Thursday, December 17, 2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM 2AFRIKA



2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS & KENYA AIRWAYS, 2AFRIKA’s PREFERRED AIRLINE PARTNERS ANNOUNCE THEIR 2010 KENYA SAFARI SALE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Once again, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Kenya Airways and 2AFRIKA, INC. have collaborated to announce their 2010 East African Safari Sale!

KENYA ON SALE – is the theme for the first half of 2010 and who better to bring you this breaking news than the pioneer of Affordable Africa – 2AFRIKA, INC. located in New York City.

As reported to Arthur Frommer this morning, effective immediately, our 10-Day Kenya Classic Safari will sell for $2,849.00 per person sharing INCLUDING all taxes for all January – May departures!*

The safari originates and terminates at the passengers choice of New York City (JFK), Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, Washington DC, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco at no additional cost.

Review our 10-Day Kenya Classic Safari and reserve as soon as you can for as always, once media coverage gets a hold of this information, we anticipate a sell-out and we would be very pleased if our valued passengers were to be able to take advantage of this great promotion ahead of time.

Easter supplements apply.




2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Monday, December 14, 2009

2AFRIKA, INC. POSTS DECEMBER 2009/ JANUARY 2010 HOLIDAY HOURS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

At 3:00PM (EST) on Friday December 18, 2009, our 2009/2010 Holiday Season Hours of Operation come into effect. During this period, we will check our email systems (Our Contact Us form or kenneth@2afrika.com) daily at 9:00AM – 10:00AM (EST) and 'Emergency' matters will be attended to!

All other matters will be responded to in the order in which the communication was received once we reopen on Monday, January 04th, 2010 at 9:00AM (EST)

May we take this time to thank you for your very valued support throughout 2009 and to wish you and yours a most joyous Holiday Season followed by much prosperity, peace and good health in 2010



2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS = SPLENDOR IN NEW YORK CITY

DECEMBER 09, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Whether you are a diehard fan like me or not, an evening with Pink Martini will change your point of view!

Tomorrow night, December 10th, 2009, Pink Martini performs their newly released album SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS at The Town Hall in New York City at 9:00PM and you should be there!

Pink Martini is a "little orchestra" from Portland, Oregon, formed in 1994 by pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale. They blend genres of music such as Latin, lounge, classical, and jazz. Their music has often been described as "vintage music”, a description which reflects the content, style and period that inspires many of their songs. Bandleader, Thomas Lauderdale describes the band's sound as "music of the world without being world music. It's kind of like urban symphonic crossed with Cuban/Brazilian street Carnival parade, Breakfast at Tiffany's/United Nations kind of thing. The goal was to create the kind of records with which one would hopefully never grow tired of. Records that could be played whether you were sad or gleeful. Cleaning, vacuuming around the house, or seducing somebody's grandmother."

No 'hopes' from this fan . . . I already know that I am in for an incredible evening – Pink Martini delivers that which they promise . . . I have never grown tired of them nor will I – and you won't either! Thomas Lauderdale is an entertainer 'extraordinaire' and the 'chemistry' between himself, the "little orchestra" and lead vocalist the incredible Ms. China Forbes makes for an evening of sheer delight!

So put your December 10th plans on hold – make every excuse in the book that you need to – and get on over to The Town Hall New York for a 'Vintage' evening you will long remember.

Pink Martini’s albums Sympathique (1997), Hang on Little Tomato (2004) Hey Eugene! (2007) and Splendor in the Grass (2009) are available from Amazon.com, instantly from iTunes, of from The Pink Martini Store! Get them – you’ll be very pleased you did!



2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Monday, December 7, 2009

INCREDIBLE EGYPT LAUNCHED AT 2AFRIKA, INC.


MONDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA, INC. has just launched INCREDIBLE EGYPT, a scheduled 8 day journey in Egypt with a Nile Cruise starting at only $799 per person + tax.

INCREDIBLE EGYPT originates each Wednesday at Cairo International Airport and operates with a minimum of 2 passengers and a maximum of 16. The journey visits Egypt’s most important sites including Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor.

Most sightseeing is included as well as 13 meals. Seven nights’ accommodation make up INCREDIBLE EGYPT, 2 of which are spent aboard the Abela Egypt Sleeping Train, 3 on the M/S QUEEN OF HANSA deluxe 5 star Nile cruiser and 2 in Cairo.

2AFRIKA, INC. has collaborated with EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines to bring you this intoxicating Egyptian Experience and can offer highly subsidized airfares to get you to and from Cairo. Worth mentioning, is the fact that you can combine INCREDIBLE EGYPT with any of 2AFRIKA’s East African Safaris to create one singular amazing African Experience!

