africa - travel world news · africa travel to africa on the rise with tourism arrivals growing at...

AFRICAS E C T I O N F I V E - F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 7

NIGERIAEco-TourismSymposium Focuses On

Tourism As A Tool for Peace

Southern Africa Offers Exciting Travel Options in 2007

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US Travel Weekly.indd 1 1/19/07 4:31:49 PM

HONEYMOON PACKAGES IN MAURITIUSWITH INDIANOCEANVACATIONS.COM ANDAIR MAURITIUS

The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is a perfect honeymoon des-tination. The 720 square-mile island offers romantic resorts, ex-cellent cuisine, casinos, a unique blending of cultures, and plentyof opportunities for sightseeing, relaxation, and entertainment.

Indian Ocean Vacations in conjunction with Air Mauritius is of-fering newlyweds a selection of honeymoon packages at sevenbeachside resorts including the 5-star Oberoi, Prince Maurice andLe Touessrok; the 4-star-Belle Mare Plage, La Pirogue andShandrani, as well as the high value Le Mauricia.

The basic package includes economy class, round trip air farefrom New York via London to Mauritius, a special Mauritian wel-come with garlands on arrival, round trip airport to resort trans-fers in Mauritius by private car, seven nights accommodation,breakfast, or breakfast and dinner daily at the resort, most watersports, and Mauritian Government Value Added Tax. In addition,each resort offers honeymooners complimentary extras.

For honeymooners looking for a casual experience in a convenientand scenic location, Le Mauricia Resort is situated in the heart ofGrand Baie. The former fishing hamlet is today one of Mauritius’most fashionable seaside resorts, featuring exotic restaurants,lively cafes and colorful shops. The resort boasts a health and fit-ness center, water sports facilities and a night club. Le Mauriciaguests on the honeymoon package receive free lunch during thestay, a half bottle champagne and fruits in the room, plus two T-shirts. Honeymoon couple rates range from $4,010 to $5,200 forthe period April 23 through September 30, 2007 for a standardroom, with breakfast and dinner, and airfare.

The Oberoi honeymoon is for those in search of a luxury once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located at Turtle Bay on the northwestcoast, the resort is built on 20 acres of tropical gardens and oversix hundred yards of oceanfront. The resort’s accommodations in-clude two Royal Villas, luxury pavilions, and luxury villas, most ofthe latter with private swimming pools. Resort facilities includetwo restaurants, three bars, two swimming pools, a health spa, twoboutiques and two floodlit tennis courts. Honeymooners on IndianOcean Vacations packages who stay in the resort’s LuxuryPavilions or a Luxury Villa receive one candlelight dinner for two,including a bottle of wine, and a one-hour spa treatment for twopersons. Additionally, upon arrival couples can upgrade to the nexthigher category of accommodation, subject to availability.Honeymoon couple rates range from $6,640 to $8,340 for April 1through September 30, 2007 for a Luxury Pavilion includingbreakfast, and airfare from NYC.Rates for other resorts and fordates beyond September 30 are available on request. Air trans-portation from New York to London for the connection with AirMauritius is provided by Virgin Atlantic. All packages offer the op-tion at additional cost of departures from other U.S. cities, optionalaccommodation upgrades, and other customized arrangements.Airfare security fees, fuel surcharges and departure taxes are ad-ditional to all tour packages rates shown.Indian Ocean Vacationscan modify all packages to meet most honeymooner requests orspecial needs. Air Mauritius offers honeymooners a slightly up-graded economy fare, “Club Mauritius Class,” for those who wanteven more value, greater comfort and service.Air Mauritius, 800-537-1182Indian Ocean Vacations, 201-767-7722,www.indianoceanvacations.com

FEBRUARY 2007 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • 3

A F R I C A

Travel to Africa on the RiseWith tourism arrivals growing at a rate of 5.6 percent compared to 3.1 percent worldwide as

reported by the World Tourism Organization and now numbering 40 million visitors a yearAfrica continues to attract new air services, tourism development, and tour companies offering

travel packages there. Travel World News will continue our long tradition of highlighting travelopportunities to Africa through our print publications and online on a regular basis.

ESPLANADE TOURS [email protected] 800-628-4893

“The first thing a gent should do, if he is safari minded, is put himselfin the hands of an established firm with a reputation to maintain.” – Robert Ruark

CAPE GRACE CELEBRATES 10 YEARANNIVERSARY; SPECIAL OFFERS FORGUESTS

On December 14, 2006 Cape Grace marked its tenth anniversary.Cape Grace opened its doors in 1996 and was almost instantly rec-ognized worldwide as the “star” of Cape Town hotels - consistentlywinning awards and accolades that include being voted “Best Hotelin the World” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

Since its opening, Cape Grace has added a variety of assets, in-cluding Bascule Whisky Bar, home to the largest collection of sin-gle malt and blended whiskeys in the Southern Hemisphere, theCafé Bascule, the Spa at Cape Grace, available exclusively to hotelguests, and onewaterfront., the hotel’s award winning restaurant.

