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Excuse Me, But Did You Say, “Djibouti”… or “Dji-beauty”?Excuse Me, But Did You Say, “Djibouti”… or “Dji-beauty”?

ZANZIBAR – The Ultimate Indian Ocean Experience

ZANZIBAR – The Ultimate Indian Ocean Experience

Karibu Zanzibar and Pemba

Zanzibar Office:P.O Box 1410Amaan Road, Near Amaan StadiumTel: 255 (54) 233485/6Fax: 255 (54) 233448/230966

www.zanzibartourism.net • [email protected]

Pemba Office:P.O. Box 250 Chake-Chake

Tel.: 255 (54) 452124

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm A F R I C A • FEBRUARY 2008 • 3

Bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, andknown in ancient times as the land of myrrh and in-cense, Egypt’s Queen Hatshepsut called Djibouti“the land of the Gods.” Rela-tively small in size

(8,800 sq.mi.; roughly the sizeof Massachusetts) and set at thecrossroads of Africa, Asia andthe Arabian Gulf, this EastAfrican country is poised for dis-covery as an enviably exotic —and easily accessible — get-away for your more adventurousclients. Travel World News satdown recently at its New YorkCity headquarters with H.E.Hassan Farah Mighuil,Minister of Youth, Sports,Recreation &Tourism, to talkwith him about his country’sNorth American marketing

plans. Minister Mighuil, a member of the visiting delegationfrom Djibouti during its December multicity tour of U.S. andCanada to promote Djibouti’s hosting of the recent AfricaTravel Association’s 11th Ectourism Symposium, held inJanuary in Djibouti City. The delegation also included Mr.Mohamed Abdillahi Wais, Director, Djibouti NationalTourism Office; Mr. Said Omar Moussa, President, DjiboutiInternational Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. BugraBerberoglu, Director General, Djibouti Palace KempinskiHotel) and Edward Bergman, ATA’s director, at Africa TravelAssociation (ATA).

TTrraavveell WWoorrlldd NNeewwss:: Djibouti hasn’t been on most U.S. travelagents’ radar when suggesting Africa as a destination. Why isnow the moment to become a viable “blip”?

H.E. Hassan Farah Mighuil: First off, Djibouti is stable onall fronts, and our president, Mr. Ismail Omar Guelleh, hasmade tourism development a priority. We’ve been concentrat-ing on a more regional market — linking Africa, the MiddleEast and Asia — but now plan to promote our product world-wide. You see, in terms of hotels, accommodations, diving,we’re the only destination in East Africa offering such a high-quality product. We’ve been working with European tour op-erators, and now are ready to approach North Americanagents and operators in order to open doors to our ownunique product.

TTWWNN:: What sparked your interest in promoting Djibouti moreaggressively in the U.S.?

HFM: During Africa Travel Association’s congress in May[2007], I spoke with Eddie Bergman [ATA’s executive direc-tor] about having Djibouti host ATA’s next ecoutourism andcultural tourism symposium…as a good way to spotlight ourcountry as a destination. In 2007, we received nearly 40,000tourists, and want to double that within the next few years. Wewant to be the gateway to East Africa, and we felt the sympo-sium could be the key to unlocking the door to the U.S. mar-ket — to showcase our economic stability and tourist attrac-tions and leverage them into something even more hopeful— tourism as a major investment and employment opportu-nity. [Editor’s note: A symposium report will appear in ourApril issue.]

TTWWNN:: What would you say is Djibouti’s primary attraction?HFM: Our high-quality tourism product. We’re a small

An interview with H.E. Hassan Farah Mighuil, Djibouti’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Recreation & Tourism

Excuse Me, But Did You Say, “Djibouti”… or “Dji-beauty”?

Located on the Horn of Africa, the Republic of Djibouti is converting its strategic position, dramatic landscapes and natural resources into an emerging leisure and

adventure travel destination.M A RY E L L E N S C H U LT Z

H.E. HASSAN FARAH MIGHUIL

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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country, but like your saying goes: it’s not thequantity, but the quality! We’ve got sugar-sand beaches and world-class diving andwater sports, spectacular desert landscapespopulated by ancient nomadic cultures(we’ve occupied a historically strategic posi-tion along the ancient salt route), even forest-covered mountains…and all-class accommo-dation options, including a real jewel: Africa’sfirst (and only!) 7-star property — the DjiboutiPalace Kempinski. The resort opened inNovember 2006, and has been getting ravereviews from luxury hotel connoisseurs…iteven has a casino to try your luck at!

TTWWNN:: Is Djibouti encouraging much foreigninvestment in the tourism sector?

HFM: Yes, and we’re hoping to generate in-terest while here. You see, we’ve long been akey shipping hub for the region — both com-mercially and for the regional cruise market,and anticipate strong 21st-century growth.Dubai has been one of the largest investors,providing much-needed capital for our infra-structure, property development and our freetrade zone, which serves as an importanttransshipment location for East Africangoods. Potential investors should know thatour government grants attractive 3- to 25-year tax exemptions for tourism projects.

TTWWNN:: As an example of Djibouti’s emer-gence as a “new” destination, can you give ussome background on recent foreign tourisminvestment in your country?

HFM: It’s important to understand thattourism is still new here — it’s only over thepast 10 years since we began in earnest — starting 1996,when we served as a founding member of the World TourismOrganization (WTO). We’re a member of the CommonMarket for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and arecertainly integrated into the economic fabric of our continent.The European Union has participated in building the infra-structure linking us to Ethiopia and southern Sudan. Dubai’sgovernment has further demonstrated its confidence in ourpotential by investing in several projects that will benefit oureconomic growth. Examples? Expansion of our port facilitiesand infrastructure, free trade zone, airport management, anddesign and construction of the Djibouti Palace Kempinski —a truly state-of-the-art luxury hotel.