Passengers not wishing to return home on Day 8 of the Itinerary are welcome to extend their stay. 2AFRIKA, INC. offers a fine selection of affordable extensions to Alexandria, El Alamein, Siwa Oasis, the Sinai Peninsula, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and the 'Rose Red City' of Petra in nearby Jordan.

Passengers taking advantage of the subsidized fares offered by 2AFRIKA, INC. on Turkish Airlines via Istanbul are encouraged to 'stay-a-while' in the city that straddles two continents; Europe and Asia.

Starting at only $799 per person, INCREDIBLE EGYPT is the one travel bargain you will not want to miss in 2010. Contact Us or click here for more details.



2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

DECEMBER 1ST IS WORLD AIDS DAY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 01, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(RED)™ is a simple idea that transforms our collective power as shoppers into a financial force that helps those affected by HIV in Africa. To date, $140 million has been generated and 4 million people have been helped through Global Fund programs that (RED) supports. When you choose to buy products from (RED) partner companies up to 50% of the profit goes towards eliminating AIDS in Africa.

JOIN (RED) NOW!



2AFRIKA, INC. is fully committed to your Satisfaction, Security, and Safety at all times, and is actively involved in 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism'

Saturday, November 28, 2009


SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA's Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber and friend, multi Award Winning actress Christine Baranski rounded up an alrealy perfect 'Thanksgiving Celebration' with SOUTH PACIFIC, a musical set on a tropical island in the Pacific during World War II, in which a U.S. Navy nurse falls in love with a local plantation owner.

This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, the winner of seven 2008 Tony Awards, features one of the most romantic scores of all time.

This epic musical romance centers on a group of American sailors and Navy nurses stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Arkansas native Nellie Forbush befriends and quickly falls for Emile de Becque, a French expatriate and plantation owner, and Lt. Joe Cable finds himself in a passionate affair with Liat, the young daughter of Bloody Mary, the local grass-skirt peddler. As the war against Japan escalates, reality sets in for both Forbush and Cable, who struggle to reconcile their unconventional love affairs with their long-held prejudices and insecurities.

See it if you can - an incredible production with a remarkably talented cast.

Mamma Mia - what a night it was!

Friday, November 27, 2009

UNLEASH YOUR CLOSETED 'TRAILER-TRASH' FANTASY!






FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Here at 2AFRIKA, we’re known to always be ahead-of-the-pack as an innovative pioneer! And have we found a new angle on Cape Town for you?

The Grand Daddy in Cape Town is (innovative) and we like that! Its big talking point is its ‘penthouse’ trailer park, where a collection of vintage Airstream caravans nestles beneath the backdrop of Table Mountain. Each of the seven two-sleeper trailer suites have been conceptualized and designed by local artists making for an ‘Experience’ like no other.

Knowing us as you do, we have the best rates available and as always, we’ll share them with you!

Next time in Cape Town, Unleash your closeted inner ‘Trailer-Trash’ fantasy, and let us give you a fun, innovative and unforgettable experience in Cape Town.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A FOND BUT SAD FAREWELL


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A while ago, a dear South African friend Wenda announced that she was returning home to Johannesburg. Wenda and I have known one another for as long as 2AFRIKA, INC. has been in business and have remained loyal friends for well over a decade.

She went on to become married and had two lovely sons . . . and now her and the boys and husband Simon are leaving the United States and returning to South Africa where Simon will take up his new position as General Manager – Southern Africa for Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Wenda came into Manhattan to say goodbye over lunch. In tow were Tristan and Liam and the four of us had the most wonderful afternoon at South Street Seaport located just around the corner from our office.

Tristan, Liam and I spend an afternoon playing along the boardwalk, catching balls, ‘washing strangers hands for we all know that we must constantly wash our hands to prevent swine flu’, and just having a fine old time running, flying through the air and giving one another great big bear hugs!

Finally, mom Wenda managed to get the three of us to sit still long enough for a farewell-parting photograph – we obliged! This is a shot of me, Tristan and Liam having one last big bear hug before saying goodbye.

Goodbye to you Simon, Wenda, Tristan, and Liam.

May the wind be at your heals and may your new life in Johannesburg be filled with joy and peace, much love and Simon, continued great success with your inborn talent of management in the Travel Industry – I wish you all well and I will miss you sorely.

This Thanksgiving, I give special thanks to have had the privilege of knowing Wenda and Simon and especially for Tristan and Liam for taking me out of the regular rushed routine of a business day and allowing me to be a ‘kid’ for an afternoon. I shall never forget you and I will never forget the big bear hugs we shared at South Street Seaport!

With deep love and affection to the four of you as you leave – the United States has lost a wonderful family – South Africa is receiving a wonderful family – and Virgin Atlantic Airways gets to keep one of the nicest and smartest people I know! You will always remain as a handprint on my heart for this ‘special moment’.

