TRAVEL NEWS

Fastjet - you will now have an affordable getaway to Johannesburg - Fastjet's first flight from Dar es Salaam to Jo'burg is scheduled for September 27th with ticket prices substantially less than those charged by South African Airlines. At the moment, there will be three flights a week. As well, Fastjet will now fly to Mwanza three times a week until September 29 and thereafter daily

KQ launches direct flights to Blantyre, Malawi - Kenya Airways has for the first time launched a direct route from Kenya's capital Nairobi to Malawi's commercial city Blantyre. KQ will fly three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will connect Chileka Airport, Blantyre to the rest of the world, through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Qatar Airways has increased its weekly flights to Nairobi to 18 to take advantage of the growing volume of passengers visiting East Africa.

As of 21 August 2013, Switzerland has applied a new Schengen area-wide requirement. From that day on, all third country nationals entering the Schengen area will have to hold passports that remain valid for at least three months following the date of intended departure from the Schengen area. Click here to read more

MARA SERENA SAFARI LODGE

Located at the centre of the world's most famous national parks, the recent renovations at this lodge are coming along quite nicely. The new facilities that are now operational include the bar lounge, arrival lobby, gift shop, public washrooms, buffet counters and the fully fledged spa. There is also a fully equipped gym.

SAY NO TO POACHING - THE WALK HAS BEGUN

The Walk for Elephants has started – it began in Arusha on August 25th and is to end in Dar es salaam on September 14th. The African Wildlife Trust (AWT) has teamed up with the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in the fight against poaching to raise awareness locally and globally.

J.K INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NAIROBI, KENYA

For all of you worried about flying into Kenya, please note that the airport is 90% up and running. Credit to Kenya for how quickly they came up with the makeshift plan to get the airport running at almost full capacity.

MIGRATION UPDATE

The migration took a dramatic change at the end of the past week. All the excitement at the crossing died out when most of the herds from the eastern side of the Mara River crossed west. Once on the Mara triangle, most herds headed south into northern Serengeti. This was a quick exit, since they were expected to stay in the Mara till November as is always the case.

ZIMBABWE HOSTS FIRST INDIAN FAM

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority organized its first familiarization (FAM) trip for Indian agents. Recently a nine member delegation of tour operators from Mumbai and Delhi toured across Zimbabwe, visiting tourist attractions like Harare City, Lake Kariba and Hwange National Park.

NOVEMBER 2013 - SOLAR ECLIPSE IN KENYA

Take advantage of our safari/camp special to witness this rare event which will occur on November 3, 2013. This is the most interesting eclipse of the year as it is one of the rare hybrid eclipse in which some sections of the path are annular while other parts are total. This hybrid eclipse of 2013 will be visible within a thin corridor, which traverses the North Atlantic and Equatorial Africa.

VAT IN UGANDA

As of July 1, 2013, Uganda introduced an 18% VAT on accommodation and water supplies outside of Kampala. Tanzania initially also imposed this tax, but later rescinded after reconsidering its potential adverse effect on their tourism sector. Kenya did not impose it either.

BEING A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER

It's a fact that international tourism is on the rise and travelling is now part of life for an increasing number of people all over the world. Discover nature, discover a new culture and grow as an individual. Travel for relaxation, fulfillment, discovery, adventure and fun.

As a guest in any country, you can also support the role of governments, businesses and communities by being a responsible tourist. Everyone has a role to play in creating responsible travel and tourism. Here are some suggestions we have seen over time and would like to share them with you:

• Transform your experience by opening your mind to other cultures as this will earn you the respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and respect diversity - observe social and cultural traditions and practices.
• Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism.

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

INCLUDES:
Accommodation.
Park fees & Crater fees
4w drive safari car with experience Driver/guide
Pick up and drop Kilimanjaro Airport.

India's famous tourist circuit includes a visit to Taj Mahal with a stay in Kashmir, which is a perfect blend of beauty and spiritual heritage.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation with breakfast
Dinner at the Houseboat (Srinagar, Kashmir)
Shikara ride at Dal Lake
Return airport transfers

Experience unspoilt beauty in the tropical and remote islands in the middle of turquoise blue lagoons and white sand beaches.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation in a Standard Room
Airport transfers on SIC basis
Inter-ferry Mahe - Praslin - Mahe
Services of an English speaking representative

Three famous Italian cities on one incredible vacation. View the monuments of Rome, sample renowned wine in Florence and ride the canals of Venice.

INCLUDES:
Accommodation at city centre hotels
Continental breakfast & taxes
Airport transfers by private vehicle
Sightseeing on SIC basis
Inter-city train travel

This special camping safari includes viewing the solar eclipse expected to occur on November 3, 2013. This experience includes a game drive to Samburu and include cultural experiences.

INCLUDES:
Transport by safari vehicle
Services of an English Speaking Guide
3 meals daily
Camping equipment *
Camping fees/Game Drive in Samburu
Flying Doctors Service Emergency Evacuation Cover

This is one of the world's most popular island destinations and one which consistently wins travel awards. It has something for everyone, from the young to the old, from the rich to the backpacker.

INCLUDES:
4 Star hotel on B&B Basis
Return airport transfers
full day Barong and Kintamani tour
Half day Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance
Sunset dinner cruise

Both these cities boast diverse cultures of the east meeting the west. It's not all shopping and casinos as both have done a great job in preserving their cultural heritage.

INCLUDES:
2 days Disneyland Pass
Hong Kong by Night tour with dinner
Full day tour Ocean Park
City tour with visit to Sky Tower Hong Kong
Macau tour with lunch
Ferry ticket Hong Kong to Macau return
3 nights Hong Kong - 2 nights Macau
B&B Accommodation at choice of 3 Star hotel

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its Table Mountain and vineyards of Stellenbosch and Johannesburg has its rich cultural history, fantastic museums and monuments to explore.

INCLUDES:
Return airport transfers
Half day city tour
B&B Accommodation at choice of 3 Star hotel

EXCLUDES:
Flights Joburg/Capetown/Johannesburg