TTWWNN:: Kempinski is one the world’s premier luxury hotelgroups, which demonstrates the company’s confidence inDjibouti’s potential for that particular market niche, wouldn’tyou agree?

HFM: Yes, and we’re very proud of that fact! Taking onlynine months from design to construction, the Kempinski

opened in 2006 — as I mentioned earlier, it’s the only 7-starproperty on the continent! It’s located on a private islet sur-rounded by the Red Sea, beautifully furnished…. and partic-ularly for the U.S. market, agents should know that their staffis completely fluent in English. It’s a world-class hotel that wehope will attract the globetrotting, luxury-lovingtourist…both for pleasure and business.

TTWWNN:: Given the geographic location, how safe is Djibouti fortourists?

HFM: Please note: our country is very safe. Your Americanforces use our airport facilities; there’s even an Americanbase here. In fact, eventually, it’ll be larger than the one inQatar. We stress security here…it represents the new spirit ofcooperation between our two countries.

TTWWNN:: Would you please describe some of Djibouti’s uniqueattractions?

HFM: Our country is divided into three main regions — thecoastal plain and volcanic plateaus in the central and south-ern sections and the mountain ranges to the north. Our

DJIBOUTI FROM PAGE 3

Exterior of Djibouti Palace Kempinski.

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beaches really are white-sand, the Gulf of Aden and Red Seawaters are always warm and we have some of the best divesites on the planet… you can actually swim with whale sharksand even pet them! In Djibouti City, our central market holdstreasures from all over East Africa. Heading out of town, LakeAbbé is surely among the most desolate places on earth —imagine a plain dotted with hundreds of tall limestone chim-neys belching out puffs of steam…the movie Planet of theApes was filmed here. At nearly 500ft below sea level, ourLake Assal is the lowest point on the continent and theworld’s third-largest salt water lake, after the Dead Sea andthe Sea of Galilee Northern Tadjoura (“the white village”) isour oldest town, nestled between the green Goda Mountainsand bright-blue, coral-reefed sea lapping at its doorstep.

TTWWNN:: One of East and Southern Africa’s most popular at-tractions for American tourists is the wildlife safari. DoesDjibouti offer something similar?

HFM: Good question. We have a long history as an impor-tant stop on the salt caravan routes between southern Africaand Arabia. A new product we’re promoting is the Salt RouteSafari, which goes by camel between the salt beds of LakeAssal through Ethiopia’s highlands and Somalia’sdesert…we call it a timeless desert safari! No lions anymore,but lots of zebra and gazelles…and extraordinary bird life!We’re also exploring multicountry air/land packages withRwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda …they’re certainlynot so far away…the possibilities are exciting!

TTWWNN:: How long a stay in Djibouti would you recommend fora first-time visitor?

HFM: If you’re combining it with an East Africa vacation oreven en route to/from Egypt, a week would be enough time tofall under our Djiboutian spell! In seven days, you can expe-rience the desert and our unique wildlife, observe our no-madic culture, enjoy our beaches, shop til you drop (as yousay!) in our markets, and be constantly captivated by the his-tory and mystery of our corner of Africa.

TTWWNN:: What about air access from the U.S. to Djibouti?HFM: From the United States, US Airways has an interline

agreement with Daallo, our national airline; and EthiopianAirlines offers flights via Addis Ababa. Connecting flights arealso available through Europe, East Africa and Dubai.

TTWWNN:: What are your marketing plans for promoting Djiboutiover the next year?

HFM: This is an exciting time for us, and we’ve got severalnew taglines: Discover Djibouti!; Escape to Djibouti!; Smallis Beautiful!, one we’re particularly fond of: Not Djibouti, butDji-BEAUTY! We’ve seen our corporate visitor market in-crease, and now, since we’re trying to draw in more of theleisure market, we’ll be participating in the major interna-tional industry tradeshows, and will be developing collateralpromotional material.

TTWWNN:: In closing, what is your hope for Djibouti as a destination?

HFM: If we succeed in developing tourism, it can mean big

things…Tourism generates employment and acceleratespoverty reduction, economic growth and economic stability— more viable competition in the world market. We’d like tosee Djibouti become the East African Dubai…meanwhile, weinvite you all to come and “MEET DJIBOUTI” …at the cross-roads of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.National Tourism Authority of Djibouti, www.office-tourisme.dj; Africa Travel Association,www.africatravelassociation.org

Djibouti's magical underwater wonderland.

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In cooperation with transatlantic partners from various US gateways.Call the toll-free numbers to make reservations.


Exotic Zanzibar is a true tropical paradise with lav-ish palm trees, untouched coral reefs and pristinebeaches. Located in the Indian Ocean off the coastof Tanzania, this archipelago consists of two main

islands, Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island),and Pemba, and about 51 other surrounding small islets.

Over centuries different cultures have influenced Zanzibarto become what it is today. Sumerians, Assyrians, Egyptians,Phoenicians, Indians, Chinese, Persians, Portuguese, OmaniArabs, Dutch and British have settled here at one time or an-other and influenced the local culture into the present fusion.

Zanzibar is the birthplace of Swahili, a lingua franca forgedfrom global dialects, upon which legends were carried, traderoutes opened and a Sultan’s empire prospered. It is here thatthe African Culture blended with other cultures, mainlyPersian, Arabic and Indian to form Swahili Culture. Today, theromance and legends of the past are still vibrantly alive in thetraditional sailing dhows, carved wooden chests and doors,the scent of clove and the smile of the hospitable people.

