Monday, June 30, 2008

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - ‘Just back from Botswana’

MONDAY, JUNE 30TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


I just returned from a trip to Africa through 2AFRIKA and it was the most wonderful trip I have taken. The Chobe Safari Lodge is magnificent and exactly the same as the pictures you seen in the ads. The Safari trips were magical and we saw new animals on each trip, including Wild Dogs and Leopard. I have traveled through Europe on previous vacations but the one I will remember most was my visit to Botswana. I would like to thank all of you at 2AFRIKA for making this Safari so memorable

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

Friday, June 27, 2008

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - ‘Just back from Kenya’

FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Dear Mr. Hieber,

My wife and I are back in San Diego recovering from the long plane ride, slowly I may add. She wrote to you yesterday to express our delight with your Company and our resulting pleasure. I want to add my comments:

Everyone associated with your Company was punctual, and a delight. They made our travel time through the traffic in Nairobi and the long treks across Kenya fun and informative. Over the week period we developed friendships that will be long lasting.

Tomas and Dominic are valuable to your Company, employees of their quality and dedication are hard to find. Don’t let them get away! Tomas spent his time with us in Nairobi on Monday in the afternoon guiding us to shops and advising us on “reasonable value”. Over the week we got to know Dominic, and appreciate his knowledge of the signals from the animals, when to move or when to observe, and his wit. He shared a lot of valuable information. He saw animals that we didn’t and we wondered how he did it. It is obvious that he loves his work and is good at it!

We also appreciated your concern for our safety through your checking on us as regards to the activities in Kenya.

We had a wonderful time, beyond my expectations. We thank you and if we can recommend you to other clients we will be glad to do so.

Thank you again for a wonderful visit to Kenya and the resulting safari!

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - ‘Just back from South Africa, Zambia & Botswana’

FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Hi Kenneth,

I cannot begin to tell you how great our trip was! It was perfect and amazing and I am not at all happy to be sitting back at my desk in L.A. I continually had to convince myself that I was actually experiencing everything and not dreaming. We all loved every minute! Your planning was perfect to the last detail and all transfers, excursions, etc. went completely smoothly. We were taken care of down to the smallest detail and we were happy with all accommodations, guides, excursions, meals and especially the beautiful and fascinating wildlife and scenery. We learned so much and met so many lovely people. Standing out in the bush, sipping wine and watching the beautiful African sunset is an experience we will never forget. I am ready to go back, many times! This was a dream trip of a lifetime and it exceeded our expectations. Thank you so very much for everything and please extend our thanks to everyone on your staff who assisted. I know that you put a great deal of time and effort into making everything just perfect and we so appreciate it. We were so happy with the way we did the trip for the 4 of us, rather than being with a large group. I think it will take me weeks to process and edit all of the incredible photos we took.

We will definitely be referring you to anyone we know who is interested in going to Africa. Our friends are very envious right now. I actually have a friend who has just started looking into trips to Egypt and I gave her your name already.

Are we now qualified to say ‘With warm African wishes’?

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

IN THEIR OWN WORDS - ‘Just back from Kenya’

THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


I've been meaning to send a note on my terrific trip to Kenya in April. It was the trip of a life time at reasonable prices. There was a cancellation so I ended up being the only 2AFRIKA passenger. Despite a situation where 2AFRIKA was not going to make much money off of one person, if any, your company met or exceeded every commitment made. I had my own private guide - Norman. He was great. Very knowledgeable and a delight to be around! The coordination man in Nairobi, Thomas was also great to the extent that when Heathrow lost my luggage he saw that they were flown to my location out "in country".

The lodgings were very good and better than I expected and the food good.

Thanks for a memorable trip. 2AFRIKA is the best.

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS CALIFORNIA – a message of good wishes for the LGBT Community in California from 2AFRIKA, INC.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today, 2AFRIKA, INC. was proud to launch ‘Congratulations California’, a honeymoon special to South Africa for the newly-weds of California.

