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May is all about good news. In the northern hemisphere the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the sunshine brings smiles to the faces of people who have been missing it during the winter.


In East Africa, the weather will soon turn cooler, offering a reprieve to those of who have endured the last few months of stifling heat. The beautiful weather in May, June and July is welcomed by tourists, who visit East Africa during these months to witness firsthand the migration of the wildebeest - a breathtaking phenomenon that happens only once a year, and only in this part of the world.

So with the turn in the seasons, use this as an opportunity to do something nice for yourself and someone else in May. Bake a cake to share with family and friends. Plant a tree to revive a field. Ride a bike. Hug someone. We at Rickshaw are going to make the month of May a "Feel Good Month".   What will you do this month to feel good?

Rickshaw nominated by the WTA

World Travel Awards (WTA), the “Oscars of the travel industry”, has announced plans to host its first ceremony in Kenya, reflecting the African nation’s continuing evolution into a world-class tourism destination

WTA’s Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony 2012 will take place in Nairobi on 26th September 2012, with the most important decision-makers in the region’s travel and tourism sector scheduled to attend. The event will be co-hosted alongside the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), a two-day conference (25-26th September) that will showcase the hospitality investment potential of Africa’s fastest growing nations. Bringing these two events together is a showcase of African tourism, where industry leaders from Africa and the Indian Ocean islands will be honoured for their commitment to quality and environmental best practices. Having these two events together underlines the importance and influence of Africa on world tourism.

The Rickshaw Group is thrilled to be nominated by the WTA as one of East Africa’s leading travel management companies

Cast your vote for The Rickshaw Group here: 

http://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-31175-the-rickshaw-travel-group

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Dear Pooja


Thank you. They had a wonderful experience. Yes it exceeded their expectation and they have gone back with fond memories. For the trip to have exceeded my expectation, we just need to lower the expectation level a bit though!


On a serious note thank you so much and a big thank you to Deepak for the crisis management and to Prema for being so proactive and giving us the necessary comfort level.


Sree Kumar

Want to have your say too?

E-mail us at: info@rickshawtravels.com

 

Airline News

Turkish Airlines - Starting May 15, Turkish Airlines will be flying out of Rwanda between Kigali and Istanbul. Book early for the Istanbul Shopping Fest 2012.

Istanbul Shopping Fest

The first ever Istanbul Shopping Fest starts June 9 and runs until June 29. This would be a perfect time to visit Istanbul, not just for this amazing shopping fest, but for Istanbul itself, which is a metropolis of diverse cultures, nations and religions and together with its unique location, makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

JetBlue Airways and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced a codeshare agreement, expanding the current interline partnership between the carriers' two networks in Tokyo and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport as well as Boston's Logan International Airport.

Emirates enters a new partnership with JetBlue Airways that offers travelers seamless connections to cities across the globe via New York (JFK).

Singapore Airlines to add third daily A380 service between Singapore and London.Singapore Airlines’ three daily services on the Singapore-London route will all be operated with the Airbus A380 from 1 June 2012.

British Airways has teamed up with up-market supermarket chain Waitrose and other great British brands to launch a luxurious new selection of food products for business class customers on long haul flights from Heathrow.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and Turkish Airlines announced today the launch of the new Airbus 321 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi to Istanbul route. The unique new Airbus will offer passengers wider seats and enhanced comfort, with a markedly wider aisle for faster boarding and easier cabin movement.

RICKSHAW'S TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

KWITA IZINA 2012

Rickshaw's Corporate Travel Department has been very busy recently, reorganizing staff and policies to better serve our corporate clients, both large and small. We have a team of dedicated professionals with positive attitudes, knowledge, enthusiasm and the willingness to go the extra mile to make sure your travel is not just cost effective but also hassle-free. Click here to read why Rickshaw Travels could be the solution to all your travel needs. Contact us for further details or speak to one of our representatives at any one of our offices in East Africa or London.

On Saturday, June 16, 2012, RDB will be hosting the eighth annual Kwita Izina - Gorilla Naming Ceremony. At this event, names will be given to 15 baby mountain gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park. The theme for this year is “Sustainable Tourism and Greener Economy”. Under this theme, Rwanda will celebrate the efforts of all those that have contributed to the welfare of their wildlife and its conservation and ensure continuity of growth in population of the gorillas and tourists while mobilizing efforts towards a greener economy. Read more >>

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AFRICAN WILDLIFE FACTS

In this modern world of e-mails, smartphones, tablets and social network sites, etiquette seems to have fallen by the wayside. Some may think that rules imposed by others diminish our freedom of expression, but in business, etiquette is still essential. You can find a lot of companies that advise other companies on etiquette, but we're only sharing some basic rules of business etiquette that make people feel good.