Visitors wishing to experience the Island’s rich and colorfulhistory can explore Stone Town, the cultural heart ofZanzibar, or the Maruhubi Palace ruins. Most tour operatorsrun Spice Tours to various coconut and spice plantations. Thegreat variety of species and plants grown in Zanzibar is usedfor food flavoring and preparation, cosmetics, dyes and med-icines. Delicious fruits, including orange, lime, coconut andbanana are grown in Zanzibar, along with lesser knownbreadfruit, jackfruit and custard apple. Fragrant and aromaticspecies, such as cloves, nutmeg, ginger, chilies, black pepper,cinnamon, and sea weed can all be seen growing and are forsale at boutique shops and roadside stalls.

Travelers to Zanzibar can stay at the newly opened FairmontZanzibar or the luxurious Zamani Zanzibar KempinskiTanzania. A stay at Chumbe Island Coral Park provides an au-thentic and rare eco-travel experience.

Cultural HeritageStone Town, the historically, culturally and architecturally

important capital town of Zanzibar Island is a World HeritageSite. In Stone Town, one can spend time wandering throughthe narrow labyrinthine streets and alleyways. The narrowlanes snake between over 2,000 buildings where shops, inter-net-cafes, market stalls and restaurants vie for space with var-ious monuments and structures of cultural pride.

The Stone Town Doors have become more or less synony-mous with the Swahili culture where they mainly are foundin East Africa, Lamu and Mombasa (Kenya) and in Zanzibar.The doors in Zanzibar outnumber the doors, both in number

and in grandness, found elsewhere along the coast, and thusare named ‘Zanzibar doors.’

There are two types of doors found in Stone Town. TheIndian doors, or Gujarati doors, with square shutters are seenalong the busy bazaar streets where the Indian businessmenlived. The second type is called ‘Arab doors.’ These doors areoften found with an inscription in Arabic on the top frieze andare richly decorated around the frame.

One of the oldest doors in Stone Town can be found at theentrance to the Old Fort. Another is the well maintained doorat the Zanzibar Conservation Centre (former Old Customshouse) along the Forodhani seafront.

A trip to the many ruins and old buildings of Zanzibar is avoyage of discovery through time. The ruins speak of historyand legend, and of desert lands and ancient civilizations faraway in distance and time.

Zanzibar: The Ultimate Indian OceanExperienceCome and visit the exotic Spice Island where adventure and paradise awaits!J E N N I F E R M . L A N E

Fairmont Zanzibar has 109 rooms and suites.

Coastal TourismThe shores of Zanzibar are as exotic

as its name. Rugged coral and limestone form a sheltered backdrop totranquil beaches that slope gently downinto waters abundant with marine life.

Unguja and Pemba are endowed withsome of the best and most varied divesites in the world. Steep wall dives, driftdives and world class coral formationscreate a prime diving location. Divingfrom a boat in the clear, blue oceans offthe Zanzibar coast is a most exhilarat-ing experience.

Marine ParksZanzibar's natural abundance sus-

tains bio-diversity worthy of any EastAfrican destination, with Marine Parksestablished for the protection of its nat-ural resources. All marine parks arepopular diving and snorkeling sites of-fering underwater cliffs, wrecks,canyons, caves and spectacular reefs.The aquatic life within these waters isoften very prolific and one usually seesmoray eels, scorpion fish, lion fish, largegroupers, octopus, lobsters, rays and,occasionally, manta rays and dolphins.The Zanzibar Coast is fortunate in hav-ing one of the best big-game fishingspots in the Indian Ocean.

Education and awareness programs,for locals and visitors alike, are deemeda very important and necessary part of the management plan of the parks.Environmentally friendly tourism andother economic incentives are alsobeing developed.

A Conservation Zone surroundsMnemba Island and supports a varietyof aquatic creatures and plant life. Thezone provides a nesting site for the en-dangered Green Turtle. There is an ex-clusive accommodation facility fortourists on the island.

Misali Island, lying within the PembaChannel Conservation Area, is consid-ered one of the diving paradises of EastAfrica, if not the world.

Menai Bay Conservation Area is lo-cated southwest of Unguja Island and isa traditional fishing ground, containingextensive tropical fish species, sea

grasses, coral reefs and several smallislets supporting a mangrove forest.

Chumbe Island Coral Parkon Top of New “Blue List”

The award-winning Chumbe IslandCoral Park received its latest accoladevia Islands Magazine, as it was secondon the magazine’s first Blue List of 100eco-conscious islands that will “ensureenvironmentally and culturally soundnatural beauty for future generations.”

Chumbe Island Coral Park is aunique, privately managed nature re-serve developed and managed by the

Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd.(CHICOP). It is a rare example of a stillpristine coral island ecosystem in anotherwise heavily overfished and over-exploited area. The reserve includes areef sanctuary and a forest reserve.Approximately 90 percent of ChumbeIsland is covered by one of the last re-maining pristine 'coral rag' forests inZanzibar.

This private, not-for-profit marine re-serve, “was one of the first of its kind,”says Helen Peeks, Chumbe IslandProject Manager. In 1994, it became


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Tanzania’s first marine park, and it has since been registeredas a UN recognized Protected Area.

“The diverse eco-system here is a perfect example of sus-tainable conservation and tourism in action together,” Ms.Peeks comments.

There are only 14 guests per night on the Island. The rest ofthe tiny population consists of guides and other staff, parkrangers, occasional researchers, and local school children onnature trips.

The 14 guests stay in one of seven eco-bungalows overlook-ing the sea, designed to provide both privacy and a sense offreedom of living in the open.

Dining takes place under a huge palm thatched roof stretch-ing over the ruins of the historical, 100-year-old convertedlighthouse keeper's home. An historic, elegant mosque, stillin use, stands next door. Dinners on the island are a cele-brated mixture of Zanzibarian, Arabic, Indian and Africantastes.

