Drumbeats - Summer 08

As we reach the midyear mark... and approach some of the busiest and most popular months for travel to Africa, we remind readers that there is still plenty of time to plan a 2008 safari! We have set aside some "plum" space in both Eastern and Southern Africa, for travel this summer, autumn and winter. But don't wait too long. This space is just too hot for us to hold onto it for much longer! Contact your local travel professional to arrange your next trip to Africa.
- Anne Bellamy, President

SUMMER 2008

Adrienne Pappas
Senior Reservations Manager
Adrienne will be celebrating her 5th anniversary with African Travel, but she has over two decades of experience in the travel business! As Reservations Manager, Adrienne is our 'go to' person for many of our front line staff members. She is also extraordinarily adept at Customer Service; in the event that we get a (rare) complaint, Adrienne knows just how to smooth out the wrinkles and leave everyone smiling. For the last year, we have been implementing a new reservations system - and Adrienne has been tasked with managing that daunting project. We expect to launch the completed program at the end of this year... and Adrienne will have earned first crack at the champagne!

WHAT TO BUY... AND WHERE TO FIND IT!
• Quality woven baskets: Botswana
• Carved wooden animals & masks: Zimbabwe
• Beaded jewelry: Kenya
• Ostrich leather goods: Namibia
• Fine local wines: South Africa
• Traditional candles: Swaziland
• Tanzanite stones and jewelry: Tanzania
• Ceremonial tribal artifacts: Uganda
The huge open market at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, is one of the few places left where clients can barter for goods. Have a t-shirt to spare? Sunglasses or a baseball cap? Anything uniquely 'Western' is very desirable, and you can have fun bartering with the locals. This market also has an awesome selection of goods, from all over the African continent. This is the place to buy your souvenirs!

By Dave Herbert, CTC,
Managing Director

WHILE OUT ON A WILDLIFE DRIVE:

• Don't wear solid black, solid white or bright colored clothes. The intensity and contrast with the natural environment can be noticed by the animals.
• Don't wave your hands, clap, shout or stand up in the vehicle. It is especially important that parents coach children on appropriate behavior while on safari.
• Don't wear strong perfume. Even if the wildlife can't smell it, the people sitting behind you probably can!
• Do take a jacket or sweater with you. Sitting exposed, in a moving vehicle can significantly lower your body temperature.
• Do take extra camera gear (batteries, film, memory cards and
a 'long' lens). Once you are out in the bush, there is no turning back. Don't risk missing that photo-of-a-lifetime!

"We have traveled extensively in Africa, always having Hilda map our journey from start to finish. We have never met, but my husband and I feel we know her well. She is warm, friendly and very concerned. Africa is our favorite land and Hilda is the reason for that!"
- Dr. and Mrs. Coppola, VT

Meerkats (who are habituated to humans) will often climb on top of a person's head to get a good view of
approaching predators.

Voted One of TRAVEL+LEISURE's
Top Ten Tour Operators

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 breathe life into fantasies and help our clients truly 'live the dream'...

Where? Victoria Falls, Zambia
What? A visit to the world famous Falls coupled with an authentic canoe safari on the mighty Zambezi River!
Hot off the press is our new 4 day Zambezi Explorer, which we will showcase in our upcoming 2009 African Travel brochure. Perfect as a pre or post tour add-on, this adventure combines sightseeing in and around the Falls, an exciting canoeing safari down the river and then an overnight on an island, in traditional tented accommodation. Activities include a sundowner pontoon sail, a guided tour of the Falls, an elephant back safari and a 2 day canoe excursion down the Zambezi River. Two-man inflatable canoes provide safe and easy passage through the Zambia wilderness, where clients can spot elephant, giraffe, buffalo, antelope and a myriad of birdlife. The adventure is not designed to be arduous, so even first-time 'sailors' are welcome. For those who prefer, the tented overnight may be substituted with a night in a traditional hotel room! Prices will start at $695.00 per person.

Victoria Falls from above

Where? Sossusvlei, Namibia
What? The largest (and most scenic) sand dunes in the world!
No visit to Namibia is complete unless one has experienced the dunes of the Sossusvlei desert. Carved by the wind into beautiful swirled mounds, these dunes are the most photographed celebrities in all of Namibia. At sunrise and sunset, the sand catches the light rays and actually changes color; from fiery red to orange to barely blushed pink. Visitors who climb any one of several dunes (Big Mama is one we recommend) will be rewarded with spectacular views out over the vast desert floor. During Namibia's summer, an early morning climb is essential. During the cooler winter months, the climb can be undertaken at any time of day. And why not combine this adventure with a hot air balloon excursion? At day break your balloon climbs into the dawn sky, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Sossusvlei wilderness. After an energetic hike up the dunes, it feels good to let the balloon's 'hot air' do all the work!

Sossusvlei dunes, Namibia

Where? All over Africa
What? A visit to a local orphanage, clinic, school or community project.
On just about all of our safari itineraries, we can arrange for interested travelers to take a break from their busy wildlife viewing to visit a nearby village or community. Throughout Africa, charitable foundations and individuals are working hard to improve the lives of needy children, families and the elderly. Orphanages, schools, hospitals and churches are being built. Children are being educated for the first time. The chronically ill are finally receiving medicine. And entire families are learning what it feels like to eat a healthy meal every day. Consistent feedback from our clients tells us that these special visits were among the highlights of their entire African safari! So if you are interested in getting a little bit involved... please tell your African Travel safari consultant. Normally these visits do not involve extra costs; they simply require a little bit of your time, an open mind and perhaps a small piece of your heart!

Extra-Roar-Dinary Contest
Recently African Travel was featured on KNX news radio and was promoted by the station's culinary guru, Melinda Lee. We were thrilled to have this on-air celebrity bring our company's name into the kitchens of millions of listeners. What could be more appropriate than pairing South Africa with the promise of delicious food and great wines? Our Savoring South Africa culinary safari special will have you cooking up some savory safari plans of your own.

The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa: This lovingly restored, historical manor is set among acres of old vineyards and landscaped gardens. For the balance of 2008, and throughout 2009, all African guests receive their 4th night's stay free!

Only minutes from the grand Victoria Falls, is the fabulous Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: The property offers 5 star accommodations and service, along with the best restaurant in Zimbabwe. Nearby is the lodge-owned boma - a 'must cultural experience' for all visitors to the Falls. Starting in 2009, all African Travel guests will receive their 3rd night accommodation... free!

National Geographic Traveler just tapped African Travel's Egypt program for inclusion in their '50 Tours of a Lifetime'. This is our new Exclusively Yours! Egypt itinerary, that can be found in our 2008 African Travel catalogue. Unique program features include a private Egyptologist, dinner in the home of an Egyptian family and a luxurious 5 day/5 star cruise on the Nile.

African Travel staff experience Africa first hand: Brena is now an expert on Ethiopia; Anne attended Indaba in South Africa and then travelled through Namibia; Mirlin had some photo opportunities in Kenya; Debi rode elephants at the Victoria Falls; Heidi began in Cape Town, attended Indaba in Durban, viewed game in Kruger, journeyed on to Victoria Falls and topped things off in Botswana; Jane attended the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai and Indaba in South Africa. Our claim to know Africa is strengthened by having "been there and done that"!

Request a brochure from African Travel, Inc.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: ANNE BELLAMY;
MANAGING EDITOR: HEIDI PODJAVORSEK; 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.