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Four of the five fastest land animals live in Africa - the cheetah (70 mph), wildebeest, lion, and Thomson's gazelle (all about 50 mph).

African Elephants - The African elephant is the largest living land mammal.

Beetles - The world's largest and heaviest beetle, the Goliath Beetle is found in tropical Africa. It can reach a length of 5 inches and weigh up to ¼ lb.

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Rickshaw Travel Deals

May Safari - Tanzania – 4 Nights / 5 Days

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USD 1388* per person sharing

Valid from April - 31st May, 2012

Visit Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Lake Manyara - the world famous trio of National Parks in Tanzania.  

Includes:
- 1 night at Ngorongoro Serena
- 2 nights at Serengeti Serena lodge
- 1 night at Lake Manyara Serena
- Park fees/ Crater fees
- 4w drive Safari car
- Experienced Driver/Guide
- Pick up and drop Kilimanjaro airport

Fundu Lagoon - Pemba Island, Tanzania

Lapped by the waters of the Indian Ocean and bathed in African Sunligt, Fundu Lagoon is a remote and peaceful resort and only accessible by boat.

Includes:
In-house selection of wine, spirits, cocktails, beers, bottled water, soft drinks, juices, tea & coffee

Full English breakfast, daily choice of dishes for lunch, afternoon tea and 3- course dinner including Swahili Night and Beach Barbeque Night on set evenings

Unguided mangrove safaris and dhow sunset cruise, shore based snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, traditional hair and henna on Swahili Night and village treks (subject to availability)

Laundry service

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USD 370 per person per night
Valid from June 15 – June 30, 2012

USD 435 per person per night
Valid from July 01 – October 31, 2012

 

Dream of Zanzibar - Tanzania – 4 Nights / 5 Days

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USD 1388* per person sharing

Valid from April - 31st May, 2012

Located on the East Coast of Zanzibar, Diamonds Dream of Zanzibar is superb 5 star all inclusive Resort nestled in the midst of exotic gardens on the beach front at Pwani Machangani overlooking the turquoise water of the Indian Ocean.   

Includes:
- 2 nights accommodation on all inclusive basis * - Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Soft drinks, house wine, local beer, juices, water, tea, coffee
- Snacks, morning and afternoon tea, lunch menu served at the Beach bar
- Gymnastic daily activities and much, much more

Amboseli or Masai Mara - Kenya – 2 Nights / 3 Days

Fly-in Serena Safari Values: - Enjoy 2 Nights at Kenya’s famous Amboseli or Masai Mara National Parks and stay an extra night if you wish.

Includes:
- Full Board accommodation at Serena Sweetwaters or Kilaguni (Amboseli) or
- Full Board accommodation at Serena Mara (Masai Mara)
- Return flights from Nairobi
- Local departure taxes, airstrip transfers
- 2 game drives per day (night game drive an option
- Hippo Pool Breakfast at Mara/Bush
- Barbeque Dinner at Amboseli

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USD 600* per person sharing (Amboseli)
USD 650* per person sharing (Masai Mara)

Valid to 30 June, 2012

Southern Dream Safari - Selous & Zanzibar, Tanzania – 4 Nights / 5 Days

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USD 1710 *per person sharing

Valid to 31 December, 2012

In Selous enjoy a luxury safari with all creature comforts, including a sandbank picnic  at the Rufiji River.  Finish your journey in the tropical paradise that is Zanzibar.

Includes:

At the Selous :

3 nights full board accommodation, including beverages (a selection of fine wines, spirits and soft drinks at Selous Luxury Camp or Mivumo River Lodge).
Domestic Flights – Dar / Selous / Zanzibar / Dar
Return airstrip transfers from Steiglers Airstrip.
2 Game Drives per day (option of a boat cruise or a game drive Nature walk, bird watching, etc)
Transport in a 4 x 4 WD Safari Cruiser (seat in vehicle arrangement).

In Zanzibar

2 nights’ accommodation on half board basis at Zanzibar Serena Inn.
Return airport transfers.
Guided Stone Town Tour.