According to Nigel Pace, Cape Grace’s General Manager, “It isthe level and quality of personalized service that has turned CapeGrace from a standard luxury hotel into an international phenome-non.” And, says Pace, "the service is the reason that the likes of BillClinton, Kofi Annan and Leonardo de Caprio come back to CapeGrace whenever they come to Cape Town."

“It is the gentle elegance of this uniquely luxurious small hotel,combined with the allure of one of the world’s most beautiful citiesthat provides the unique experience of hospitality that is CapeGrace,” says Pace. "Cape Grace’s business plan is tuned to concen-trating on personalization and refreshing every aspect of visitingCape Grace. As we enter our second decade, we will continue to

provide guest experiences that dictate innovation,” Pace adds.During its 10th anniversary year, Cape Grace will be offering

guests a variety of special ‘birthday” gifts, unique packages andprograms including guided Harley rides, helicopter flips and beachpicnics.Cape Grace, 800-223-6800, www.capegrace.com

LION SANDS IVORY LODGE JOINSVIRTUOSO

Virtuoso, the luxury travel association, has chosen Ivory Lodgeat Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand, KrugerNational Park as one of the eight select private reserves within theentire South Africa.

Virtuoso is a by-invitation-only membership of the top indepen-dent luxury travel agencies in North and South America andAustralia, with combined annual revenues of $3 billion, offering anetwork of more than 6,000 elite travel specialists promoting andselling superior travel destinations.

Current rates are approximately $899 per person sharing, including luxury accommodation, two game drives in open Land-rovers, three meals daily, game drive refreshments, teas/coffees, laundry service, beverages (excluding premiumbrands and imports), maxi-bar and Skukuza airport transfers. The six ultra-luxurious private suites offer private plunge pools and views of the historical Sabie River. Guests can also de-stress at the Lion Sands Lalamuka Health Spa overlooking theSabie River.Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, [email protected], www.lionsands.com

SAXON HOTEL NAMED WORLD’S LEADINGBOUTIQUE HOTEL

Achieving top honors for the sixth consecutive year, the Saxon Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa was pre-sented the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel Award on September20 at the World Travel Awards ceremony in Turks & Caicos,Caribbean.

Over two million votes were cast worldwide for these awards from156,000 travel agencies and professionals in 140 countries.TheSaxon has achieved world renown for outstanding and unparalleledSouth African hospitality. The hotel is also proud to have met allqualifications to have become an official member of Small LeadingHotels of the World.

The recently unveiled Saxon Spa and Studio features six treatments rooms, including two outdoors, designed with state-of-the-art equipment and the most up-to-date beauty, healthand wellness treatments. The African Byzantine-styled mosaicRashul Chambers offer a warm mud treatment ideally suited tocouples or small groups. The treatment starts with a salt exfolia-tion, then mud treatment from top to toe, relaxation time duringthe steam cycle, after which a ‘rain forest’ shower rinses the mudoff completely.Saxon Hotel, [email protected]

4 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • FEBRUARY 2007

A F R I C A

Lunga, Busanga, Kapinga, Shumba, KalamuÖMake this the year your clients discover the magic of Wilderness Safarisí ZAMBIA!

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“Chief’s Camp is one stunning reason forthe rise of Botswana as a destination.”

Conde Nast TravelerNovember 2006

ESPLANADE TOURS ANNOUNCES NEWWEBSITE

With a constantly changing world, Esplanade Tours says that isalways striving to make it easier for travelers to see their optionswhen it comes to exploring that world and they have announced anew and updated website. Remembering what FIT stands forForeign Independent Travel, Esplanade continues to offer the bestin customized, innovative itineraries, and has been doing this for52 years. One of their secrets to doing this well is a knowledgeablewell-traveled staff. How can they tell you about the best lodges, oldand new, for the most incredible game viewing if they haven’t beenthere? Hot air ballooning – elephant back safaris – water safaris inthe Okavango Delta. Your clients have dreams, and they want tohelp you make them come true. Esplanade does not have plannedtours departing on set dates which may not fit your client’s sched-ule. According to Esplanade Tours owner Jacky Keith,” that clientwho wants to dive with the sharks off Cape Town in January, maynot want to bungee jump at Victoria Falls in July. The client whoprefers a tented safari is very different from the client who wantstotal luxury – they’ll see the same incredible game but be pamperedin different ways”.In addition to Africa the company offers otherdestinations including India, New Zealand, and the United ArabEmirates. Through its air department they can get your clients thelowest fares, whether economy, business or first class. Travel insur-ance is also offered. Esplanade Tours, 800-628-4893, www.esplandetours.com

KARELL’S AFRICAN DREAM VACATIONSFEATURES LUXURY, BUDGET, AND AIR-ONLY DIVISIONS

Serving the U.S. market since 1990, Karell has not only cateredto the South African community now settled in America, lookingafter their travel needs but has carved out a niche in luxury travelfor North Americans wanting a true African experience. The com-pany is owned and operated by Norman Pieters (who hails fromSouth Africa). Pieters says that “he finds great passion in creatingtravel programs that not only fulfill expectations, but often the life-time ambitions of my clients and proudly adds that the majority ofthe company’s business is derived from referrals from past clients.”Karell has earned numerous industry accolades, including the pres-tigious honor of being listed as A+ by Travel & Leisure magazine.