This Thanksgiving 2009, my first as an American Citizen, I give special thanks for ‘YOU’!

Kenneth

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

SECURE FLIGHT - DO IT NOW


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently updated its privacy notice from the notice originally published in the Secure Flight Final Rule. The updated notice more clearly communicates to passengers that failure to provide full Secure Flight Passenger Data may result in denial of transport or denial of authority to enter the boarding area.

Since providing Secure Flight data elements in the Passenger Name Record (PNR) is the best remedy for avoiding a boarding pass restriction that would force a customer to the airport ticket counter, travel agents should include all Secure Flight data elements in every PNR, domestic and international. Required Secure Flight passenger data elements include: passenger full name, date of birth and gender.

2AFRIKA, INC. is mindful of your safety and security at all times and will be following the instructions as set out by the Transportation Security Administration.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA, INC. CONGRATULATES MFUWE LODGE – ZAMBIA!






TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MFUWE LODGE – ZAMBIA, one of 2AFRIKA’s preferred Safari Lodges has just been awarded the 2009 BEST SAFARI LODGE IN ZAMBIA Tourism Award!

CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US AT 2AFRIKA, INC. TO ALL AT MFUWE LODGE!

And who was there to receive and inquisitively review the honored award . . . none other than the Elephant family of the year! Mom, family, and baby boy Wellington who has become a national treasure in Zambia and probably the most photographed little fellow in the wild!

Keep up the great work Mfuwe – we’re delighted at your accomplishment and wish you well way into the future.

With warm African wishes from all of us here at 2AFRIKA, INC. in New York City.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

2AFRIKA TANZANIA SAFARI SELECTED BY MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2AFRIKA, INC. featured as "one of the best tour operators, and safari outfitters for every type of personality" in Martha Stewart Weddings!

Our superior 8 day Safari in Tanzania - DUMA, was Martha’s favored choice starting at a mere $1,799.00 per person.

At 2AFRIKA, INC., we can tailor design any number of Safaris to suit each individual couple from Duma to the ultimate luxury in 'Safari', but as always, focusing on our Mission to 'Keep Africa Affordable'!

2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth R. Hieber assists brides-to-be personally when it comes to Honeymoon planning and once the 'perfect Honeymoon has been planned', 2AFRIKA, INC. incorporates a Wedding Registry to which 'guests' may be referred.

Always innovative and creative, Hieber is a specialist in planning African Honeymoons.

For more information, visit MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS or contact 2AFRIKA, INC. directly Toll-Free on 1-866-462-2374.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

LEAVE IT TO AMERICAN EXPRESS – THEY’VE DONE IT AGAIN AND YEP, THEY STINK!


THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Yes – they are up to it AGAIN – the almighty AMERICAN EXPRESS!

Another fee is coming in the New Year for airline passengers and hotel guests — this time from your credit card company!

The message: Pay your American Express bill on time or forfeit the miles or points you 'thought you earned' for making purchases on your card during that month.

To get the rewards back, it is going to cost you.

Good old AMERICAN EXPRESS – glad we can count on you! 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President Kenneth R. Hieber is PROUD to have 'by choice' CLOSED his American Express account and remains steadfast in his decision to NO LONGER ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS FOR PAYMENT OF SERVICES – 2AFRIKA is no longer (by choice) and American Express Merchant.

Say’s Hieber, “I would rather lose a million dollar sale than accept an American Express Card for payment, pay them a hefty fee, create a job for an American Express employee, and then put up with their intolerable business principals.”

AGAIN – 2AFRIKA, INC. DOES NO LONGER ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS FOR PAYMENT OF ANY SERVICES WHAT SO EVER!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

LONELY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES – FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING TRAVEL AUTHORITY


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Where ever you go, you want your travels to be 'EXPERIENCES' right?

Then you must own a copy of LONELY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES available at a Barnes & Noble store near you or from their online store!

It is a remarkable collection of must-do travel experiences and well worth your investment.

Check out how many African 'EXPERIENCES' there are in LONLEY PLANET'S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES – we do them all!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

VISIT PRES. BARACK H. OBAMA’S GRANDMOTHER ON SAFARI WITH 2AFRIKA



WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Honoring BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2010, 2AFRIKA has launched a 'Visit Mama Sarah' extension, which with the companies usual modular format of creating Safaris, will be available as an extension to all East African Safaris.

'Visit Mama Sarah' takes travelers to Kenya’s third largest city (after Nairobi and Mombasa) and beyond, to Kogelo, the home of Mama Sarah Obama, grandmother of the current U.S. President Barack H. Obama.