‘Congratulations California’ is a 10-Day/9-Night extravaganza to South Africa visiting world-famous Kruger National Park and the Mother City of Cape Town. Honeymooners will get up close and personal with Africa’s Animal Kingdom in Mpumalanga and then luxuriate in Cape Town experiencing the thrills that this metropolitan, liberal city has afforded so many before.

A selection of accommodation is available in Cape Town to choose from to fit anyone’s budget but in ‘Keeping Africa Affordable’, 2AFRIKA feels sure that the newlyweds will find both price structures most appealing.

As an added value item, 2AFRIKA is giving each ‘honeymoon couple’ a Wedding/Safari Photo Album! Your Story – Your Pictures – Our Gift to you . . . when you return, send us your story and your best photographs and we’ll prepare a handsomely bound classic hardcover 20-page book for you to reflect back upon in the years to come!

‘Congratulations California’ . . . a perfect couple deserves a perfect honeymoon and we’ve got the perfect place!

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

2AFRIKA, INC. INCLUDES ‘COMMUNITY VISITS’ IN SOUTH AFRICA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber announced that several high-profile 2AFRIKA products will include Community Visits in keeping with the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism. “It is my hope,” said Hieber at a press conference “that our passengers will imbibe this new feature and see their way fit to making on-site donations to the efforts nurtured by both the Amazing Grace Children’s Home as well as the Community Farm School.”

AMAZING GRACE CHILDREN’S HOME (Malelane, Mpumalanga)

Founded by Grace Mashaba, the Amazing Grace Children’s Home cares for AIDS orphans, abused children and human trafficking victims in a bright and cheery environment. It was registered as an NGO in 1990, and now comprises a church, dormitory, playroom, dining room and sport facilities. Foreign student social workers offer their voluntary assistance in exchange for practical experience.

COMMUNITY FARM SCHOOL (Barrydale, Western Cape)

During the 1960’s farmers in the area decided to build a school for the laborers’ children. The multi-grade school offers education to children from Grades 1 – 6, with four classrooms, two teachers (one of whom is the principal) and an administrative clerk. The school receives a “Norms and Standards” allocation from the government which subsidizes school fees, text books and general expenses.

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN – an informational message from 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber

TUESDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


It is a known fact that the best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensures that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city.

However, The Cableway will be closed for its annual maintenance program from July 14th, 2008 through August 03rd, 2008 when it is scheduled to reopen (weather conditions permitting).

With 2AFRIKA, INC., you’re always the first to know!

For further information on this informational Blog post 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.

Monday, June 16, 2008

GOING STRAIGHT IS NOT NECESSARILY THE BEST WAY TO GO - an informational message from the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber

MONDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


We simply assume that the only way to get to Southern Africa would be with the services of South African Airways or Delta Airlines!

But what if you wanted to visit another international city which really didn’t demand a long stay? Would you simply ‘write-it-off’ and never visit it or would you take a separate trip all together?

I’d hazard a guess that if you could combine your African journey with an intermediate trip to another exotic locale, you might just be inclined to do so!

Well, let’s explore the unexplored together . . . starting next week, I am going to be blogging about ‘intermediate’ points that you really ought to consider when you are Africa bound. In fact, I will be visiting one such destination this weekend. I plan to create a virtual ‘why-you-should-visit-(name will be provided upon my return)’ en-route to Africa.

So stay tuned for the ‘next generation’ of combo-travel and remember GOING STRAIGHT IS NOT NECESSARILY THE BEST WAY TO GO!

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

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

Thursday, June 12, 2008

CREDIT CARDS IN ZIMBABWE – an informational message from the Original 2AFRIKA, INC. Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber

THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Please note that due to the problems associated with the many zeros on the billions of Zimbabwe dollars that are required for even the smallest of payments, the banks in Zimbabwe have announced a complete stop to all credit card payments until they can sort out their systems to handle the currency!

Effective immediately NO credit card payments can be processed by any supplier in Zimbabwe any longer until further notice!

We encourage you to reserve additional Optional Excursions as far in advance as possible to guarantee a confirmation and to permit pre-payment which will avoid you having to carry large amounts of cash with you.