During the day, guests may discover the extraordinarily di-verse plants, birds and animals on Chumbe Island’s naturetrails, or snorkel close to the 400 species of fish in the shallowcoral reef.

Truly an authentic and rare eco-travel experience, a stay atChumbe Island is $165 per person per night in low seasonand $220 per person per night in high season. Access is byonce a day boat from a location near Stone Town, and guestsmay arrange to be picked up at the airport or other locationsfor transport to the boat. Chumbe Island Coral Park, www.chumbeisland.com

Doors Open for Fairmont ZanzibarFairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of

Fairmont Zanzibar. Fringed by uninterrupted miles ofbeaches, the resort’s 109 rooms and suites are sprinkledthroughout the property’s vast and lush tropical gardens.

One of Fairmont Zanzibar’s main attractions is its unsur-passed water sports facilities, providing windsurfing, boating,and fishing charters, as well as a fully equipped dive centerwith a decompression chamber, one of only three in Africa.Other amenities include two swimming pools, fitness and spafacilities, and several restaurants and bars overlooking theIndian Ocean.

Guests can also enjoy additional activities such as volley-ball, mini golf, table tennis, darts and pool. In addition toleisure offerings, Fairmont Zanzibar offers a full range ofbusiness amenities including wireless internet, a businesscenter, and meeting and banquet facilities.

Fairmont Zanzibar joins three Kenyan properties whichwere recently added to Fairmont’s East Africa collection:Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Fairmont The Norfolk, andFairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, complimenting the com-pany’s African Safari offerings with a beach experience.Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, 800-441-1414, www.fairmont.com

Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski Tanzania:Where Luxury Meets Zanzibar

At Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski Tanzania guests will reju-venate body, mind and soul. Situated on a clifftop and nestledin tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean, ZamaniZanzibar Kempinski Tanzania redefines luxury. Officiallyopened in January 2006, the resort has recently undergonean extensive refurbishment in public areas and restaurants,combining cool chic with a warm African touch.

The hotel features 110 luxuriously appointed rooms andsuites and seven award winning private villas, each with theirown infinity pool and sundeck. The resort’s selection ofrestaurants presents the culinary secrets of the Island andfruits of the Ocean. The Anantara Health & Beauty Spa offersa heavenly experience with six private treatment rooms, twooutdoor pavilions, an outdoor lap pool with sundeck, and afully equipped fitness center with sauna. Two meeting andconference rooms and several unique outside venues makeZamani Zanzibar Kempinski the perfect place for meetingsand incentives.Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski, [email protected],www.kempinski-zanzibar.com

Getting to ZanzibarThe principal carrier to Zanzibar is Kenya Airways transit at

Nairobi. Other carriers are Qatar Airline, Ethiopian Airline,Air India, South African Airways, British Airways and KLMstopping over Dar-es-Salaam, from where you can catch aferry to Zanzibar. If your air ticket takes you only to Dar-es-Salaam, local air carriers such as Coastal Travel, Zan Air,Precision Air, and Tropical Air provide scheduled charterflights in small twin-engines to Zanzibar.

Charter flights from Europe, especially Italy and Germany,fly into Zanzibar twice a week.

Frequent ferries operate three times a day in both directionsto make the crossing between the port of Dar-es-Salaam onthe mainland and Zanzibar. Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, www.zanzibartourism.net; Tanzania, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com


ZANZIBAR FROM PAGE 7

Presidential villa terrace and private swimming pool atZamani Zanzibar Kempinski Tanzania.

MT. KILIMANJARO NAMED A TOP DESTINATION FOR 2008

Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, wasnamed by The New York Times as one of the must-see destinationsfor 2008.

Titled “The 53 Places to Go in 2008” the list ran in the SundayNew York Times Travel Section December 10, 2007. The list alsoappears on the New York Times web site. The article refers to the“Snows of Kilimanjaro,” made famous by American literary leg-end Ernest Hemingway, and predicts that there will be “more ad-venture seekers to tackle the climb next year (2008).”

Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the world’s most accessible peaks, is notonly the tallest mountain on the African Continent, it is also thetallest free-standing mountain in the world. According to TanapaNational Parks, an average of 30-35,000 annual visitors attemptthe climb.

“Tanzania is honored that Mt. Kilimanjaro, which has given somany adventure seekers from around the globe the thrill and senseof accomplishment of climbing such a legendary peak, has beenrecommended as a destination for 2008 by such a prestigious news-paper as The New York Times,” said Hon. Prof. Jumanne A.Maghembe, MP, Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources andTourism.

“We are confident that this will boost our numbers from the American market which is soon to become our number onesource of visitors worldwide. Hopefully the climbers will take theopportunity to visit our other famous attractions such as theSerengeti, recently named the 7th new wonder of the World byGood Morning America and USA Today, Ngorongoro Crater, theSelous, and Zanzibar just to name a few of our seven WorldHeritage Sites.” Tanzania, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com;Mt. Kilimanjaro, www.tanzaniaparks.com

TANZANIA HAS FIRST COMMERCIAL LADY CAPTAIN

Tanzania now has its first commercialLady Captain. Lulu Malima was success-fully “checked out” on Thursday,September 6 and now commands theRegional Air Services 18 seater TwinOtters.

This great occasion for the country’scommercial aviation industry happenedjust days before the graduation of RoseKatila, Tanzania’s fist lady airforce Jetfighter pilot.

Born in Dar es Salaam on September 4, 1979, Lulu wanted to bea pilot from the age of four.

As soon as she could, she attended a flying school in PortElizabeth, South Africa. She graduated with a commercial pilot’slicense, and on returning to Tanzania, she applied to Regional AirServices, who employed her as a First Officer in May 2006.