Africa, remaining at an all time high is on the must-see list ofmost Americans. Karell Enterprises is now taking bold steps tocater to a broader spectrum of the American market, and will offerproducts and services under three distinct brands.

Karell’s African Dream Vacations, the company’s flagship brand,caters to the high-end luxury market that demands the very best inAfrica. Experienced staff provide the discerning traveler innova-tive and exciting itineraries in exotic locales where privacy and lux-urious accommodation become the norm. While on safari clientsenjoy the company of meticulously selected guides, game rangers,and trackers. Responsible tourism also plays a very important part

in every client’s travels. The Karell Holidays brand has been specially created for the bud-

get-conscious traveler who dreams of embarking on an AfricanSafari. A wide range of affordable value-added safari packagesranging from moderate to first class accommodations are avail-able. All safaris and holidays include a personalized meet and greetservice, various dining options, game drives and touring, profes-sional drivers and guides, park entrance fees, and Karell’s emer-gency evacuation and medical insurance coverage underwritten byTravel Guard. Destinations include South Africa, Botswana,Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Kenya,Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Egypt.

Karell Air team forms the company’s hub, offering highly com-petitive airfares to Africa. Sixteen years of experience has goneinto building one of the most sought after ticket outlet centers inAmerica. Karell Air specialists can offer flights on numerous air-lines including South African Airways, Delta Air Lines, Swiss,Virgin Atlantic, Kenya Airways, and Air Namibia. Karell’s African Dream Vacations 800-327-0373, www.karell.com

ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESK SAYS THINK ZAMBIA IN 2007

According to Valerie Paul, “the past year has seen the rise ofZambia as the hottest new safari destination in Southern Africa.With a wider range of game viewing and bird watching activitiesthan ever and better air connections to and within the country,travel to Zambia is becoming easier and more exciting all the time.Whether your clients prefer traditional bush camping or fully-staffed luxury safari houses or something in between, Zambia is theplace to be.”

For those who want to experience the true magic of the bush,Robin Pope Safaris will launch a series of scheduled bush campingsafaris in the 2007 season. Travelers will have a wonderful oppor-tunity to experience the wild up close, walking from camp to campand staying in simple but extremely comfortable walk in dome tentswith mattresses, sheets and blankets, wash basins, shared bucketshowers and bush loos. The six-night and eight-night itinerariesfocus on contrasting remote areas within the enormous SouthLuangwa National Park and can be combined with stays at RobinPopes’ permanent camps for more traditional game viewing.

Also this year, Wilderness Safaris will open two intimate bushcamps in the un-crowded Luamfwa area of the South Luangwa:Chinengwe Bush Camp and Kalamu Tented Camp. The concessionis located in the wild and remote southern sector of the Park wherethe Luangwa River meanders westward. A private airstrip will en-sure easy access from Lusaka and Livingstone (for Victoria Falls)and allow connections to Wilderness Safaris’ other recently-openedcamps in the Busanga Plains region of the Northern KafueNational Park. Adventure Travel Desk can custom-design aZambian adventure using one or both of these great operators andcoordinating all international and in country flights. Adventure Travel Desk, 800-552-0300, www.african-safari.com


A F R I C A

NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCES FROMAFRICAEXPERTS BY GOWAY

AFRICAExperts by Goway has one of the most comprehensiveAfrican Travel Planners in North America. “We’ve focused on expanding the destinations and memorable experiences avail-able in Africa,” commented founder and President, Bruce Hodge.

“Recognizing the diverse needs of North American travelers, weoffer safari excursions, small group escorted tours, wildlife en-counters, winter escapes, self-drives and Indian Ocean island re-sorts. AFRICAExperts now offers the most wide-ranging Africantravel options for North Americans.”

New travel experiences introduced for 2007 include:Travel Africa in Style, two exclusive VIP itineraries to

enjoy South Africa that include icons such as the Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls. The 12-day “Route of theAfrican Sun” ($4,963) and 15-day “Heartbeat of Africa”($6,014) are both planned to incorporate a number of Stays ofDistinction, a selection of unique accommodations that cater tothe discerning traveler.

The eight-day “Zambian Walking Safari“, starting from$4,097, is a unique journey to explore the Zambian landscape.The safari includes accommodation at three bush camps, day

walks and game drives, a professional guide, and flights fromLivingstone to Lusaka. Highly recommended is a visit to VictoriaFalls before of after the safari.

Two Namibian flying safaris (one from Windhoek and the otherfrom Sossusvlei) for seven days starting from $4,506, offer visi-tors the maximum time to see the country’s highlights by flying inlight aircraft in between and over some of the most spectacularscenery in the world.

On the eight-day “Best of Uganda” journey, travelers will see theMountain Gorillas in Uganda, enjoy game viewing and bird watch-ing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and visit the Ngamba Islandchimp sanctuary. Starting from $3,078, departures are availablefrom September 2006.

