who we are · 3 2 3 we are passionate and knowledgeable experts who have lived and traveled...
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WHO WE AREFor over 40 years, African Travel, Inc. has created extraordinary, handcrafted, luxury safari experiences ensuring immersive and authentic cultural encounters across the continent.
At African Travel, we turn travel dreams into reality. We specialize in crafting custom, personalized trips with unique and meaningful experiences that will create lasting memories.
We’re dream makers! We believe whatever your clients dream safari may be, we arededicated to providing the ultimate African experience.
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We are passionate and knowledgeable experts
who have lived and traveled extensively
throughout the continent.
With local offices in Africa and our
headquarters in the U.S.A., we have earned an
enviable position of influence and negotiating
power.
We guarantee exceptional service every step of the
journey with us.
In partnership with the TreadRight Foundation, we
are committed to make travel matter by supporting people,
wildlife and the planet for generations to come.
African Travel, Inc. is proud to be a member of The Travel
Corporation (TTC), a family-owned company with
more than 100 years of expertise in luxury travel.
We Know Africa Local Here & There 5-Star Service
#AfricanTravelCares Family of Brands
The African Travel Big 5
At African Travel, Inc. we value and take pride in the relationships we have built with the travel advisor community. We continually strive to provide you with the best tools and information for success. We hope with this guide, you will find the information effective, valuable and will continue to choose African Travel for planning luxury, tailor-made safaris to Africa.
Sherwin Banda, President, African Travel, Inc.
A GUIDE TO THIS GUIDE
#AfricanTravelCares 6Africa Your Way 8Target New Clients 10Advantages of Booking 12Great Migration Map 14Weather in Africa 15F.A.Q. 16Agent Resources 18Stay Connected 19
Destinations
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#AfricanTravelCares
Make Travel Matter6 7
Travel is an incredible gift. It has the ability to open our eyes, our hearts and our minds to the unique cultures and spellbinding beauty of the natural world. But with this gift comes a
responsibility – to protect the world as we know it. At African Travel, Inc. and TreadRight, our mission is clear; to have a positive impact on the people and communities
we visit, to help protect wild and marine life, and to care for the planet we all call home.
PEOPLEWe are committed to encouraging the
cultures, traditions and arts of the communities we visit to thrive. We seek to enable some of these communities to see
true benefits from tourism through economic empowerment. We do this
through our support of microenterprises, and community based tourism
initiatives that build positive futures forcommunity members and their families.
WILDLIFEThe world’s wildlife is balancing on a
dangerous precipice, so it is our responsibilityto help protect some of these species
most at risk from extinction. Partneringwith leading wildlife organizations, wework to help protect and rehabilitate
elephant, rhino and big cat populationsaround the world, while also educating our
guests on ethical wildlife experiences.
PLANETReducing the environmental impact of our business is at the core of what we do. We’ve
committed to eliminating all avoidable single-use plastics in both our offices and out on the road by 2022. And that’s just the beginning. In 2017, we introduced our e-docs program,
which allows our guests to receive their travel documents digitally, replacing the need for paper while also having a tree planted in their name as part of our plant a tree initiative. All of this, while supporting projects striving to keep our oceans and coastlines clean, are just
some of the ways we’re committing to safeguarding the future of our planet.
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Tailor-Made
For like-minded travelers, we also offer other ways to travel with us. Our locally-hosted safaris remain truly intimate and customizable while also allowing clients to enjoy the benefits of traveling
in a small group.
Africa Your Way
Like the stripes on a zebra, no two human fingerprints are the same. That’s why, we strive to create unique and magical journeys to Africa to suit your clients’ personal travel styles and
interests. For more than 40 years, African Travel has crafted extraordinary, unforgettable Tailor-Made Safaris. Clients can select their own departure dates and choose where they want to go and what they want to see. African Travel’s knowledgeable Safari Specialists will
seamlessly create a personalized itinerary with expert recommendations ensuring a truly hassle-free vacation. We are dedicated to providing guests with the ultimate luxury safari
experience, so when you hear us say, “We Know Africa,” you can depend on the fact that we know right Africa for your clients.