“From the first flight, Lulu showed determination, focus and tal-ent,” said Captain Hamza Mwapachu, Chief Pilot at Regional.“She has been through our training program, and come out theother side with four stripes. We applaud her achievement, and areproud to have her as our crew!”

Regional Air Services has a history of lady pilots. The company’sfirst General Manager was a well known pilot, Captain IrisMcCallum, who was born in Tanzania. Other ladies to fly as FirstOfficers for Regional include Naiga Saada and Hilda Ringo, bothTanzanian, and now Elisabeth Meeus, Dutch. Regional Air Services, [email protected],www.regionaltanzania.com

AIR MAURITIUS OFFERING 16 WEEKLYFLIGHTS FROM PARIS

As of October 28, 2007 Air Mauritius is operating its 16 weeklyflights from Terminal 2F of Paris' Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport.Nine flights are operated by Air Mauritius and seven by their code-share partner Air France.

Terminal 2F is modern, with more rest areas and numerous dutyfree facilities. It will provide Air Mauritius passengers with a morecomfortable and traveler friendly pre-flight environment.

Air Mauritius has interline ticketing with United Airlines and AirCanada agreements to offer seamless and competitive connectionsfrom North America through its various European gateways.

Regional destinations include Nairobi, Seychelles, Antananarivo,Reunion, Rodrigues, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Dubai.In the Asia Pacific region, Air Mauritius serves Perth, Melbourneand Sydney in Australia, as well as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, andHong Kong. Destinations in India include New Delhi, Mumbai andChennai. Major cities in Europe, all with non-stop service fromPort Louis, the capital of Mauritius, include London, Paris,Geneva, Zurich, Munich, Frankfurt, Rome and Vienna. Madridwill be added in 2008. Air Mauritius, 800-537-1182


LULU MALIMA

AFRICAEXPERTS BY GOWAY RELEASESEXPANDED 08 BROCHURE

AFRICAExperts by Goway has recently released their expanded52-page brochure for 2008. Some of the new travel experiences in-troduced for 2008 include a new 18-day "Treasures of Africa"Kenya & Egypt Holiday of a Lifetime escorted tour that includesicons such as Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Cairo, Alexandria, AbuSimbel and a Nile Cruise. Also, the 18-day "Magic of Africa"Holiday of a Lifetime tour has upgraded accommodation inSwaziland to the Royal Swazi Spa and in Cape Town to The TableBay Hotel (voted #1 in Conde Nast Traveler Readers' ChoiceAwards). On the six-day "Gorilla Safari & Chimp Treks" in Rwanda,travelers will see the famous Mountain Gorillas in Parc NationalDes Volcans and chimp and other primates in Nyungwe ForestReserve. Pricing starts from $4,354. A new four-dayChobe/Zambezi Safariboat cruise has been added in Botswana withpricing from $1,435. The cruise departs daily so fits nicely intoscheduled tour itineraries or F.I.T's.

New destinations featured in the brochure include Israel, Jordan,Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Several new itineraries to Israel and Jordanin conjunction with Egypt are available such as the 15-day"Pyramids to Petra" tour starting at $2,198; the five-day "Jordan"tour (Amman & Petra) from $717; the nine-day "Highlights ofEgypt & Israel" from $1,407; or the eight-day "Holyland Tour" from$1,186. Three-day stopover packages to Dubai and Abu Dhabistart at $269.AFRICAExperts also has a variety of islands and re-sorts available in the Indian Ocean, including Mozambique,Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar and Mombasa. Three-day pack-ages start from $336.AFRICAExperts by Goway, 800-387-8850,[email protected], africaexperts.com

SITA WORLD TOURS CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF OFFERING THE FINESTJOURNEYS AT EXCEPTIONAL VALUES

SITA World Tours will be celebrating their 75th year in 2008.SITA's legacy has been defining the art of luxury travel at an un-beatable value, and it is because of the support of agents nation-wide which allows them to mark this special occasion.

The year 2008 marks SITA's Diamond Anniversary as the com-pany continues its tradition of offering the finest of journeys at ex-ceptional value. Offering unparalleled quality service at the mostcompetitive prices since 1933, SITA is one of the longest estab-lished tour operators within North America and is a proud memberof the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

The company is headed by Chairman & CEO, Roger Mahal, an in-novator with deeply set international roots and a strong leadershipbackground that motivates the many staff that SITA employsthroughout the U.S. and Canada. This dedication to personallybeing involved in client and operational matters has resulted inSITA becoming one of North America's leading Tour Operatorstoday.

SITA's prestige is due in part to its history, which dates back to1933 when Jack and Helen Dangler of Rancho Mirage, California,founded the company.

In a time when traveling was a notion reserved for the wealthyand daring, SITA was revolutionary in its offer of bicycle toursthroughout European cities. Within a decade, SITA grew to be oneof the first Tour Operators in North America to provide travel pack-ages to various destinations worldwide.

Today, SITA is renowned for its highly experienced teams of in-ternational travel specialists. This team is able to assist and workwith travel agents to create customized, tailor made programs toworldwide destinations, which the discerning traveler today is re-questing more frequently. 2008 TOURS AND DESTINATIONS

In addition, the company offers guaranteed departures on all ofits scheduled, dated brochure tours including destinations such asAfrica and the Middle East including Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt,Jordan, South Africa; India, Nepal and Bhutan; Australia, NewZealand and the South Pacific; Asia, including China, Hong Kong,Thailand, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indochina; South America in-cluding Brazil, Santa Catarina Chile, Peru, Ecuador andArgentina; and European and Russian River Cruises.

For Africa, they have experienced marked growth specifically forKenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, as well as for their 'in luxury'programs such as Kenya in Luxury and Africa in Luxury, whichprovides luxury accommodations and service in some of the mostrenowned safari camps within Africa.

