees, plants and shrubs that grew in their surroundings. Some of these plants and remedies are being scientifically studied with the goal of one day incorporating them into modern medicine.

On safari, study the extraordinary trees that produce these cures. The Magic Guarri bush is said to have supernatural powers. The wood of the bush is considered to be so sacred that it is never to be burned for fuel and twigs and pieces of the branches are carried by the people for good luck. Many traditional healers use Magic Guarri to help abdominal pains during pregnancy and to prevent miscarriage, but the bush has even simpler uses, like curing toothache, preventing tooth decay and cleaning your teeth, similar to a toothbrush.

The Leadwood tree, a protected species that lives to be more than a thousand years old, can be seen around the reserve. Due to their protected status, Leadwood trees cannot be cut for medicinal purposes, but elephants don’t fall under these restrictions. Once an elephant breaks down a branch and enjoys a snack on the leaves, the branches are free for the taking. Inhaling the smoke from the burning wood is a remedy for coughs and colds. The bark is used as a cure for bilharzia, a parasitic disease.

For more insight into the uses of the Magic Guarri bush, Leadwood tree, Fever tree, Jackalberry tree, Weeping Wattle tree and the intriguing Sausage Tree, visit the traditional healer on a Sabi Sabi community tour. Tours are offered daily from 10:30am to 1:00pm.

For more information on ‘bush medicine’ or to book your safari with Sabi Sabi, visit www.sabisabi.com. All proceeds from the village tour benefit the local community.