The ultimate luxury tenting experience, “Colonial Glory ofKenya” is a seven-day journey starting at $2,380. This tour trav-els from Nairobi to Samburu, Lake Naivasha to Kenya’s finest re-serve, the Masai Mara.

AFRICAExperts has also a variety of islands and resorts avail-able in the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, Mauritius,Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mombasa. Three-day packages startfrom $253. GOWAY Travel, 800-245-0920, [email protected],www.africaexperts.com, www.goway.com

A F R I C A

Finishing touches were still being applied to thebrand-new cultural center in Calabar, Cross RiverState, Nigeria as delegates from around the worldgathered for the opening ceremonies of the 10th

African Travel Association (ATA) Ecotourism and CulturalSymposium on November 16, 2006. The symposium ran forfour days and focused on a wide variety of topics both specificto Nigeria itself and also on a broader spectrum of ideas per-taining to Nigeria’s African neighbors near and far. In addi-tion to a host of Nigerian dignitaries, officials and represen-tatives of tourism and culture from countries includingTanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the UnitedStates also joined in the discussions. Hosted by Donald Duke,Executive Governor, Cross River State, the symposium wasorganized in large part by ATA Executive Director EdwardBergmann and included speakers ranging from Prof.Babalola Borishade, Minister for Tourism and Culture; OtayiM. Oyigbenu, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of

Culture & Tourism; Jake Otanke Obetsebi-Lamptey,Ghana’s minister of tourism and ATA president; and RobertAlsbrooks, ATA’s executive program director.

“The resource base of tourism in Africa,” said Mr. Duke,“consisting primarily of nature and cultural heritage fea-tures, is under severe threat from poverty that is ravagingthe majority of the people on the continent. We must con-tinue to delicately balance conservation with the priority ofalleviating human suffering. Against this dilemma my faithis in the fact that Africa’s people are extraordinarily resilientand entrepreneurial. Thus, it is not the flair that is missing,but customers that are needed.”

Professor Borishade added, “Although Africa is a fascinat-ing continent where the diversity of landscape, the people,their cultures and vitality are enough to attract any touristseeking color, adventure and excitement, the performanceof Africa as an international tourism destination has re-mained unimpressive when compared with other regions ofthe world.” His view brightened, however, when he went onto discuss investment opportunities in the tourism sector ofNigeria. They include eco-tourism; beach tourism; her-itage/cultural tourism; sport tourism; establishment of ho-tels and similar establishments; and establishment andmanagement of theme parks. “The richness and diversity ofthe [Nigerian] culture is a manifestation of the socio-cul-tural differences of the over 450 ethno-linguistic groups thatinhabit the land, and this, coupled with the hospitality of thepeople, has made the country one of the most richly en-dowed potential tourist destinations on the globe.” He con-

Nigeria: Eco-Tourism Symposium FocusesOn Tourism As A Tool For PeaceWide array of dignitaries welcome ATA delegatesB Y R O B I N S WA D O S


A F R I C A

The cineplex at Tinapa, a huge new business and tourism complexunder construction in Calabar, Nigeria.

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cluded, “I invite the North Americansand other foreigners to invest in thetourism sector of the Nigerian econ-omy.”

High StakesThe stakes for the future of Nigeria’s

ambitious tourism industry couldn’t behigher. With 130 million inhabitants,Nigeria is Africa’s most populous na-tion. In 1950, its former capital, Lagos,had a population of three hundredthousand; it is now the world’s sixth-largest city and by 2015 is expected tobe third, with an expected populationof 23 million. Since 1976, Nigeria’scapital has been Abuja, chosen, amongother reasons, for its central location,and with a population of approxi-mately 2.5 million. Nigeria’s democra-tically elected government, in placesince 1999, is facing its third electionin April 2007, and the scramblingamong candidates is clearly evident.[subhead]Ecotourism’s past...

Nigeria’s current president,Olusegun Obasanjo, noted that “Eco-tourism on the continent is a goldminewaiting to be exploited. . . .Tourism de-velopment in Africa is key to meaning-ful economic growth and develop-ment.”

Ecotourism in Nigeria has both an il-lustrious past and a hugely ambitiousfuture. An example of the former isCalabar’s Drill Ranch, run byAmerican couple Elizabeth and PeterGatsby, and dedicated to preservationof the drills—short-tailed rain forest

monkeys, and one of Africa’s mostendagered primates. Drill Ranch is theonly place in the world to see natural-sized drill groups in captivity; afteryears of being illegally shot for bush-meat, more than 200 drills have nowbeen born at the project, with the even-tual release back to the wild plannedfor the future. The Kache Bano Walk-a-Way, installed nearby by the CrossRiver State Tourism Bureau, is a world-class rainforest canopy experience, aneasy hike from the camp, as are thebeautiful waterfalls and pools in theBano Stream. A tree nursery at thecamp provides an excellent demon-stration of agroforestry techniques.

The Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuarywas created in May 2000 and is man-aged by the Cross River State ForestryCommission. It is one of Nigeria’smany examples of combinationwildlife conservation and tourist desti-nation, located in the land of the Bokipeople, one of Nigeria’s hundreds ofregional groups. Drill Ranch is thearea’s largest employer, providingtools to youths to improve and main-tain roads and bridges. Surchargesand fees from tourists help this essen-tial work and are a critical source ofeco-tourism revenue.