SITA also continues to dominate in travel to India for theAmerican market, and was recently awarded 'Top Tour Operator toIndia from the Americas' by the Ministry of Tourism, India, as wellas named one of 'Five Top Tour Operators to China' by NationalGeographic Traveler in their 20th Anniversary edition. SITA’s2008 brochures are now available.SITA World Tours, 800-421-5643, www.sitatours.com


GOLDEN TULIP ACCRA AWARDED ‘BEST BUSINESS HOTEL’ AT AKWAABA EXHIBITION

Golden Tulip has announced they have been awarded the presti-gious title of ‘Best Business Hotel’ in the Akwaaba Exhibition ofthe Hospitality Industry in Nigeria. The Akwaaba Exhibition isheld every year by the hospitality industry in Nigeria. This year, theexhibition took place in Lagos, October 27-28, where over 100 keyplayers of the hospitality industry in Nigeria attended.

Travel agents, tour operators, hotels, airlines and tourism offi-cials of the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism elected Golden TulipAccra at the grand gala awards dinner. Fifty hotels in West Africawere chosen and graded according to a two year survey. The hotelswere divided into business hotels, leisure hotels and conference ho-tels based on their clientele and facilities. For business hotelawards, the top three hotels were graded according to occupancyrates and quality of service. Golden Tulip Accra was competing inthe Business Hotel category together with Eko Hotel & Suites

Lagos and Fevrier Corinthian Lome.Herbert Friese, General Manager of Golden Tulip Accra and Vice

President of Golden Tulip West Africa adds: “Golden Tulip Accrahas worked energetically for the past years and receiving thisrecognition proves to us that we are on the right track.”Golden Tulip Accra, www.goldentulipaccra.com, www.goldentulip.com

GORILLA TRACKING IN RWANDA ANDUGANDA WITH VOLCANOES SAFARIS

Travel to Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla tracking has been onthe increase, according to Praveen Moman, President of VolcanoesSafaris. While there have been reports of instability in Parc desVirunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in Rwandaand Uganda —Parc des Volcans, on the Rwandan side, andMgahinga, on the Ugandan side—gorilla tourism has been operat-ing steadily.

Volcanoes Safaris is closely monitoring the situation in the go-rilla parks in Rwanda and Uganda, and will inform clients/agentsto any changes. Because gorilla permits are in high demand,Volcanoes Safaris advises an early booking.

Gorilla tracking to the existing four gorilla groups in northernBwindi (Buhoma) in Uganda continues as usual (32 permits a day).Likewise, gorilla tracking to the eight gorilla families in ParcNational des Volcans in Rwanda is available (56 permits a day).

Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga in Uganda is uncertain, as the go-rilla group who usually reside there cross the border into Rwandaoften, and it is difficult to predict where they will be. Clients stillstay at Mount Gahinga Lodge and can go gorilla tracking atNkuringo in southern Bwindi. The safari itineraries remain basi-cally the same, with a day trip from Mount Gahinga to Nkuringo.

A new gorilla group was opened for tourism at Nkuringo inSouthern Bwindi, Uganda in 2004. (Eight gorilla permits areavailable.). This gorilla family is accessed from Mgahinga andKisoro to the south of Bwindi. The tracking base is about two hoursdrive from Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Volcanoes Safaris does not take clients to the gorilla parks ofKahuzi Biega and Parc des Virunga (Djomba and Bukima) inEastern DRC.Volcanoes Safaris, 770-730-0960, [email protected]


From left to right - Ms. Jacqueline Senoo, Assistant Sales & MarketingManager, Golden Tulip Accra; Mrs. Garbati, Deputy National President- Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria; Mr. Ikechi Uko,Publisher of ATQ Magazine; and Mr. Nick Fadugba, Publisher ofAfrican Aviation, London.

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CLASSIC REPRESENTATIONPRESENTS THE BEST SPASIN SOUTH AFRICA

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve has announcedthat The Sanctuary Group, creators, mar-keters and managers of five-star spasthroughout Africa, are now operating afive-star spa at Tswalu.

The internationally-experienced thera-pists of The Sanctuary at Tswalu employEastern therapies and Western technology.Sanctuary Spas use a locally-produced fyn-bos body range, the Moya massages, and in-ternationally-renowned Elemis products.

For children, spa treatments include ‘Forthe Ngwana,’ including such treats as theMeerkat mini-manicure, and the HealthyGlow Gecko Mini-Facial.

From mid-July 2007, a full-timeSanctuary Group therapist will be availableat Tswalu for guests to enjoy a multitude oftreatments and therapies. An exciting newtreatment is being pioneered at SingitaKruger National Park – a massage incorpo-rating monkey oranges and Marula tissueoil. Resident therapist, Kerryn, has createda treatment that is unique to Singita, andcaptures the essence of the Kruger NationalPark – a true “Bush Spa” experience.

With two therapy rooms and a dual treat-ment suite, the Spa employs the world-renowned Elemis and Dermalogica prod-ucts to combat the effects of stress andpollution. Inspired by the surrounding envi-ronment, the Spa also uses the innovativeand indigenous Moya products, which areprepared using some of the ancient healingplants of the Bushman - Buchu, Lanyanaand Cape May.

On arrival, a personal consultation en-sures the most appropriate treatments.

Treatments can be enjoyed in the guest’srooms or in a secluded rock shelter over-looking the tranquil valley.Classic Representation, [email protected],www.classic-representation.com

SINGITA SABI SAND OPENSNEW FAMILY SUITES

Singita, the luxury game lodge operatorwith properties in Southern and EastAfrica, has announced the opening of newfamily suites at the exclusive Boulders andEbony Lodges in the Sabi Sand Reserve.