Millennial TravelFamily Travel Guided Travel
Sightseeing Day Tours & Experiences
Luxury Travel Cruising
Solo Travel Safari & Adventure Travel
Food & wine enthusiastsHere are a few tips on how to target new clients:
Target New Clients
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• Partner with African Travel to develop a co-branded website with your agency contact information. The website is easy to navigate and has compelling content with a variety of safari options for your clients.
• Use your existing database to identify future luxury travelers. Experience is the new luxury. Identify clients who have had unique experiences including: food and wine, wildlife, wellness, culture and adventure.
• Use demographics to target potential clients based on disposable time and income.
• Target existing customers based on personal activities, budget, interests and social relationships such as multigenerational families or like-minded people traveling in small groups.
• Clients who have traveled to long-haul destinations (ie. Australia, Asia, South America and the Galapagos Islands) are ideal future safari travelers.
• Luxury ocean or river boat cruising clients are also ideal future safari enthusiasts because of the high-touch nature of their travel experience.
• Africa is an ideal destination for clients looking to support the environment and give back to local communities.
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• Contact clients who are celebrating a momentous occasion such as milestone birthdays, honeymoons, graduations or anniversaries.
Earn up to 15% commission Travel agents can earn up to 15% commission when booking with African Travel.
Premium ExperiencesTravelers will enjoy superlative service and an unsurpassed, unforgettable safari experience.
Advantages of Booking with African Travel, Inc.
One-stop ShoppingAccommodations, transportation services, activities and air can all be booked through us! Enjoy hassle-free planning with one-stop shopping for your clients.
5-Star ServiceWe guarantee exceptional service every step of the journey with us.
Experienced TeamsOur Safari Specialists have more than 300 years of combined knowledge of the continent and are committed to providing you with invaluable guidance in creating your clients’ dream experience.
Safari Your WayTravel on a handcrafted, unforgettable vacation where every detail is taken care of during your luxury safari experience.
Travel Agent SupportOur agent resources are designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge to confidently sell the destination.
Authentic Experiences We connect our guests with local people and places that make Africa extraordinary and special.
Sustainable Travel Every safari booked with African Travel contributes to the local economy and local communities.
make a Positive Impact For every safari booked a donation is made to support wildlife conservation and the education of children.
What’s in it For Your Clients
What’s in it For You
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Security Travel with piece of mind as African Travel is an active USTOA Member with a $1 Million Traveler Assistance program.
Peace of Mind Complementary emergency protection plan is included with every safari.
Weather in Africa
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Southern Africa
Botswana High (F) 88 82 83 92 Low (F) 65 47 48 65Madagascar High (F) 75 71 69 76 Low (F) 61 60 52 59Mauritius High (F) 86 81 77 84 Low (F) 73 66 62 68Mozambique High (F) 87 81 78 84 Low (F) 73 63 60 71Namibia High (F) 84 72 73 85 Low (F) 62 49 48 60South Africa High (F) 82 72 67 77 Low (F) 59 49 45 55South Africa High (F) 86 78 79 87 Low (F) 72 54 53 69Zambia High (F) 86 82 84 90 Low (F) 65 51 50 66Zimbabwe High (F) 88 82 83 89 Low (F) 63 50 49 64
Kruger NTL Park
East Africa & More
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
Egypt High (F) 70 90 94 77 Low (F) 49 63 70 58Kenya High (F) 78 73 72 74 Low (F) 54 55 50 55Rwanda High (F) 80 78 78 80 Low (F) 66 66 64 65Tanzania High (F) 89 85 85 88 Low (F) 73 69 64 70uganda High (F) 80 78 78 80 Low (F) 66 66 64 65
Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sep Oct-Dec
Cape Town
Average Temperatures
Average Temperatures
Great Migration Map
F.A.Q. What should clients pack on safari?With a few exceptions, dress in Africa is casual. Clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, and of “breathable” fabrics such as cotton. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in with the natural surroundings and show dust the least. Most camps and lodges offer laundry service (at an additional cost).