...And Its FutureDiscussing the prosperity of invest-

ment in Nigeria’s tourism, industry, Dr.Franklin J. Adejuwon, a tourism ex-pert, said, “Investment possibilities inthe nation’s tourism industry cannot be

overemphasized. Investment in thetourism industry in Nigeria is nowgenerous and out of the exclusive list,as foreigners can now own 100% eq-uity while such investment is well pro-tected and supported by good evidenceof healthy repatriation of capital.Significantly, the Nigerian currencyhas stabilized and this is a further as-surance to investors as to a healthyeconomy.”

Pursuant to this, a wildly ambitiousproject to move Nigeria in general andCalabar in particular into the future isTinapa, a gargantuan tourism locationin the process of construction on theCalabar River, and the first integratedbusiness and leisure resort in Nigeria.A tour of the site, which is roughlyequal in size to New York’s KennedyAirport, required transportation by vanfrom one area to another, and includedviews of hotels, enormous shoppingcenters, and a mammoth cineplex,


A F R I C A

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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funded in part by the Israeli government. Numerous othercountries throughout the world are also investing in Tinapa,which hopes to establish Calabar as a trade and distributionhub in West Africa—complete with monorail connecting itdirectly to Calabar’s airport—while at the same time provid-ing a unique tourism experience that will inform and en-large the growth and enhancement of the tourism sector inCross River State and Nigeria. It is an enormous vision, de-signed to attract investors, traders and business travelers,and subsequently domestic, regional and internationalleisure tourists.

Nigeria’s rich cultural life is in abundant display everywhere—beautiful and colorful local dress; fascinatingmuseums (the one in Calabar, focusing largely on the his-tory of slavery in Western Africa, is a standout, both educa-tional and elucidating); and great music and dancing. Itmay or not be a coincidence that the three-day music carni-val in Abuja, which took place on Nov. 23–26, ran nearly si-multaneously with “Red Hot + RIOT LIVE!, the Music andSpirit of Fela Kuti,” one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musi-cians, at New York’s prestigious Brooklyn Academy ofMusic, Dec. 1 and 2 (sponsored by GAP Product Red), aswell as an exhibit, Political Cartoons from Nigeria, at theSouthfirst Gallery, also in Brooklyn, from Nov. 10 throughDec. 17.

The ATA Symposium focused on tourism as an instrumentfor peace, as well as a social, economic, and political tool.Nigeria’s friendly and warm people are clearly desirous ofpositioning themselves and their country alongside othercountries on the continent, such as Kenya and South Africa,as a legitimate tourist destination in their own right. Evenfor the most adventurous traveler, however, there are infra-structural and organizational hurdles to overcome inNigeria.

Transportation—especially on the local level—can bescarce, accommodations not a sure-fire thing, and basic fi-nancial matters such as money-changing and monetaryrates still fall into the realm of the precarious, to be negoti-ated only with the help of a well-informed local official orhotel representative. Notwithstanding Nigeria’s cultural,geographical, ecological and historical diversity, it faceschallenges ahead as it navigates the fragile bridge betweenan adventure and leisure destination for the tourist in searchof the out-of-the-ordinary.

Getting ThereNonstop flights from New York’s JFK to Lagos, Nigeria are

available through North American Airlines, 800-FLY-NAA2,www.northamericanair.comNigeria Tourism Development Corporation,www.nigeriatourism.net

ECO-EXPEDITIONS IN ODZALA-KOKOUANATIONAL PARK WITH CONGO TRAVEL AND HOTELS

Located in the heart of the great Congo basin rainforest, theOdzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s least known andmost extraordinary tropical forest ecosystems.

In this vast expanse of forest, some parts which may have neverbeen visited by man, healthy populations of large forest mammalsroam. One of the unique features of Odzala-Kokoua National Parkis the presence of many forest clearings or “salines” offeringmarvelous opportunities for observing otherwise rarely seen for-est species and birds.

The park was created in 1935 and is one of the oldest parks inAfrica. Located in a remote area with a low human population,the wildlife is well protected. The local populations, living mainlyaround the southwest of the Park, are made up of various Bantuand pygmies groups. Guests will share their rich culture and tra-ditions.

In Odzala, easily observe lowland gorillas from hides on edgesof the forest clearings in the north of the park. The Maya Northand Lokoue clearings are heavily used by gorillas, as well as otherspecies such as elephant, buffalo, red river hog and giant foresthog.

Since the forest is in a phase of expansion and is currently colo-nizing the nearby savannahs, typical savannah species such aslion, hyena, bushbuck and Grimm’s duiker are found here. It isalso an area with one of the highest densities of gorillas, smallprimates and forest elephants in central Africa. It has a great di-versity of fauna and is home to 500 species of birds and well over100 mammal species. Several spectacular large mammals can beobserved including lowland gorilla, forest elephants, bongo, si-tatunga (big marsh-living antelope), giant forest hog, bush pig,forest buffalo, and leopard.

