Friday, November 30, 2007

NATIONWIDE AIRLINES GROUNDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

BREAKING NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trust 2AFRIKA, INC. to always bring you the latest breaking news as it develops.

This morning, we have learned that Nationwide Airlines, a South African airline, has been grounded by the South African Civil Aviation Authority until further notice. We will monitor the situation and keep you informed. The following bulletin was issued by the airlines CEO.

Dear Valued Customer:

Early this morning we determined that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SA C.A.A.) has suspended our Aviation Maintenance Organization (AMO) license.

We apologize profusely for any inconvenience or confusion that has been caused.

With immediate effect, all flights have been suspended until further notice. We have approached the C.A.A. for further details and guidance in respect of any actions they would like us to implement that would enable them to reinstate the AMO’s license at which point normal operations will resume.

Safety is our number one priority and we will not compromise the safety of our customers or crew.

We do not anticipate a prolonged disruption of air service due to the close cooperation that exists between the Civil Aviation Authority and Nationwide Airlines.

Once again we apologize for the inconvenience you have experienced. We thank you in advance for your cooperation at this difficult time.

Nationwide ticket – holders will be given an opportunity to either re-book or have their tickets refunded. More detailed information will be available from airline customer service personal at airports served by Nationwide Airlines and we will keep you updated on the website.

END OF STATEMENT

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

Thursday, November 8, 2007

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - KENYA!

I have been meaning to write this note to you since we got back to the United States last Thursday.......but I am finally caught up back at work and now I can direct my attention to you.

To say that this was the most powerful trip of our lives would be an understatement. WOW, what an amazing place. I think the most remarkable impression I have gotten from our trip to Kenya is the very friendly and incredibly upbeat attitude of all the Kenyans we met........oh, and the animals were pretty good too.

Thomas and our guide Dennis were terrific. I can't believe that you have any better guides than Dennis, so we feel very fortunate that he was with us. His knowledge and expertise made for a very interesting and informative experience. It is hard to imagine that Dennis never drove in Manhattan......he would do well there.

We especially thank you for the experience and foresight in arranging our first night at the Sienna Lodge. What a treat to lay on our beds and watch the watering hole, while recouping from 48 hours of travel. The lodges were all fantastic, as was all the food, service, company, etc...I think the rest of the world (and especially the US) could learn a lot from the people of Kenya.

We are very glad to have had the opportunity to experience it and consider ourselves extremely fortunate in having 2AFRIKA handle all of the arrangements.

Thanks for your help, and look forward to going back someday again. In the meantime, we are your biggest ambassadors.

J&J

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

Monday, November 5, 2007

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - BOTSWANA!

I guess this is better late than never.....

In October of 2006 a coworker and I booked our African vacation thru 2AFRIKA and I just wanted to say Thank You for the most amazing safari ever.

We stayed at the Chobe Safari Lodge in Kasane, Botswana. Not once did we ever feel out of place, everyone there made you feel very comfortable and at ease, which is nice when you are visiting a different country for the first time!

We still speak of how much fun we had! I just happened to look at your site for my next trip, for someday in the future, and thought I would finally send you a Thank You note!

EH

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

ANOTHER GREAT BIG THANKS

Ken…..

I want to thank you for giving such special and personal attention to my long time friend, Debra. She’s so excited about the safari she is planning with you for her husband’s birthday in January. She told me you were even planning something special for her husband’s birthday on the trip. That sounds just like you.

I sent her copies of the two letters of commendation that Joan and I had written you. I think that helped to convince her that 2AFRIKA was the best. I’m so pleased she is taking your tour because I know she and her husband will be not be disappointed.

Debra is a wonderful person and has been a friend of mine for a number of years. I first met her when she was a student of mine at the USC. Since that time she has earned her doctor’s degree and is a professor of English at one of our large colleges here in SC.

Thank you for being the great person you are and living up to the fine reputation you have established. It’s a joy to recommend my friends to you and your company. I know they will be just as pleased with their safari as I was.

Keep up the great work.

Fondly, Fran N

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - TANZANIA!

Kenneth,

We had just the best time imaginable. Everything except the 2 nights in Blue Bay - Zanzibar - that I reserved, was better than expected. It was lovely traveling on Kenya Airways. Blue Bay is over rated and they have the most obnoxious woman in reception. I unfortunately had my suitcase broken in to so I am trying to get refunded from Travelex. The first thing I have to do is document with Virgin Atlantic Airways.