Designed from the premise of a ‘lodgewithin a lodge,’ two new family units havebeen introduced at each of these twoSingita lodges situated in a private sanctu-ary adjoining Kruger National Park.

Each of the new family suites is connectedby a common dining/lounge area and offerscomplete exclusivity to groups of four to sixpeople traveling together. Guests can alsorequest their own private chef, guide, safarivehicle, host and babysitting while safariactivities are flexible and fit around thegroup’s needs and desires.

The Singita Game Reserves properties inSouth Africa have been named the numberone hotels in Africa and the Middle East inthe twelfth annual Travel & Leisure World’sBest Awards 2007.

Singita Sabi Sand has been voted ‘Best inthe World’ in numerous top internationaltravel polls, including ‘World’s No. 1Destination’ by Conde Nast TravelerMagazine (USA) for three years.

Singita is also making strides in EastAfrica with the latest addition to the group,Singita Grumeti Reserves, featuring threelodges: Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented

Camp and Faru Faru Lodge all situated onthe migratory route in the Serengeti inTanzania.The new family suites at SingitaSabi Sand welcome children from the ageof six. However, only children 10 and olderare permitted in the leisure areas of themain lodges. Singita Game Reserves,[email protected],www.singita.com

SAFARIS FOR THE WHOLEFAMILY AT CC AFRICA’SEXCLUSIVE-USE VILLAS

Conservation Corporation Africa (CCAfrica) offers the perfect escape for fami-lies on safari at its latest exclusive-use villa,Melton Manor in Kwandwe Private GameReserve, where parents can lounge betweengame drives while kids splash around theprivate pool in the central courtyard.

With a view of the Great Fish River, thisfour-bedroom farmhouse-style villa can ac-commodate up to eight adults with kids,and is equipped with such kid-friendlyamenities as a private swimming pool (plus,Safety Turtle wristbands that trigger analarm if submerged in water), an interac-tive learning center, and baby monitors, aswell as access to all of CC Africa's standardchildren's activities, such as kiddie drivesand pooh walks.

Lodge features of interest to adult guestsinclude butler hatches in each room for dis-creet room service, poolside dinners, break-fasts in the bush, cooking lessons with a pri-vate chef, Nobesuthu Nkonsta, and middaygame drives (weather permitting), in addi-tion to Kwandwe's Carnivore Research andFrontiers Specialist Safaris.

Other exclusive-use villas operated by CCAfrica include Uplands Homestead inKwandwe Private Game Reserve; GettyHouse and Zuka Lodge in Phinda PrivateGame Reserve; Leadwood Lodge in ExeterPrivate Game Reserve; and Madikwe WestCamp in the Madikwe Safari Lodge.

CC Africa owns and operates more than40 safari lodges and camps throughoutSouthern and East Africa, and is nowbranching out to India in cooperation withTaj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. Conservation Corporation Africa (CCAfrica), www.ccafrica.com


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SUN INTERNATIONAL NOW OFFERS“ROUTE OF THE AFRICAN SUN” PACKAGE

A collection of four world class resorts in Southern Africa nowform the "Route of the African Sun," conveniently linking SouthernAfrica’s premier destinations: Cape Town, Victoria Falls inZambia, Sun City, and the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu Natal. The“Route of the African Sun” itinerary features Sun International’sThe Table Bay Hotel at the Waterfront in Cape Town; The Palaceof the Lost City at Sun City; Zimbali Lodge on the Indian Ocean;and The Royal Livingstone at Victoria Falls, Zambia.

Sun International’s “Route of the African Sun” is available aspart of a specially priced package offered by New York-basedAfrican Classic Encounters. The four properties can also be bookedthrough various other tour operators and travel agents.

The exclusive Table Bay Hotel occupies a prime position on thehistoric Cape Town's waterfront and each of the rooms offer mag-nificent views across the Bay of Robben Island or the majestic TableMountain. The Palace of the Lost City is one of the “WorldsLeading Hotels.” The hotel is surrounded by mountains and is justa wedge-shot away from the Pilanesberg National Park where theBig 5 roam freely through their natural habitat. The RoyalLivingstone, a five-star property right on the precipice of VictoriaFalls in Zambia, is an exclusive destination for celebrities, sophis-ticated travelers, and jet setters. It’s also a favorite of honeymoon-ers and romantics from all over the world. Zimbali Lodge is locatedon the waters of the Indian Ocean, offering some of the most beau-tiful golf greens in South Africa. African Classic Encounters, [email protected];Sun International, [email protected],www.suninternational.com

SHAMWARI TAKES TOP HONORS AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

On December 12, for the 10th consecutive year, Shamwari wasnamed the World’s Leading Safari and Game Reserve and theWorld’s Leading Conservation Company at the World TravelAwards.

The story of Shamwari is an extraordinary one. It is the fulfill-

ment of the vision of Adrian Gardiner, its founder, who believed thatpeace and understanding between man and animals and the landcould be achieved in the Eastern Cape, a land that had been devas-tated after it was once one of the richest wildlife zones in Africa.With the creation of Shamwari, the first major reserve in the area,he developed new jobs, rejuvenated the region, and helped increasethe flow of foreign currency through tourism.

Adrian established a Conservation Department which includes aveterinary surgeon, an ecologist and an environment manager. Ahighly trained anti-poaching unit provides security for the reserveand a recycling system is in place for waste disposal as well as awater-recycling program. A Breeding Centre, with a WildlifeManager enables certain species to breed in the absence of preda-tors. Also, at Shamwari, the Born Free Foundation Animal Rescueand Education Center has a special area to provide long term humane care for rescued African Cats who cannot be returned tothe wild.