While traveling up the Mambili River, elephants, gorillas, buf-falo and forest antelope can often be seen at the water’s edge.Groups of monkeys and occasionally chimpanzees can be spottedin the canopy. This is an area rarely visited by man. Monitorlizards, crocodiles, snakes, otters and many birds can also beseen. In December butterflies are particularly abundant.

Herds of forest buffalos share the saline and can be seen in aday. Sitatungas and bongo live permanently in the saline and arevisible in the daytime. Elephants can be observed in the salineover 90 percent of the time. The average number seen daily isaround 30.

Like the elephants, western lowland gorillas are observed in thesaline over 90 percent of the time.

With Congo Travel and Hotels (CTH), guests can visit this par-adise of eco-expeditions and adventures with programs rangingfrom one week to one month. Prices range from approximately$1,900. Congo Travel and Hotels (CTH), [email protected], www.travel-congo.com


A F R I C A

NIGERIA FROM PAGE 9

As the premier professional African tourism mar-keting association, Africa Travel Association(ATA) has been promoting tourism to the conti-nent and intra-Africa travel and partnerships

since 1975. Its 32nd International Annual Congress andMarketing Symposium takes place this coming May 6–11, inEthiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Travel World Newsspoke recently with Edward Bergman, ATA’s new executivedirector, for a preview of the event.

Travel World News: Why is ATA’s upcoming Congress dif-ferent from past symposiums?

Edward Bergman: Well, to be perfectly frank, ATA is now atotally professional organization, open only to those who’vepassed our screening process. We need to position ourselvesas serious promoters/sellers of Africa’s extraordinary tourismproduct. While we encourage anyone who has a fascinationor love for the continent to consider joining us in Ethiopia, weadvise potential members that they will need more valid cre-dentials than in recent years.

TWN: About the Congress program…how will it be differ-ent from past years?

EB: Our new ATA president, Ghana’s minister of tourism theHon. Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, along with Hon.TadelechDalacho, Ethiopia’s state minister of culture and tourism,have been involved the planning and are looking forward towelcoming delegates. This year’s theme is: “Building aPositive Unified Image for African Tourism Development,”with a lighter program than previously. There’re always somany countries and organizations wanting to participate, andonly “x” amount of hours in the day for all the sessions we’dlike to present…so we’re trying something new — fewer,more concentrated, interactive sessions, with more time to ex-plore the host city and country.

TWN: Explain what you mean by “lighter” and “more inter-active” sessions?

EB: Well, there’ll be only “heavy” session day, coveringsuch topics, for example, as Africa’s emerging tourism growthmarket and national airlines…all with plenty of time for ques-tions/answers and point-of-view exchanges. There’ll betourism ministers’ and suppliers’ forums…and what we’re re-ally excited about is something totally new — we’ll be launch-ing an “African Tourism Marketplace,” a day-long opportu-nity for concentrated roundtable discussions and one-on-one

meetings with a continent-widegroup of ministers, suppliersand tour operators.

TWN: Sounds like partici-pants will be able to do some ef-fective networking?

EB: That’s exactly the idea!We want to encourage effectivecontact-making and tourism en-trepreneurial opportunities.Think of it: the marketplace willfeature individual country ta-bles staffed with respectivetourism ministers and industryprofessionals, all ready to meet with congress participants ona more personal basis. There’ll be so many possibilities for es-tablishing valuable contacts and building relationships to de-velop exciting new products to offer clients.

TWN: With government participation, how do you keep thecongress non-political?

EB: The idea is to bring together government representa-tives and private investors, to explore how government cansupport private sector and grassroots tourism developmentinitiatives, so that these tourism products developed canthrive…Please know that while we welcome government-level participation in our congresses, we avoid involvementin tourism politics—that’s entirely separate from ATA.

TWN: Isn’t part of the Congress devoted to getting to knowthe host country?

EB: Of course! Agents and operators have to feel comfort-able with a destination (we love it when they fall in love withAfrica!) in order to be able to sell it…we include a “Host Day,”with various excursions available to showcase attractions inand around Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa (which means, intheir native language, “New Flower”). There are pre- andpost-tours for more in-depth country exploration. And, thecongress coincides with Ethiopia’s 2000 Millennium — ayearlong celebration of its heritage as the “Cradle ofMankind.”

TWN: What’s your goal, then, as ATA’s director, for theCongress?

EB: To bring as many professionals as possible to the


A F R I C A

ATA Putting Final Touches On Agenda ForIts 32nd Annual International Congress

Ethiopia In May 2007An interview with ATA executive director Edward J. Bergman

B Y M A RY E L L E N S C H U LT Z

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

EDWARD BERGMAN

Congress – first-timers as well as repeatparticipants, and ensure they have apositive experience…I’d like them all toreturn home with contacts and ideasthat will help them sell Africa’s extraor-dinary tourism product.

TWN: Has ATA’s membership grownsince you’ve been at the helm?

EB: I’m happy to report — yes! We’vehad a significant increase in new mem-bers. We’ve been building on our ATA“brand” over the past six months, and infact, are putting together a booklet onmembership benefits that will belaunched during the congress, and willthen be available through our variouschapter offices.