All the best,

Monica

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at www.2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

Sunday, November 4, 2007

THE GRAND CIRCLE – Starting at $3,945.00 (A Scheduled 15-Day Air-Inclusive Overland Safari Experience to Kenya & Tanzania)

2AFRIKA, INC. World Headquarters
New York, NY
November 4, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Planning a once-in-a-lifetime-safari to Africa? THE GRAND CIRCLE is unquestionably the one for you!

THE GRAND CIRCLE, a scheduled 15-Day Air-Inclusive Overland Safari Experience to Kenya and Tanzania visits Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Olduvai Gorge, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and the astonishingly beautiful Amboseli National Park and the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro announced 2AFRIKA, INC. President & Founder, Kenneth R. Hieber.

One look at the ‘WHAT’S INCLUDED’ section of THE GRAND CIRCLE and you’ll immediately realize that this is a Safari that should be seriously considered as ‘the one to buy’.

In keeping with his tradition to keep ‘Africa Affordable’, Hieber has included;
  • Scheduled round trip air from the United States with the superior in-flight services of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Kenya Airways (via London where a stop-over is permitted in either or both directions at only $95.00 per person)
  • Specific dates apply BUT 15 of the 25 scheduled departures permit the traveler to commence his/her Safari from a choice of Boston, Newark, Washington D.C., Miami, Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles with NO ADD-ON fare applicable
  • 11-Nights’ accommodation in standard rooms all with private en-suite bathroom facilities (where applicable, SERENA properties have been selected)
  • 31-Meals + In-Flight Catering Services
  • 14-Safari Game Viewing Drives accompanied by a highly skilled, experienced, local English-speaking Driver/Guide
  • All National Park Entrance Fees
  • Equator Crossing and a demonstration for the Coriolis effect force caused by the Earth’s rotation
  • Visit Olduvai Gorge Museum

The price starts from $3,945.00 per person sharing and the Single Supplement drops to as low as $200.00 per person during certain seasons.

THE GRAND CIRCLE will operate throughout 2008 with a maximum of 12-passengers per departure.

ADDITIONAL ADDED VALUE

  • Airline ticket valid for a 2-month stay
  • All ‘THE GRAND CIRCLE’ passengers immediately qualify for a 4-Day/3-Night ‘Air-Inclusive’ Experience to Stone Town – Zanzibar for only $595.00 per person sharing (restrictions apply – must use OUR AIR with services originating and terminating in the U.S.)

ZANZIBAR FOR ONLY $595.00 INCLUDES;

  • Scheduled round trip air from Nairobi with the superior in-flight services Kenya Airways
  • 3-Nights’ accommodation in standard rooms all with private en-suite bathroom facilities
  • 3-Meals
  • Half Day Stone Town Walking Sightseeing Tour

PRICING EXAMPLE PER COUPLE (based on 2 adult passengers sharing accommodation on certain departures with services originating and terminating from Boston, Newark, Washington D.C., Miami, Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles

Only $8,480.00 per couple

PRICING EXAMPLE PER FAMILY (based on 2 adult passengers sharing accommodation with 1 child under the age of 12 at the time of departure, on certain departures with services originating and terminating from Boston, Newark, Washington D.C., Miami, Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles

Only $11,770.00 per family

For further information contact:


KENNETH R. HIEBER
2AFRIKA, INC.
111 JOHN STREET, SUITE 1060
NEW YORK, NY 10038

TOLL-FREE – 1-866-462-2374 X 204
kenneth@2afrika.com
www.2afrika.com (under KENYA or TANZANIA)

KENNETH R. HIEBER, 2AFRIKA, INC's FOUNDER & PRESIDENT REMINDS U.S. PASSPORT HOLDERS OF NEW RULES FOR VISAS FOR TANZANIA

2AFRIKA, INC. World Headquarters
New York, NY
November 04, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Please be advised of an Immigration update from the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

With immediate effect, the price of a Visitor’s Visa to enter the United Republic of Tanzania has been raised from USD50.00 to USD100.00 per person. The Visa is now known as a ‘Multiple Entry Visa’ and is the only form of Visa that will be issued to United States of America Passport holders. A ‘Multiple Entry Visa’ is valid for a stay of up to three-months.

At this time, the ‘‘Multiple Entry Visa’ will still be issued upon arrival into the United Republic of Tanzania. The ONLY form of payment for the Visa is US Dollar cash notes. No credit cards, travelers’ checks or local currency will be accepted as form of payment. Kindly update your records immediately.

This Immigration update applies only to Citizens of the United States of America. Former Immigration procedures remain unchanged for Citizens of all other Countries. As always, you can trust 2AFRIKA to keep you updated.