For extras at hotels and for any Optional Excursions you wish to purchase locally in Zimbabwe, you will need to carry foreign cash (recommended currency is US Dollars, in small denominations as there are often problems with US$ 100 bills)

With the Original 2AFRIKA, INC., you’re always the first to know!

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

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

IN THEIR OWN WORDS – ‘Just back from East Africa’

TUESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2008
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Dominik:

We returned from our trip "The Grand Circle" last night at 10:15 PM. To say that it was a magnificent trip would be an understatement. Your help, email answers to our innumerable questions, advice and patience are so very much appreciated. We want to let you and 2AFRIKA, INC. know that you did a superb job putting together an incredible experience that we will never ever forget. It was as close to a trip of a lifetime that we can imagine. That is not to say that there were no problems because there were blips here and there - but if you don't expect any problems you shouldn't travel. We would like to let you know what we thought of several aspects of the trip and so we have done so as succinctly as possible in the following paragraphs. I will start with the negative situations and get those over with first so you don't wonder when the complaints begin.

Corruption - We were greatly disturbed and very uncomfortable that uniformed members of airport security, police and employees asked for (I.E. demanded) "a show of appreciation" for doing what they were supposed to do which is handle passports, inspect bags, or answer questions. This happened in the Nairobi and the Zanzibar Airports. On the other hand, there were at least as many very helpful and professional employees that seemed to go out of their way to be helpful and then didn't stand there with their hand out or ask for a tip. We have traveled in many parts of the world and have not experience the level of shake downs that we did while passing through these two airports. We felt very comfortable when our guides were with us and saw numerous cases where they seemed to say something or make a gesture and the "helpful" persons bothering us seemed to disappear. This gave us a high level of comfort that we appreciated.

Well, that's all for the problems and now for the good news.

Airline travel - Worked great. No hitches. Layovers not too bad! Virgin Atlantic Airways or Kenya Airways lost one bag but got it to us the next day.

Sarova Hotels - Nairobi - Adequate. These were the level of quality that I expected. Lake Nakuru - Adequate. Nothing special! No problems with either place.

Serena Hotels - WOW!! These were great. Substantially better that we expected. Each was very unique and the locations and views were amazing. Example - Serena Mara Safari Lodge. From our room at the same time I could see: baboons, warthogs, giraffe, impalas, three hippos, and an African buffalo. The food at each was great. The service was excellent. Really impressive. These lodges added VERY substantially to our experience.

Tembo Hotel - This hotel had a good bit of character. The service was quite good. The food was good. The food prices were reasonable and we ate all our meals here because of the quality and price. Good job. The entire islands electrical service from the mainland has been disrupted and everyone that had electrical service has to use generators. The hotel turned the generators off twice a day but it did not impact us much - one of those problems you just deal with and get on with life.

Our guide, Muro, was absolutely wonderful. Because he was with us the entire time, he knew what we had seen and wanted to see. He tailored the game drives to our wants and desires. He did an outstanding job. I hope that you let him know that we appreciate his services and that he was hugely responsible for the tremendous success that we had on this trip.

Zanzibar - Their guides did a very good job. We used them for two other trips and we were very pleased. We would certainly recommend them.

Last but certainly not the least:

The parks and the animals - It is very difficult to put into words our feelings and experiences concerning what we saw and felt while in these incredible, special places that God created and man has been smart enough to set up and protect. We have dreamed of going to Africa for so many years and we were so afraid that we might be disappointed. You, your team and those two countries have put together such a special experience that we will be reliving our trip for the rest of our lives. We were overwhelmed with the beauty of the land, the sheer number of animals and the amazing diversity of the species that we saw and felt so close to that we could almost touch. I won't take the time to tell you of the many special encounters that we had but know that we have a number of exciting stories that we will be able to tell our friends and relive in our memories. We didn't get to see a leopard but we did see so many other animals that we stopped counting after 12,623 (just kidding).

Your package included six totally different parks and we would be hard pressed to pick one to leave out. Your package included about fourteen game drives and I couldn't imagine leaving one of them out. This was an amazing experience and we will never forget it and feelings that we experienced. Thank you so much for all that you and 2AFRIKA, INC. did to add to our lives with this trip of a lifetime.

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

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