SERENGETI BIRTHS DRAW RECORD VISITORS

During the month of February, a record number of tourists, among them over 5000 domestic visitors, came to witness the more than 1.5 million wildebeest delivering new calves at the rate of 8,000 newborns per day. Included in these visitors were wildlife researchers and zoological scientists from all over the world.

What fascinated some of the visitors was how soon after birth, the newborns are on their feet and running with their mothers and to top that off, the mother wildebeest don't even have to lie down to have their babies, they just deliver them as they move about. What is normally a low season for tourists in February, this phenomenon of synchronized calving is creating a buzz globally and the nearly 17,000 visitors in just one month is proof of that.

SPOTLIGHT ON PEMBA (From: Lonely Planet's Guide to Pemba)

For much of its history, Pemba has been overshadowed by Zanzibar, its larger, more visible and more politically powerful neighbour to the south. Although the islands are separated by only about 50km of water, relatively few tourists make their way across the channel for a visit. Those who do, however, are seldom disappointed.

Unlike flat, sandy Zanzibar, Pemba’s terrain is hilly, fertile and lushly vegetated. In the days of the Arab traders it was even referred to as ‘al Khuthera’ or ‘the Green Island’. Throughout much of the period when the sultans of Zanzibar held sway over the East African coast, it was Pemba, with its extensive clove plantations and agricultural base, that provided the economic foundation for the archipelago’s dominance.

ROBUST TOURISM GROWTH IN ZIMBABWE (Source: AllAfrica)

The Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA) says tourism has become the fastest growing industry in Zimbabwe. Retosa said although the tourism industry was set back by the recent economic and political challenges, the Zimbabwean tourism sector remains resilient and tourist-friendly. It said the success of the recent constitutional referendum on March 16, 2013, is an indication that the country is ready for business with the international community.

WINE VILLAGES OF SOUTH AFRICA

About a 90-minute drive from Capetown lie the renowned vineyards of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. The drive along the winding highway takes you through the scenic and hilly countryside and dotted along the route are the many small towns that make up this countryside. Among them is the town of Stellenbosch, the second-oldest, historically preserved town in southern Africa.

ASILIA CAMPS GROW

July 1, 2013 is a chosen date for Asilia Camps as it opens 3 new camps - the Little Oliver's Camp in Tarangire National Park, the Olakira Lamai Camp in Northern Serengeti and the Kubatana Camp in Mozambique. To experience any of these luxury camps in the wild, e-mail us for further details.

See the Wonders of Africa during this trip around the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. Go wild in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Manyara.

INCLUDES:
5 nights accommodation
Park fee & Crater fees
4w drive safari car
Driver/guide- experienced in birdlife, animals,
flora/fauna and culture
Pick up and drop Kilimanjaro Airport

Start in Nairobi, go to Shaba National Reserve, then Ol Pejeta Conservancy, followed by Lake Nakuru National Park and finishing with Masai Mara.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation & Meals
Transportation & game viewing drives
English speaking guide
Park Fees, Meet & Greet,
Transfers
Government taxes

Enjoy Rwanda’s modern capital city Kigali, its beautiful Columbus Monkeys in the Nyungwe Forest, its breathtaking Lake Kivu and its rare Mountain Gorillas in The Virungas.

USD 1,960* per person (based on 4 sharing a 4WD)

INCLUDES:
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodation at Lemigo Hotel with Dinner
Accommodation at Gisakura Guest House, Lake Kivu Serena, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge full board
Driver/Guide
Note: Tracking Permits are extra

Bluebay Beach Resort is situated on the finest wide, white, sandy beach on the island of Zanzibar.
The Resort is on the most beautiful 30-acre site with its bedroom cottages located on rising ground overlooking verdant gardens, the public areas, the pool, the more than 1,000 beautiful palm trees, the sparkling white beach and the azure seas beyond.

4 Days - USD 299 / 5 Days - USD 333

INCLUDES:
Transfers on HB Basis from Seaport or Airport

Additional night @ USD 40.00 per person per night.

INCLUDES:
Meet and greet at the airport
05 Breakfasts
Half day Dubai City tour
Dhow cruise with dinner
Desert safari with belly dance and dinner
Normal UAE Visa
Return airport transfer

Discover Rome, Venice, Lucerne, Interlaken, Nice, Paris

INCLUDES:
12 nights accommodation
Daily breakfast
Arrival airport transfer in Rome
Departure airport transfer in Paris
Eurail Global Pass - 15 Days Consecutive (1st Class)
Sightseeing Tours