For further information on this information or any Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA!

Hi Michael,

Just a brief note to let you know how PERFECTLY everything worked for our Zambia and Botswana safari in Aug/Sept! The safari arrangements you made were great, On-Site Representatives were always on time, professional and friendly and the order of our lodge itinerary was just right (it was lovely to go from the least expensive on up, being more delightedly surprised with each property). If you would like a more detailed description of our trip I would be happy to chat with you.

I also have some fabulous photos - if I do say so myself!

Both Chobe and South Luangwa were amazing – lots of elephants of course, but I still couldn’t get enough, hippos, giraffes, lions (one very pregnant), leopards, civet and genet cats, honey badgers, zebras, all the antelope (including the reclusive bushbuck and sable), birds galore and two – count ‘em, TWO! - bush babies, which were near the top of my don’t-be-disappointed-if we-don’t-see-any list. Sausage Tree wasn’t as rich in game, but the luxury and the close encounters were fabulous. (Our last night a large male lion gave us a roaring send off at 2AM, circling our rondavel!)

I know this thank you is somewhat belated, but our friends and my office had been hounding me for a slide show which took me probably 50 hours or so to put together – and that was just the short one that wouldn’t bore people who weren’t there (30 minutes). I still want to add a lot of photos for Bob and me.

Please count me in as a reference if you need any – I applaud your knowledge in turning me into a very happy, experienced African explorer. As those Brits would say, our experience was brilliant!

Let me know if you would like more details (like the trepidation that struck us when the little plane landed on the Jeki airstrip to pick us up and the pilot got out with a 10 inch cross hanging around his neck ……. For luck???) or a photo or two –

Gratefully,

CG

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at www.2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – YOUR WILDEST DREAM – KENYA & TANZANIA!

Kenneth,

Back to reality and e-mail that works consistently. Blackberry filled past capacity. Would love to have lunch! It was an amazing experience. We took some 1,500 pictures or more.

We should talk about things that you should know about or tighten up. They are mainly minor but knowing how detailed you are, you should know of them.

We had a great group. Everyone was up to the experience. We added the hippo boat ride without hesitation. I could see a potential problem that we did not encounter. People with back and neck problems or even pregnant could have a problem. The roads were rough, stops not all that frequent and lunch was late on a few days. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't read this the wrong way; our group handled this without a problem. A less adventurous group might complain.

Plenty of great things to talk about and some minor things as well. Back at work, trying to catch up, but lunch next week would be a pleasure.

The guys we dealt with were true professionals - starting with Thomas through Zenith.

RL

2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber’s message to future passengers!

Please know . . . it is responses like these that assist us in ‘tweaking’ our Safaris and making sure that future travelers do not encounter any unnecessary issues. Here at 2AFRIKA, INC. we welcome your very valued input and perspective and we follow up ‘behind-the scenes’ to do everything possible to ensure a ‘flawless’ Safari for all of our passengers! Please let us know about YOUR EXPERIENCE – apart from your safety, your post Safari comments are of paramount importance to all of us!

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at www.2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – RULES OF THE WILD – KENYA!

Kenneth,

We are back from our safari in Kenya and had the most amazing trip of our lives. Kenya was the 38th country that my wife and I have visited together, and it blew all of the others away!

We were amazed with everything, including how many animals we saw and how close we were able to get. We saw a cheetah hunt gazelle, lions mating, and a mother and five baby cheetahs on a termite mound. Dominic and Thomas did a superb job with our safari! We didn't want for anything! The lodges were amazing, especially the Mara Serena Safari Lodge in the Maasai Mara National Park. All of the food was excellent. We will definitely travel with 2AFRIKA, INC. again when we make a return trip to Africa.

We did have one incident that I wanted to let you know about, not as a complaint, just to be able to warn future travelers. I am going to pass this information on to Dominic and Thomas as well, so they can warn other travelers. We purchased a 'big-five' wooden carving at the Acacia Gift Shop in Naivasha. It was about 3 feet tall and hung on the wall. (Dominic said that you purchased two giant giraffes at this same shop for your office). The owner of the Acacia Gift Shop said that he could give us the best price if we paid cash. He asked for $600 US. We asked for $150US. He said he could come down some if we would pay the shipping when we returned home. He told us that shipping costs $3-$4 per kilogram. We told him that would be fine and finally settled on $250US for the selling price plus $20US to him for a tip. We only had $40US left after that other than tip money for Dominic and tip money for bags, and I figured that the shipping would be more than that. I work with shipping some with my job and expected that the shipping would probably be closer to $100US, which would be fine because we thought that we got a great deal on the piece.