The excursion itinerary is as follows:

DAY ONE

Arrive at Kisumu Airport where you will be received by our Local on-site English-Speaking Representative and transferred to your beach resort on the shore of Lake Victoria.

Overnight at Kiboko Bay Resort (Dinner)

DAY TWO

After breakfast, you depart with a picnic lunch and drive to Alego Kogelo the ancestral home the current U.S. President Barack H. Obama.

There, you meet Mama Sara followed by excursion to a local market where Mama Sarah used to sell vegetables assisted by her grandson Barack Obama. You visit a traditional Luo homestead in Kogelo where a local guide explains the culture and the significance of the layout of the homestead.

Then you visit the Senator Barack Obama Primary and Secondary schools and interact with local people.

Your afternoon drive back to Kisumu includes a stop at the impressive Kit Mikayi, a large rock with three rocks on top making it yet another major tourist site.Late afternoon transfer to your beach resort.

Overnight at Kiboko Bay Resort (Breakfast / Dinner)

DAY THREE

After breakfast, you depart on a City Tour of Kisumu with a visit to the Fish Market, Kisumu Museum, and Dunga Beach where you will experience fishermen arriving with their fresh catch in the morning on the banks of Lake Victoria. You return to your resort for lunch with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before being transferred to Kisumu Airport where upon arrival, our services end.

Prices for this extension digress based on the size of your party so please enquire direct for an appropriate price.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

AIRLINE PRICES SET TO ‘SOAR’ – SO BUY AND PAY NOW!


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In an article published in the ASTA SmartBrief entitled AIRLINES WELCOME RETURN OF THEIR PRICING POWER today, it is abundantly clear that airline prices are set to ‘soar’.

During the past couple of months, airlines have gained back some of the pricing power they lost during the economic downturn. Travel-management companies are predicting that airfares will continue to inch up next year. "There's no doubt that prices are firming," said Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare. Seaney explains that domestic and international airfares rapidly declined from November through May. In June, the first domestic airfare increase took place. "For some context, there were 15 hikes in 2008 and 17 hikes in 2007," Seaney said. "We had a very steep bottom at the end of May and sort of a firming over the three or four months."

The forerunner of 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 2AFRIKA, INC. has seen an upswing in prices, which seems to be the new trend. What the airlines will NOT tell you is that if you reserve and pay for your airline ticket NOW for travel in the future, once you have locked in the price and have had the ticket issued, there will be no further charges applied at all.

That said, 2AFRIKA, INC. recommends that its valued passengers make their travel arrangements just as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary additional charges.

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Monday, November 16, 2009


MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


If you are heading toward the ‘Fairest Cape’, we would appreciate your support!

UTHANDO South Africa is frequently asked what one should bring when visiting various community driven projects, and they recommend the following:

Art materials, e.g. paint brushes, paints, pencils
Ballet tights and shoes
Black shoes for boys and girls
Black trousers for boys and girls
Books and comics
Crayons
Coloring in books
Clothes of all sizes and for all ages
Dance clothes and shoes
Educational toys and games
Board Games (e.g. monopoly, snakes and ladders etc.)
Music books
Musical instruments
Non-perishable foods (preferable to purchase onsite at a local supermarket)
Pens and pencils
Puzzles
General school supplies
Skipping ropes
Soccer balls
Socks and underwear for children and the elderly
Sports Equipment
Strings for string instruments (e.g. violin and cello)
Toiletries (soap, towels, shampoo, toothpaste etc. - preferable to purchase onsite at a local supermarket)
Toys
Yarn and knitting materials

2AFRIKA, INC. endorses the honorable efforts of James Fernie and his associates who are making a remarkable difference in the lives of so many and recommends that you communicate with him directly via jamesfernie@uthandosa.org or info@uthandosa.org.

Alternatively, you may click here and use the online forum.

What seems like very little to you and us may make the world of difference to someone you do not know . . . yet!

Anything that you bring will be handed to the director of the particular project being visited and not to the recipients themselves.

Please keep visiting 2AFRIKA, INC. and watch the strengthening alliance between ourselves and Uthando (Love) South Africa!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

2AFRIKA NEWS - Wellington is now a 'standard feature' at Mfuwe Lodge with his mom & family








MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009
NEW YORK, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Young Wellington has become a standard feature at Mfuwe Lodge now and spends each day roaming the grounds with his family.

These photographs of Wellington and his family were taken on Saturday, November 14, 2009!

ENJOY!

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!

Friday, November 13, 2009

DID YOU KNOW . . . some tails need no words!











RECENT VISITORS AT MFUWE LODGE - ZAMBIA

2AFRIKA, INC. remains committed to 'Keeping Africa Affordable', 'Corporate Social Responsibility in Tourism' but most importantly, the comfort, security and safety of its valued passengers!