TWN: Sounds like industry profes-sionals should definitely mark ATA’s32nd Congress on their calendars.

EB: We want to have agents and oper-ators be the main vehicle at theCongress, driving us forward towardtourism’s new frontier…plus, Ethiopia’s

a magical, ancient land. Contact our of-fice for details. You should come!Africa Travel Association, [email protected],www.africatravelassocation.org

RELAX IN EXOTICZANZIBAR AT FUMBABEACH LODGE

Located in the southwest on the island ofZanzibar, Fumba Beach Lodge is 30 min-utes from Zanzibar's International airportin Stone Town. Guests will treated to per-sonalized service and a tranquil atmosphereat this secluded property

From their bungalows with private veran-das, guests can watch ancient dhows skimacross the Indian Ocean and drift away in awarm scented breeze of frangipani andcloves. Swim with the dolphins, go snorkel-ing or scuba diving, take a tour of StoneTown, or take a cruise at sunset - FumbaBeach Lodge offers a variety of activitiesfor guests. Or, visitors can simply relax atthe swimming pool or on the beach under

the branches of the baobab. Fumba Beach Lodge is one of the proper-

ties of Moivaro Lodges and Tented Camps.Other locations include Moivaro Lodge inArusha, Kia Lodge in Kilimanjaro, LakeManyara Tented Camp, Serengeti TentedCamp, and Lake Natron Tented Camp.Moivaro Lodges and Tented Camps,www.moivaro.com

GREEN LAND TOURS OFETHIOPIA ADDS VEHICLESTO FLEET

In order to improve services and allow forbetter vehicle allocation to their customers,on November 16, 2006, Green Land Toursof Ethiopia added to their fleet of minibusesand Land Cruisers.In each historical city inthe North of Ethiopia, Green Land Tours al-ready featured two eight-seat minibusesand one 22-seat minibus, but they have nowadded vehicles in these areas as well as inAddis Ababa and at major towns in theSouth.Although Green Land Tours is theonly tour company in Ethiopia with such alarge number of vehicles in any one place,they have also announced that they havecompleted payment on their order fromEthio-Investment Group and Moenco forthe following vehicles: one 22-seat bus eachin Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum and Lalibela;one 16-seat minibus each in Bahir Dar,Gondar, Lalibela and Harar; two 16-seatminibuses and one 32-seat bus in AddisAbaba; one 12-seat minibus at their ownWenney Ecolodge; one 4WD Land Cruiserin Arba Minch; and one 4WD Land Cruiserin Jinka.Green Land Tours, [email protected], www.greenlandethiopia.com


A F R I C A

ATA FROM PAGE 11

EXECUTIVE OFFICE50 Washington Street • South Norwalk, CT 06854-2710

Voice: 203-853-4955 • Fax: 203-866-1153 www.travelworldnews.com

For Online Subscription, Renewal or Change of Address:www.travelworldnews.com/subscribe

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: CCAfrica

Peter C. Gatt, Associate [email protected]

Charles Gatt, Jr., [email protected]

Linda Rogers, Design Production [email protected]

Jennifer M. Lane, [email protected]

Operators of:

•Kigoma Hiltop Hotel, Kigoma Town

•Nkungwe Tented Camp, Mahale National Park

•Gombe Tented Camp, Gombe National Park

•Katuma Katavi Tented Camp,Katavi National Park

Specialists inSafaris to Gombe, Mahale

and KataviNational Parks

KIGOMA HILTOP HOTELAND CHIMPANZEE SAFARISEmail: [email protected]

Website: www.chimpanzeesafaris.com

An extraordinary Safari Experience.

SMILING ETHIOPIATRAVEL & TOURS PLC

A well established company offering a wide variety of

package and tailor made tours...

ADVENTURE TOURS,TREKKING,

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TOURS,PILIGRIM TOURS,BIRD WATCHING,

ACTIVE VOLCANO TOURS

...or any other special interest tours

P.O.Box 16618 Addis Ababa,EthiopiaE-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.smilingethiopiatravel.comTelephone: (002511)5150694;5150698,

51523678,5158482 Fax : (002511)5150700

Member of ASTA Member of APTA

UGANDA: THE ULTIMATETOURISM DESTINATIONWITH CRYSTAL SAFARIS

Uganda the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and ‘Giftedby Nature’ has an extraordinary variety oflandscapes, from arid savannas to swamps,lakes, rivers, tropical forests and highmountains.

The Albertine Rift in Uganda is amongthe safe haven for a diversity of forest ani-mals and plants including Albertine Rift en-demic birds and primate species includingthe roomy endangered mountain gorillasand the Chimpanzees

There are also some extraordinary biolog-ical paradoxes; giraffes are not found southof the Nile in Murchison Falls NationalPark and zebra, found in Lake Mburo, havenever been recorded in Queen Elizabeth justa short distance to the west.

The combination of geological and cli-matic history has created a country of greatdiversity and natural beauty, where anyoneinterested in wildlife and scenery will becaptivated. These attractions may beviewed to even greater effect from the manylakes and waterways, from Lake Edward inthe East, to Lake Victoria which dominatessouthern Uganda. Uganda is also thesource of the mighty Nile, which windsthrough Uganda ending its journey in Egyptand eventually the Mediterranean Sea.