When we arrived home, I received an e-mail from the Nairobi Airport Cargo representative stating that we would need to take $295.50US with us to the airport in Memphis to claim our package. I explained what had happened to him, and he said that the people in the shops know nothing about what shipping costs. He went to the cargo people for me and got the shipping reduced to $240.00US. I really appreciated this gesture. However, had I known that the shipping was going to be this much, we would have tried to carry the piece home with us as it was just a little oversized.

All of this to let Dominic and Thomas know to inform people to go ahead and include the shipping with their purchase, so they don't have any surprise bills when they get home.

Thank you again for coordinating a wonderful Safari for us.

TG

2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber’s message to future passengers!

Please be warned . . . in good faith you purchase items from Africa (as is outlined above) but the moment you leave the Continent, the ‘picture’ changes and you are at the mercy of strangers that you do not even know! Being African myself, I have no doubt that this was a scam and that ‘someone’, ‘somewhere’, walked off with a huge bonus! My personal recommendation to my passengers is that if you buy anything that needs to be shipped back home to the U.S., USE A MAJOR CREDIT CARD for the purchase for if matters steer off course, your Credit Card Company can (and will) dispute the charge! This has happened to me previously and I will not tolerate such inappropriate business practice – morally, it is wrong!

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

TRIP ADVISOR RECOMMENDATION FROM XXXXXXX – AKA SH ON BOTSWANA

I just returned from a wonderful six night Safari at Chobe Safari Lodge in Botswana. I traveled on a Safari-package through 2AFRIKA, INC. and could not have asked for a better first trip to Africa.

The staff were outstanding, the guides extremely knowledgeable, and the facilities and grounds were beautiful. I stayed in one if the Safari Rooms which was very large with a large deck that overlooked the Chobe River.

As a female traveling alone, I was concerned about traveling to Africa but I had nothing to worry about. The level of respect I was afforded was higher than I experience even in the US.

I have always found that the slightest effort to communicate in the local language in any country is met with overwhelming responsiveness so I took the time to learn Setswana (the Botswana local language) before traveling to Botswana. It really made a difference and everyone responded so warmly. I will definitely travel to Africa again and although I may journey to a location other than Botswana, I would like to recommend that anyone desiring a first rate experience to Africa book with 2AFRIKA, INC. based in New York City – look at www.2afrika.com – you’ll be amazed!

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at www.2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - BOTSWANA!

Greetings Kenneth:

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude at the outstanding job done by 2AFRIKA, INC. in planning a marvelous safari! Every aspect of the safari came off without a hitch and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the entire experience.

I have attached a link to a review I have posted on the Trip Advisor web site because I want to ensure that the visitors to this web site know that 2AFRIKA, INC. is a great organization! (see review from xxxxxxx)

I will definitely travel to Africa again and will use 2AFRIKA, INC. In fact, I’ve already started looking at the packages to Egypt and Kenya because I would like to travel to one of those destinations next year.

Once again, thank you for the professionalism and care with planning my safari.

Sincerely,

SH

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at www.2afrika.com

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - KENYA!

Good Morning:

A thousand Thank You’s for the wonderful Safari we had with 2AFRIKA to Africa. Our 2AFRIKA ‘IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN’ Safari to AFRICA was the BEST trip we have ever taken, and we have traveled all over.

We all had a wonderful time, not a thing to complain about, were astounded with the beauty of the country and the abundance of animals, the accommodations, the people, the food and especially Dominic.

Dominic is a wonderful individual and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and found it hard to tell him goodbye. We now realize that you took the extra step to have Dominic as our guide. He knows his stuff and doesn't take chances. He saw to it that we saw all the animals. He really took excellent care of us. We all thought we had hit the jackpot with him as our guide. It appears that all the other company drivers defer to him and seek him out.

So again a huge thank you 2AFRIKA! It was just wonderful and we appreciate the time you spent getting our Safari together and your patience in providing such quick responses to our questions.

We may take another trip to another part of Africa! Rest assured that 2AFRIKA, INC. will most certainly be contacted when we do.

Again thank you and take care!

The ‘M’s

For further information on this Safari or any other Safari in the 2AFRIKA Collection, visit us on the web at http://www.2afrika.com/

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism.

If you would like to comment on this Blog Post, please communicate directly with 2AFRIKA Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber, electronically via kenneth@2afrika.com