How much luggage can my client bring?On safari, clients are permitted one soft-sided bag each, weighing no more than the limit stated in the tour documents. The weight limit will be set at 44 lbs. or lower, and may be as low as 25 lbs., depending on aircraft type and destination. For more information, please speak to a Safari Specialist.
What currency do clients need?South Africa – Rand (ZAR) Botswana – Pula (BWP)Kenya – Kenya Shilling (KES) Tanzania – US Dollar (USD) Zambia – Kwacha (KR) Zimbabwe – US Dollar (USD)
Do my clients need vaccinations?We strongly advise your clients to contact their physician or travel clinic for advice as to what vaccinations are required for the countries they are visiting. We suggest clients check the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov for the most up-to-date information.
Do my clients need visas? Visas are required for travel to many areas. Many countries also have inoculation requirements. Most countries require foreign visitors to have valid medical protection plan on entry. Requirements vary by country and can change. Clients should obtain up-to-date information from authorities of the countries involved. Visas are not required for US or Canadian citizens traveling to South Africa or Botswana. Visas are required for US and Canadian citizens traveling to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Please contact your Safari Specialist for information on how your clients can obtain visas when traveling to these countries.
When is the best time to go to Africa?Africa straddles the equator and the two tropics so there is always a destination to visit at any time of the year. Some people still avoid traveling in the rainy season, however, the rainy season provides some of the most dramatic experiences. African Travel’s Safari Specialists can advise on the best options at specific times of the year.
How much should my clients tip when on safari? Tipping varies on the destination. Tips to tour guides, waiters, hotel staff, baggage handling and game rangers are not included and are at the tour participant’s discretion unless specifically included in tour price. Tipping can be added to group reservations.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration? The Great Migration is an ever-moving cycle. The best time to see the Great Migration is during the dry season, between July and early October. It’s warm, weather is stable, and animals are abundant. The sparse vegetation and dried-up waterways force the animals to head up north to find food and drink. If you visit in November or December, you’ll still see wildebeest and zebra.
What destinations do you operate your safaris to / within Africa?Most of our safaris visit Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius & Zimbabwe) , East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania & Seychelles) as well as Egypt. We also operate gorilla trekking safaris to Rwanda and Uganda.
PassportsPassports are required for international travel. Client passports must be valid for at least 6 months after their scheduled return date and should have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
Do children need special documents? African Travel, Inc. advises travel partners to review all documentation requirements when booking minors to or from South Africa and Botswana. Travelers who arrive in South Africa or Botswana without the required documentation can be detained and/or deported immediately. Should you have any questions, kindly contact African Travel, Inc. at 1-800-421.8907 and speak with one of our Safari Specialists.
Can clients bring children on safari?Children under the age of 6 are rarely accepted at lodges. If accepted, they will not be allowed to go on game drives and will have to be left at the lodge under the care of a babysitter or guardian. Some lodges will allow children 6 and over to go on game drives and other lodges only allow children over the age of 12. Please check with your African Travel, Inc. Safari Specialist to find which lodge is best for your needs.
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Agent Resources
Stay Connected
Call 1-800-421-8907 to speak with a Safari
Specialist
Email [email protected] or contact your District Sales
Manager for training and sales support
Follow us on our social channels to stay-in-the-
know and for travel inspiration
#WeKnowAfrica
Stay connected with us and join the conversation.
@AfricanTravelInc @_AfricanTravel_ @AfricanTravelInc
Co-branded Website
3-Way Conference Calling
E-learning
Social Media ContentDevelopment
Safari Night & Trade Show Support
Educational Trips
For more info, visit our website www.africantravelinc.com
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SouthwestJohn Godfrey | [email protected]
NortheastKelly Berry | [email protected]
Mid-AtlanticDavid Schwenk | [email protected]
SoutheastKevan Cowie | [email protected]
Sales Support
NorthwestAllison Bailey | 262.239.2885 [email protected]
Director of Sales, CanadaCarl Garbig | [email protected]
-Ernest Hemingway
“I never knew of a morning in Africa
when I woke up that I was not happy.”
www.africantravelinc.com1-800-421-8907