The people of Uganda are as diverse as itslandscapes. Excavations in various parts ofthe country have discovered a rich iron-ageculture flourishing along the riverbanks andlakesides. More recently, over the past fewhundred years, great ethnic migrationshave resulted in a unique blend of culturesand traditions, from the Karamajong pas-toralists in the northeast, to the Bakonjo ofthe Rwenzoris in the west, the north beingdominated by the chiefdoms, and the southby Kingdoms. Many cultural traditions,monuments and relics may be explored,ranging from the Kasubi tombs, to theroutes and meeting places of the early ex-plorers Emin Pasha, Baker and Speke.

There is an established network ofNational Parks and Wildlife Reserves toprotect the wildlife and special landscapes,covering over 10 percent of the country.

Visitors have a wide range of opportunities,from game viewing in Queen Elizabeth andMurchison Falls National Parks to gorilla-viewing in Bwindi, exclusive chimp trackingin Kibale and mountain climbing in theRwenzoris with bird watching anywhere inthe country. Fishing safaris are increasinglypopular.

Crystal Safaris can organize tours to in-clude all that Uganda has to offer.Crystal Safaris, [email protected], www.crystalsafaris.com

ETHICAL TOURISM WITHSMILING ETHIOPIA TRAVELAND TOURS

Smiling Ethiopia Travel and Tour (SETT)offers a wide variety of organized tours forall interests. Their package and tailor madetours include history, culture, trekking, birdwatching, nature, adventure, white water-rafting, hunting, photo safari or any otherspecial interest. They create not only a plea-surable and unforgettable experience butone that is valuable and worthy.

They are among Ethiopia's leading touroperators and specialize in Ethical tourismto create direct interaction between visitorsand the local community. SETT canarrange for travelers to experiences a shortstay with local villagers so that they may beable to experience the way of living in thisdifferent world.

Guests can choose to take a packaged tour

or one that is tailor made to their specificinterest. They have a professional friendlystaff and are equipped with reliable insured4x4 cars and buses.

They offer city tours of Addis Ababa aswell as short trips to Debrlibanos and BlueNile Gorge, Debrezeit, Mount Zuquala andSodere, and Gefersa and the MenageshaForest.

Their itinerary also includes the RiftValley Lakes, Wondogenet and Awassa.Passing through Ethiopia, the Great RiftValley extends from the Middle East toMozambique. The Ethiopian section of theRift Valley encompasses a string of lakesand National Parks including Abiyata-Shala, Nechsar, Mago and Omo.

In Eastern Ethiopia, travelers can visitDireDawa, the second most populous townof Ethiopia, and Harar with its 99 mosques,exciting marketplace, "Rimbaud House,"and The Hyena Men of Harar who summonthe hyenas in the evening and feed themfrom their mouths.

Trips can also be arranged on the North -Historic route in "The Heart Land ofEthiopian World Wonders” in NorthernEthiopia, and in the South, known for itsnatural attractions, wild life, scenic land-scapes and the most fascinating untouchednumber of ethnic groups in Africa.Smiling Ethiopia Travel & Tours,[email protected],[email protected],www.smilingethiopia.com


A F R I C A


AAFFRRIICCAAresource directory

ATD-Adventure Travel Desk800-552-0300www.african-safari.com

African [email protected]

African Travel [email protected]

Africa Travel Association212-447-1357info@africantravelassociation.orgwww.africantravelassociation.org

Air [email protected]

Association for the Promotion of [email protected]

CC AFRICA888-882-3742www.ccafrica.com

Chimpanzee [email protected]

Congo Travel & Hotels (CTH)cthcongo [email protected]

Cortez [email protected]

Crystal Travel [email protected]

Discover [email protected]

Ethiopian Tourism [email protected]

Esplanade Tours800-628-4893www.esplandetours.com

Greenland [email protected]

Goway800-387-8850www.goway.com

Indian Ocean [email protected]

Karell’s African Dream Vacations800-327-0373www.karell.com

Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodges & Tented [email protected]

New [email protected]

Premier [email protected]

South African Airways800-521-4845www.flysaa.com

Sanctuary Resortswww.sanctuarylodges.com

Smiling Ethiopia Travel & [email protected]@ethionet.etwww.smilingethiopia.com

The Zambian Safari Company [email protected] www.zambiansafari.com

For additional listings visit the online resource directory: www.travelworldnews.com/agent

Discover the Soul of Africa...

A special invitation to attend the ATA 32nd Annual Congress

“On the Occasion of the Ethiopian Millennium Celebrations”

May 6–11, 2007 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

• New ATA leadership, new ideas, new opportunities

• High-level networking with Africa’s leading tourism ministers

• Meet the “movers and shakers”of the African continent at the inaugural Africa Tourism Marketplace

(ministers, suppliers, and tour operators forum)

For a free copy of our newsletter, Passport to Africa™, and/or membership and Congress inquiries, please contact

1.212.447.1357 or [email protected]

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