On receiving these two awards, Adrian said: “We are very proudto have been recognized as the best by our industry partners world-wide for 10 straight years. When we began, conservation was asmall part of tourism. Today, we are very encouraged that moretourists are aware that we must sustain and preserve our environ-ment for the generations to come. It is our firm commitment thattourism should benefit all people, not just the few.”Shamwari, [email protected], www.mantiscollection.com

SAXON NAMED WORLD’S LEADING BOUTIQUE HOTEL AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

The World Travel Awards presented the Saxon Hotel inJohannesburg, South Africa, three of its coveted awards. TheSaxon was named Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel as well asSouth Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel. In addition, the Saxon’sNelson Mandela Platinum Suite was named South Africa’sLeading Hotel Suite.

Sales and Marketing Director Karen Van Schalkwyk accepted theawards. She remarked that these awards were especially impor-tant because the votes came from the travel trade, individuals whomake recommendations to their clients every day. This marks theseventh year that the Saxon has received recognition from thisprestigious organization.

This year the World Travel Awards were voted on by 167,000travel professionals including 110,000 travel agents worldwide.The Saxon is a worthy recipient as epitomizes the finest in Africanelegance. Boasting 24 spacious suites designed to impress thosewith the most discerning of taste, the Saxon is also known for itsincomparable service, award winning restaurant and exquisite newfull service Saxon Spa and Studio.

Rates at the Saxon are as follows: Egoli Suite rates range from$687, Presidential Suites range from $1,332, and rates forPlatinum Suites range from $2,568. All rates are per suite pernight and include breakfast and tax. The Saxon Hotel, [email protected], www.thesaxon.com


THE TABLE BAY HOTEL AT THE WATERFRONT IN CAPE TOWN

CHIAWA CAMP ADDS NEW SUPERIORSAFARI TENT

Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Chiawa Camp,known for its abundant land and water-based game viewing, hasadded a third tent to their collection of Superior Tents. Chiawa’sSuperior Safari Tent is an ideal, romantic retreat for Honeymooncouples, those celebrating special occasions, or for those who simply want to experience Zambia’s finest tented safari accommodation. Equipped with indoor and outdoor showers, anoversized tub with Molton Brown amenities, a super-king sized beddraped in pure cotton linens all on a timber deck with a view of theZambezi River and its escarpment, the Superior Safari Tents atChiawa make for the ultimate safari under canvas.

Superior Safari Tent rates are $895 per person per night, shar-ing, all seasons, and includes all meals, game drives, canoe trips,laundry, beverages, car fees, airport transfers, and taxes. Singlesare from $1,165. Chiawa Camp, [email protected], www.chiawa.com

LAVISH HOSPITALITY AWAITS AT ETALI SAFARI LODGE

Etali Safari Lodge is a five-star lodge in the heart of the spectac-ular Madikwe Game Reserve. Built in harmony with nature underthe vibrant African sun, Etali is an exclusive, intimate haven,where body and soul are rejuvenated in surroundings created bypeople who understand luxury. There are eight air-conditioned

suites at Etali, each set apart for total privacy. Guests can enjoy the exciting unpredictability of an early-morn-

ing game drive with an expert ranger and view leopards, black rhi-nos, elephants, lions, zebras and more.

For bird watchers, Madikwe has a vast diversity of birds with over300 species recorded so far. A sunset game drive is the best time toenjoy rush hour at the water hole; Etali offers two drives per dayinclusive in their package.

For those fascinated by planets, the solar system or the wonder ofthe Southern skies, enjoy an evening of stargazing. Explore thewonder of the Southern Cross, the awesome beauty of the JewelBox, or the Milky Way at its best. Their telescope allows guests tofocus on the best sightings during their stay.

Etali's state-of the-art Wellness Centre is a unique concept.Whether guests are in need of pure self-indulgence, to communewith nature, detoxify the whole body, improve fitness levels, recoverfrom illness or to simply relax and unwind from modern urban liv-ing, this is where they will find a feeling of calm and relief.

Etali’s cuisine is a contemporary fusion of traditional Africanwith an Asian twist. Meals are light and healthy with fresh seasonaland organically grown vegetables, fruit and herbs. There is no setmenu as the chef selects only the best local produce daily. Otherthan fine dining in the dining room or main deck, they offer tradi-tional South African dinners in their 'lesaka' kraal built in stone,close to the water hole. Etali has a site where they serve bushbreakfasts and dinners, weather permitting.

Etali also offers the perfect setting for weddings. Contact themfor information on wedding packages.Etali Safari Lodge, [email protected], www.etalisafari.co.za

PUMULANI LUXURY LODGE OPENS IN MALAWI

Robin Pope Safaris is expanding into neighboring Malawi withthe introduction of Pumulani, the only luxury accommodationwithin Lake Malawi National Park. The Lodge is now taking book-ings for availability in July 2008.Consisting of a main lodge and10 separate villas, Pumulani is located on a hillside overlooking thelake, which David Livingstone referred to as “Lake of Stars” andhas been designated as a World Heritage Site. The dining and bararea features an expansive deck offering spectacular views.

Each of the villas will consist of a spacious bedroom, bathroom,and sitting area, opening to a large deck. Cooling grassed roofshave been designed to blend in with the rocks and trees surround-ing each villa. One of the villas has been planned especially for hon-eymooners and one is a family villa that sleeps four or five persons.

Pumulani will be open from April 1 through January 4 starting2009 (It will open on July 1 in 2008). Guests will be met atKamuzu Airport in Lilongwe and guided through the immigrationprocedures. Rates start at $300 to $425 per person per night andwill include accommodations, meals, road transfers to and fromClub Makokola airstrip, laundry, bar and all non motorized watersports activities.Pumulani, [email protected], www.pumulani.com, www.robinpopesafaris.net


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