Welcome to our Summer 07 edition of Drumbeats, our quarterly publication that is designed to bring the rhythm of Africa into the middle of your busy lifestyle. In this issue, our focus is on some very special hotels, camps and lodges that are off-the-beaten-track; special ‘gems’ that will only shine for those in the safari ‘inner circle’!
Anne Bellamy, President
SUMMER 2007
Richard Haas-Winkelman
Product Development

With more than 20 years in the travel industry (and half of those at African Travel), Richard is a consummate professional and Africa Aficionado. With such a remarkable depth of product knowledge, Richard is an indispensable asset to both our marketing and reservations teams. Thanks to Richard, our 2007/2008 brochure is truly our “piece de resistance”.

10 THINGS YOU MUST PACK FOR A SAFARI
1. A light weight floppy brimmed hat with a neck string
2. Extra film/discs and batteries for your camera
3. Small but powerful binoculars with a neck strap
4. Warm sweater/jacket/sweat shirt (even in summer)
5. Plastic zip lock bags for wet clothes/to protect cameras, etc.
6. Sturdy ankle high athletic shoes for walking safaris
7. Fanny pack large enough for camera & valuables
8. Small notebook or diary
9. Hard candy, gum and non-perishable snacks (sealed)
10. Lots of US paper money for emergency tipping (in small denominations)




Dave Herbert, CTC,
Managing Director
It is always more fun to concentrate on the positives. Here are some activities that you should DO while on safari, even if the thought makes you twitch a bit. An Elephant back safari is fun, safe and gentle. But wear long pants and socks – its a bit like riding on top of a hair brush! Jump on a canoe ride wherever available. Pure nirvana. And also take a helicopter ‘flip’ if on offer. (Maybe an unfortunate term… you’ll flip only figuratively – not literally!) Enjoy a Home Host dinner to learn about the culture, make some new friends… and sample scrumptious local cuisine.


My expectations were
not just met – they were surpassed! This safari was a dream come true and everywhere we went – it just got better and better. Thank you for the best vacation my family has ever had.
R. L. – Anaheim, CA

STOP THE PRESS!
African Travel is proud to announce that we have been selected amongst the Top Ten Tour Operators in the world – by the readers of prestigious Travel & Leisure magazine. Thanks to everyone who voted for us…and put big smiles on the faces of our hard-working staff members!

Other than humans…
the only other animal that can
stand on its head is the elephant!

African Travel Inc.
1100 East Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
1-800-2-SAFARI
www.africantravelinc.com
Email: ati@africantravelinc.com


A safari to Africa is a life-long ‘dream come true’. African Travel, Inc. is dedicated to assisting our customers create, plan and experience the best possible safari adventure. By sharing our knowledge, experience and expertise, our simple mission is to breath life into fantasies and help our clients truly ‘live the dream’...


Where? Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
What? The ‘grande dame’ of the Falls!

Celebrating her 100th birthday and looking better then ever, the Victoria Falls Hotel is exquisite having just undergone extensive refurbishment, while maintaining the look and feel of a vintage safari haven. Enjoy High Tea on the terrace, while the soft white mist of the Falls roils into the sky and playful monkeys scamper across the immaculate lawns. The age-old trees spread gracefully and if they could talk, would regale you with tales of past adventurers, kings and presidents, who strolled the expansive grounds and found superb food, drink and comfort here after long days on safari. Throughout 2008, all of our clients staying at the Victoria Falls Hotel will receive a 3rd night free, as well as a complimentary High Tea.

Where? Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
What? Perhaps the best kept secret of all…

Somalisa Luxury Camp has only 6 elegantly furnished canvas tents and is an authentic bush camp that combines the old African charm and style together with an exclusive safari experience. The large and comfortable tents have private flush toilets and romantic alfresco bush showers. The sumptuous cuisine is a balance of organic produce and innovative gourmet meals complemented by some of South Africa’s finest local wines. The camps stunning location, along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain affords a breath-taking view of the savannah plains. Large herds of game congregate around the campsite (often walking through it!) and the park abounds with all of the Big Five. Activities include guided walks and game drives, led by qualified and passionate guides. Many seasoned safari-goers swear that this is the best – and most intimate – game viewing experience they have ever seen!

Where? Kruger Park, South Africa.
What? A private home now open to a few lucky visitors.

1933 at Lions Sands is the perfect home-away-from-home for families or small groups of friends looking for the ultimate in luxury, comfort and privacy. Although the owners have decided to not advertise the villa, African Travel does have preferential access to the property, which can accommodate anywhere from 8 to 16 adults and children. This gracious home comes replete with a private chef and ranger and the exclusive use of a 4x4 landrover for safari game drives. The décor is classic-contemporary and exudes an earthy charm. In winter, you can relax in overstuffed chairs alongside a roaring fire, sipping fine spirits and drinking the magnificent views over the Sabie River. During the warm summers, the wrap around deck and refreshing plunge pool provide cool comfort after a day of exciting game viewing. All of this – and some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa!

Before moving to California with her family, and joining African Travel, Mirlin Manshon spent a decade in the safari business while living in South Africa. She was a frequent
visitor to hotels and safari lodges, learning first-hand which properties were particularly suited to the discerning American market. Mirlin loves creating custom-designed safaris, and is a great source of knowledge for those clients who want to talk to a safari expert who has “been there and done that”.
$ 12 nights on a super safari – luxury all the way, visiting three top South Africa wildlife destinations with a Cape Town stopover. Lots and lots of intense and wonderful game viewing. From $7995 per person including airfare within Africa.

$ A perfect introduction to Southern Africa – 12 nights including Victoria Falls, Cape Town and superb wildlife viewing at Kruger Park. Land starts at only $3195 per person.
$ The crowning glory to your traditional safari – A 4 day visit to Rwanda to track the elusive Mountain Gorilla. Starts at $2595 per person.


Always mindful of what Africa has personally given to us, the staff at African Travel recently created a program called Safari with a Sole. They collected new and gently used shoes and sent them to an orphanage in South Africa. Over 300 pairs have been gathered, lovingly cleaned and buffed and sent off with the promise that many children would be able to proudly start the new school year with their first pair of shoes! The academy award-winner Forest Whitaker caught wind of our project and kindly offered to take three duffel bags of shoes to South Africa on his family safari. A warm thanks to Forest and his family, as well as all the generous members of our community.


Request a catalog from African Travel Inc.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: ANNE BELLAMY;
MANAGING EDITOR: RICHARD HAAS-WINKELMAN; GRAPHIC DESIGN: LISA BRINK
THANKS TO THE ENTIRE STAFF FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS.

CA Sellers #207144420
African Travel is not liable for any errors or omissions.